Effect of osteoblasts on osteoclast differentiation and activity induced by titanium with nanotopography

Titanium with nanotopography (Ti Nano) favors osteoblast differentiation and attenuates the osteoclast inhibitory effects on osteoblasts. Because the interactions between nanotopography and osteoclasts are underexplored, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of Ti Nano on osteoclast differentiation and activity, and the influence of osteoblasts on osteoclast-Ti Nano interaction. The discs were conditioned with a mixture of 10 N H2SO4 and 30% aqueous H2O2 to create Ti Nano and non-conditioned Ti discs were used as control (Ti Control). Osteoclasts were cultured on Ti Control and Ti Nano in the presence of osteoblasts in an indirect co-culture system. Also, osteoclasts were cultured on polystyrene and calcium phosphate plates in conditioned media by osteoblasts grown on Ti Control and Ti Nano. While Ti Control exhibited an irregular and smooth surface, Ti Nano presented nanopores distributed throughout the whole surface. Additionally, anisotropy was higher on Ti Nano than Ti Control. Nanotopography favored the gene expression of osteoclast markers but inhibited osteoclast differentiation and activity, and the presence of osteoblasts enhanced the effects of Ti Nano on osteoclasts. Such findings were mimicked by conditioned medium of osteoblasts cultured on Ti Nano, which reduced the osteoclast differentiation and activity. In conclusion, our results indicated that nanotopography regulates osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk and further investigations should focus the impact of these bone cell interactions on Ti osseointegration.

Alveolar antral artery in edentulous patients and their visualization through cone beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical features of the alveolar antral artery (AAA) in edentulous patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

PATIENTS

The sample consisted of 191 CBCT scans of maxillary sinuses (n=382) of male (n=59) and female (n=132) edentulous patients (age: 38-89 years).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The images were analyzed in Dolphin™ 11.9 software. Visualization, location, and diameter of the AAA was registered.

RESULTS

AAA was present in 88.5% of the assessed maxillary sinuses. Bilateral visualization was predominant 77% (P<0.0001). The mean vertical distance from the most anterior part of the AAA to the sinus floor was 7.9±6mm in female patients (both sides) and 12±7.22mm on the right side and 10.9±6.86mm on the left side in males. The mean diameter of the AAA was 1.2±0.7mm on both sides in females. In males, the diameter was significantly (P<0.05) larger: 1.5±0.62mm on the right side and 1.4±0.69 on the left side in females.

CONCLUSION

The AAA had a higher visualization rate, better visualization, and larger diameter when it was present bilaterally in male and female patients.