Susceptibility of different mouse strains to peri-implantitis

Development and applications of peri-implantitis mouse models

OBJECTIVE

Peri-implantitis is one of the most common complications of implants. However, its pathogenesis has not been clarified. In recent years, mouse models are gradually being used in the study of peri-implantitis. This review aims to summarize the methods used to induce peri-implantitis in mice and their current applications.

METHOD

Articles of peri-implantitis mouse models were collected. We analyzed the various methods of inducing peri-implantitis and their application in different areas.

RESULTS

Most researchers have induced peri-implantitis by silk ligatures. Some others have induced peri-implantitis by Pg gavage and LPS injection. Current applications of peri-implantitis mouse models are in the following areas: investigation of pathogenesis and exploration of new interventions, comparison of peri-implantitis with periodontitis, the interaction between systemic diseases and peri-implantitis, etc. CONCLUSION: Silk ligature for 2-4 weeks, Pg gavage for 6 weeks, and LPS injection for 6 weeks all successfully induced peri-implantitis in mice. Mice have the advantages of mature gene editing technology, low cost, and short time to induce peri-implantitis. It has applications in the study of pathogenesis, non-surgical treatments, and interactions with other diseases. However, compared with large animals, mice also have a number of disadvantages that limit their application.

Experimental models for peri-implant diseases: a narrative review

OBJECTIVES

Peri-implant diseases, being the most common implant-related complications, significantly impact the normal functioning and longevity of implants. Experimental models play a crucial role in discovering potential therapeutic approaches and elucidating the mechanisms of disease progression in peri-implant diseases. This narrative review comprehensively examines animal models and common modeling methods employed in peri-implant disease research and innovatively summarizes the in vitro models of peri-implant diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Articles published between 2015 and 2023 were retrieved from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase. All studies focusing on experimental models of peri-implant diseases were included and carefully evaluated.

RESULTS

Various experimental models of peri-implantitis have different applications and advantages. The dog model is currently the most widely utilized animal model in peri-implant disease research, while rodent models have unique advantages in gene knockout and systemic disease induction. In vitro models of peri-implant diseases are also continuously evolving to meet different experimental purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of experimental models helps simplify experiments, save time and resources, and promote advances in peri-implant disease research. Animal models have been proven valuable in the early stages of drug development, while technological advancements have brought about more predictive and relevant in vitro models.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This review provides clear and comprehensive model selection strategies for researchers in the field of peri-implant diseases, thereby enhancing understanding of disease pathogenesis and providing possibilities for developing new treatment strategies.

A Standardized Rat Model to Study Peri-implantitis of Transmucosal Osseointegrated Implants

With the high incidence rate, distinctive implant characteristic and unique infection pattern, peri-implantitis (PI) requires a specially designed implant animal model for the researches on the pathogenesis and treatments. Previous small-animal PI models exhibit variability in implant site selection, design, and surgical procedures resulting in unnecessary tissue damage and less effectivity. Herein, a quantitative-analysis-based standardized rat model for transmucosal PI-related research was proposed. After dissecting the anatomic structures of the rat maxilla, we determined that placing the implant anterior to the molars in the rat maxilla streamlined the experimental period and enhanced animal welfare. We standardized the model by controlling the rat strain, gender, and size. The customized implant and a series of matched surgical instruments were appropriately designed. A clear, step-by-step surgical process was established. These designs ensured the success rate, stability, and replicability of the model. Each validation method confirmed the successful construction of the model. This study proposed a quantitative-analysis-based standardized transmucosal PI rat model with improved animal welfare and reliable procedures. This model could provide efficient in vivo insights to study the pathogenesis and treatments of PI and preliminary screening data for further large-animal and clinical trials.

Correlations of FCGR2A 131R/H and FCGR3A 158V/F Polymorphisms with the Susceptibility of Peri-implantitis in Chinese Han Population

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship of peri-implantitis (PI) with FCGR2A and FCGR3A gene polymorphisms. One hundred and forty-four patients with PI and 136 patients without PI infection were selected. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the two groups. The FCGR2A and FCGR3A polymorphism in the two groups were measured. All volunteers were evaluated for periodontal status. The effect of polymorphisms on PI susceptibility was investigated by chi-square analysis and logistic regression. The frequency of FCGR2A rs1801274 GG genotype of PI group was higher than that of the control group, while the GA and AA genotype carriers were less in PI group. After adjusting for other clinical indicators, rs1801274 GA genotype, AA genotype, and the A allele were still negatively correlated with the onset of PI. FCGR3A rs396991 polymorphism was not associated with PI. FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphism was significantly associated with PI in the Chinese Han population, and GG genotype might be a genetic risk factor for PI.

Revealing leukocyte populations in human peri-implantitis and periodontitis using flow cytometry

OBJECTIVE

To identify, quantify, and characterize leukocyte populations in PI and periodontitis using flow cytometry.

