The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristic gene expression profile and localization of peri-implant connective tissue (PICT) compared with those of periodontal connective tissue (PCT) and oral mucosal connective tissue (OMCT). Upper first molar of 5-week-old rats were extracted and titanium implant were placed for PICT group. PCT and OMCT were used as control. Laser microdissected connective tissue at 4 weeks used for microarray analysis. The expression and localization of selected genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Approximately, 1000 genes of upregulated and downregulated in PICT compared with PCT and OMCT were recognized. Based on the results of microarray analysis and qRT-PCR were demonstrated lipopolysaccharide binding protein (Lbp) as a specific upregulated gene and superoxide dismutase 3 (Sod3) as a specific downregulated gene in PICT. Immunoreaction of LBP and F4/80 as macrophage marker localized to subepithelial and implant facing connective tissue in PICT. SOD3 expression was not observed in PICT, reactive oxygen species, a target of superoxide dismutase, was strongly and locally expressed in all three tissues. Our data suggested that the upregulation of Lbp and downregulation of Sod3 are as characteristic gene expression pattern in PICT.

Many of genes specifically expressed in peri-implant soft tissue (PIST) selected by microarray analysis are involved in the inflammatory response. This study investigated the gene expression and localization of PIST-specific inflammatory markers in PIST during wound healing. Pure titanium implants were implanted into the rat upper

Surface modifications of implants can improve the rate of osseointegration. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of super-hydrophilic modification on tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) implant surface and its subsequent effect on the rate of osseointegration. The TZP implants were rendered super-hydrophilic by the use of ultraviolet light (UV) or via atmospheric-pressure plasma treatments (PL), on their surface and were compared to control specimen that any surface modification wasn't performed (NC). According to the surface wettability and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the contact angle of water droplets on the surface of UV and PL was 0 degree, and their C1s peak was less than that of NC. The push-in test and histological analysis revealed that the super-hydrophilic modification enhanced the bone-implant integration and the formation of new bone around the TZP implants. Additionally, carbon removal and surface wettability enhancement likely improved the osseointegration rate. The study, therefore, demonstrates the design of future TZP implants, particularly for dental applications.