Microbial and host-derived biomarker changes during ligature-induced and spontaneous peri-implantitis in the Beagle...

To evaluate microbial and host-derived biomarker changes during experimental peri-implantitis in the Beagle dog.

Limited data exist on the microbial and biomarker changes during progressive bone loss as result of experimental peri-implantitis.

In total, 36 implants (n_dogs  = 6) were assessed over 3 episodes of ligature-induced peri-implantitis followed by a period of spontaneous progression. Implants with hybrid (H) and completely rough (R) surface designs were used. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at 4 timepoints. Peri-implant sulcus fluid was collected from the buccal and lingual aspects of the implants. The presence of 7 bacterial species and 2 host-derived biomarkers was assessed during the study period.

Total bacterial counts were significantly correlated with marginal bone loss (MBL) (r = .21; P = .009). Further, Phorphyromonas gulae (Pg) and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) were commonly correlated with MBL, suppuration (SUP) and the sulcular bleeding index scores (mSBI) (P < .05). Other bacteria were further correlated with SUP, mSBI, and MBL. While the analyzed bacteria dropped, Prevotella intermedia (Pi) further increased during the spontaneous progressive phase (P < .05). Total bacterial load did not differ significantly between H and R implants. Host-derived IL-10 was undetected along the study period. IL-1β positively correlated with probing pocket depth (r = .18; P = .03). During spontaneous progression, H implants displayed statistically significant lower levels of IL-1β (P = .003).

Experimental peri-implantitis is associated with an increase in bacterial counts. While Pg and Tf are associated with ligature-induced disease progression, Pi augmented its load during the spontaneous progressive phase. IL-1β is associated with pocket probing depth and influenced by implant surface characteristics during the spontaneous progression phase.