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Published on: June 8, 2012
The Effects of Simulated Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Wear Particles on a Macrophage-Lymphocyte Coculture for
Madison N Brown1, Danielle M Bryant2, Bailey T Bond3
1The University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Campbell Clinic, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Memphis, Tennessee.
Background:
This study examined the impact of simulated wear particles on inflammatory cell-induced corrosion (ICIC).
Methods:
A 30-day macrophage-lymphocyte coculture experiment was conducted using American Society of Testing and Materials F1537 cobalt-chromium-molybdenum disks, with activators and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum particles added at none, low (1:10), medium (1:100), and high (1:500) cell-particle ratios. Supernatants collected on days 10 and 30 were analyzed for tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Disks were examined for ICIC damage using scanning electron microscopy, and the oxygen percentage on their surfaces was analyzed with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry.
Results:
Most disks showed damage consistent with ICIC. Day 10 TNFα was higher in medium and high particle groups compared to groups without particles, while IL-6 was unexpectedly lower in those groups. On day 30, the activated medium particle group showed higher IL-6 than the nonactivated group. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry showed no significant differences (P = 0.77), but X-ray photoelectron spectrometry results indicated significant differences (P < 0.0001) at high particle concentrations.
Conclusions:
Overall, the data suggested that increased TNFα reflected a heightened inflammatory response, particles might temporarily inhibit IL-6 release, and there is likely a synergistic effect between activators and particles on cellular responses.
Insights
Simulated wear particles, common in implants, can cause implant corrosion. This study found particles increase inflammatory markers like TNFα, suggesting a heightened immune response and potential implant degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Implant wear debris can trigger adverse biological reactions.
- Understanding inflammatory cell-induced corrosion (ICIC) is crucial for implant longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of simulated wear particles on ICIC.
- To analyze the inflammatory response to varying concentrations of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum particles.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage-lymphocyte coculture with Co-Cr-Mo disks and particles.
- Measurement of tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels.
- Surface analysis of disks using SEM, EDS, and XPS.
Main Results:
- Most disks exhibited ICIC damage.
- Elevated TNFα observed with increased particle concentrations.
- XPS revealed significant surface changes at high particle loads.
Conclusions:
- Increased TNFα indicates a heightened inflammatory response to wear particles.
- Particles may transiently suppress IL-6 release.
- Synergistic effects between activators and particles on cellular responses are likely.

