Microarray expression in peri-implant tissue next to different titanium implant surfaces predicts clinical outcomes:...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Dental implant surface treatments influence peri-implant tissue response and healing.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes, including inflammation and bone metabolism.
• Understanding miRNA expression around implants with varying surface characteristics is vital for optimizing implant success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the differential miRNA expression in peri-implant soft tissues around implants with different surface treatments.
• To correlate miRNA profiles with clinical parameters such as plaque index, bleeding on probing, and bone resorption.
• To investigate the influence of implant surface topography on miRNA modulation and tissue response.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth study design comparing control (Osseotite: dual acid-etched apical, machined coronal) and test (Full Osseotite, FOSS: fully dual acid-etched) implants.
• Clinical parameters including plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and bone resorption were assessed over 12 months.
• MicroRNA microarray analysis was performed on soft tissue samples collected after 3 months from a subset of patients.

Main Results:

• Dual acid-etched (DAE) surfaces were associated with increased plaque accumulation and reduced bone resorption, though not statistically significant.
• No significant differences in bleeding on probing or probing depth were observed between implant types.
• miRNA expression profiles differed significantly between sites with varying levels of inflammation (bleeding on probing) and bone resorption, independent of plaque levels or implant surface.
• Specific miRNA profiles were identified that correlated with the absence of bleeding and bone resorption, even in the presence of plaque.

Conclusions:

• DAE implant surfaces may lead to increased plaque accumulation but do not necessarily compromise soft tissue health.
• Soft tissue inflammation around dental implants appears more strongly associated with specific gene expression profiles (miRNAs) than with the amount of plaque or the implant surface characteristics.
• Distinct miRNA signatures can potentially confer protection against peri-implant bleeding and bone resorption, irrespective of plaque burden.