Frontiers in Oncology (May 2024)

Mitigating jaw osteonecrosis: bioactive glass and pericardial membrane combination in a rat model

  • Alexandre Antonio Pellicano,
  • Bernar M. Benites,
  • Amanda F. N. Paschoa,
  • Laura C. Oliveira,
  • Ana Carolina P. Campos,
  • Daniel O. Martins,
  • Caroline C. Real,
  • Daniele de Paula Faria,
  • Felipe P. Fonseca,
  • Raquel R. C. Martinez,
  • Raquel R. C. Martinez,
  • Rosana L. Pagano,
  • Eduardo R. Fregnani

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1348118
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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ObjectivesBisphosphonates (BFs) show clinical effectiveness in managing osteoporosis and bone metastases but pose risks of bisphosphonate-related jaw osteonecrosis (BRONJ). With no established gold standard for BRONJ treatment, our focus is on symptom severity reduction. We aimed to assess the preventive effects of bioactive glass and/or pericardial membrane in a preclinical BRONJ model, evaluating their potential to prevent osteonecrosis and bone loss post-tooth extractions in zoledronic acid (ZA)-treated animals.MethodsRats, receiving ZA or saline biweekly for four weeks, underwent 1st and 2nd lower left molar extractions. Pericardial membrane alone or with F18 bioglass was applied post-extractions. Microarchitecture analysis and bone loss assessment utilized computerized microtomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF tracers. Histological analysis evaluated bone injury.ResultsExclusive alveolar bone loss occurred post-extraction in the continuous ZA group, inducing osteonecrosis, osteolysis, osteomyelitis, and abscess formation. Concurrent pericardial membrane with F18 bioglass application prevented these outcomes. Baseline PET/CT scans showed no discernible uptake differences, but post-extraction 18F-FDG tracer imaging revealed heightened glucose metabolism at the extraction site in the ZA-treated group with membrane, contrasting the control group.ConclusionThese findings suggest pericardial membrane with F18 bioglass effectively prevents BRONJ in the preclinical model.

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