Objective: Arg-Gly-Asp(RGD)-containing peptide was coupled on titanium surface of dental implants. It is confirmed that this peptide promotes human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) adhesion during the early stage after implantation was tested. Methods: RGD peptides were attached covalently to the titanium surface by 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). Primary HGFs were inoculated on commercially pure titanium and RGDgrafted titanium respectively. Cell attachment and proliferation was assessed by acridine orange staining technology. Cell spreading were checked by immunofluorescence staining and confocal laser scanning microscope. Results: The number of attached and proliferated HGFs and their average spreading area were higher on RGD modified titanium than on unmodified titanium. The actin cytoskeleton reorganization existed earlier on RGD coated samples than on uncoated ones. Conclusions: This research may develop a new potential method to enhance the integration between human gingival soft tissue and titanium implant surfaces.

No abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bone mineral density and the contents of osteocalcin calcium and phosphorus in serum with temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis (TMJOA). The mineral densities of lumbar and neck of femur research groups, including the case group and the control group, were compared. The contents of osteocalcin calcium and phosphorus in serum were also measured and evaluated. The results showed that the mean bone mineral density of the case group (TMJOA group) was lower than that of the control group (healthy control). However, a statistical difference was not reflected. The mineral density of the neck of femur of the case group is lower than that of the controlled group obviously, suggesting that mineral density of the femur was related with TMJOA. It was presumed that the bone mineral density of the femur neck might have relationship with TMJOA. The level of osteocalcin in serum of the case group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Thus it is presumed that osteocalcin had a relationship with TMJOA. The results showed that the capability of bone transformation and formation in TMJOA were all decreased. No relationship was found between calcium phosphorus in serum and TMJOA.

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to induce ectopic bone formation requires a carrier. Atelocollagen, a biomaterial with a porous structure, excellent operational features and biocompatibility, is known to be an effective carrier for rhBMP-2. However, conventionally used lyophilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen mixture does not necessarily give adequate bone induction effect. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of immobilizing rhBMP-2 to succinylated type I atelocollagen on the cellular activity of ST2 cells and immobilized rhBMP-2/ atelocollagen and non immobilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen implanted in subcutaneous pockets of Wister rats. Our results revealed that 1) Alkaline phosphatase activity confirmed the effectiveness of rhBMP-2/ succinylated type I atelocollagen immobilization in augmenting cellular activity. 2) Intracellular signaling continued for prolonged period when rhBMP-2 was immobilized to succinylated type I atelocollagen. 3) In rhBMP-2/atelocollagen implants were completely fully with new bone formation and cell proliferation. Whereas, in non immobilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen implants showed new hard tissue in the periphery of the carrier with only collagen membrane in its center. This study indicated that immobilizing rhBMP-2 is an efficient method to increase bone induction.