METHODS

Fresh biopsies from human PI and periodontitis lesions were processed to a single-cell suspension. The immune cell types were identified using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Twenty-one biopsies were obtained and analyzed corresponding to fourteen PI and seven periodontitis samples. Participants' average age was 63.95 ± 14.77 years without a significant difference between PI and periodontitis patients, the female/male ratio was 8/12, and mean PD was 8.5 ± 2.17. High similarity was found between periodontitis and PI in the main immune cell types. Out of the leukocytes, the PMN proportion was 40% in PI and 33% in periodontitis. T-cells 22% in PI and 18% in periodontitis. Similar proportions of B-cells 10% and macrophages 6% were found in PI and periodontitis. Dendritic and NK cells were found in low proportions (~ 1%) in PI and periodontitis. T-cell sub-analysis showed that CD4-positive were more prevalent than CD8-positive in both diseases (CD4/CD8 ratio of 1.2).

CONCLUSION

With the use of flow cytometry analysis, the leukocyte populations in human peri-implantitis and periodontitis were classified. In PI and periodontitis, we identified similar proportions of specific (CD4/CD8) and innate (dendritic and NK) immune cells. These results corroborate previous histological studies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Flow cytometry analysis can be used to identify and quantify immune cells in PI and periodontitis, including sub-classification of T cells (CD4/8) as well as detection of cells that require multiple markers for identification (such as dendritic cells).

Temporal changes of periodontal tissue pathology in a periodontitis animal model

PURPOSE

This study aimed to characterize the early stages of periodontal disease and determine the optimal period for its evaluation in a mouse model. The association between the duration of ligation and its effect on the dentogingival area in mice was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis.

METHODS

Ninety mice were allocated to an untreated control group or a ligation group in which periodontitis was induced by a 6-0 silk ligation around the left second maxillary molar. Mice were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 14 days after ligature placement. Alveolar bone destruction was evaluated using micro-CT. Histological analysis was performed to assess the immune-inflammatory processes in the periodontal tissue.

RESULTS

No significant difference in alveolar bone loss was found compared to the control group until day 3 after ligature placement, and a gradual increase in alveolar bone loss was observed from 4 to 8 days following ligature placement. No significant between-group differences were observed after 8 days. The histological analysis demonstrated that the inflammatory response was evident from day 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings in a mouse model provide experimental evidence that ligature-induced periodontitis models offer a consistent progression of disease with marginal attachment down-growth, inflammatory infiltration, and alveolar bone loss.

Rodent peri-implantitis models: a systematic review and meta-analysis of morphological changes

PURPOSE

Rodent models have emerged as an alternative to established larger animal models for peri-implantitis research. However, the construct validity of rodent models is controversial due to a lack of consensus regarding their histological, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. This systematic review sought to validate rodent models by characterizing their morphological changes, particularly marginal bone loss (MBL), a hallmark of peri-implantitis.

METHODS

This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was performed electronically using MEDLINE (PubMed), and Embase, identifying pre-clinical studies reporting MBL after experimental peri-implantitis induction in rodents. Each study's risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed for the difference in MBL, comparing healthy implants to those with experimental peri-implantitis.

RESULTS

Of the 1,014 unique records retrieved, 23 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. Peri-implantitis was induced using 4 methods: ligatures, lipopolysaccharide, microbial infection, and titanium particles. Studies presented high to unclear risks of bias. During the osseointegration phase, 11.6% and 6.4%-11.3% of implants inserted in mice and rats, respectively, had failed to osseointegrate. Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis of the linear MBL measured using micro-computed tomography. Following experimental peri-implantitis, the MBL was estimated to be 0.25 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.36 mm) in mice and 0.26 mm (95% CI, 0.19-0.34 mm) in rats. The resulting peri-implant MBL was circumferential, consisting of supra- and infrabony components.

CONCLUSIONS

Experimental peri-implantitis in rodent models results in circumferential MBL, with morphology consistent with the clinical presentation of peri-implantitis. While rodent models are promising, there is still a need to further characterize their healing potentials, standardize experiment protocols, and improve the reporting of results and methodology.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42020209776.

Peri-Implant Surgical Treatment Downregulates the Expression of sTREM-1 and MMP-8 in Patients with Peri-Implantitis: A Prospective Study

sTREM-1 and its ligand PGLYRP1 play an essential role in the inflammatory process around teeth and implants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of peri-implant treatment on the salivary levels of the sTREM-1/PGLYRP-1/MMP-8 axis after 3 months. A total of 42 participants (with a mean age of 61 years old ± 7.3) were enrolled in this longitudinal study, 24 having peri-implant mucositis (MU) and 18 having peri-implantitis (PI). Clinical peri-implant parameters, such as probing pocket depth (PPD), % of plaque, and bleeding on probing (BOP), and the whole unstimulated saliva samples were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The MU group received nonsurgical peri-implant treatment, while the PI group received open-flap procedures. The levels of sTREM-1, PGLYRP-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. BOP, plaque levels, and PPD significantly reduced after treatment in both groups. A significant decrease in the salivary levels of sTREM-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-1 in the PI group and PGLYRP1 and TIMP-1 in the MU group were observed. Salivary levels of sTREM-1 were significantly reduced in patients with PI but not with MU. Additionally, peri-implant treatment had a significantly higher impact on MMP-8 reduction in patients with PI than in those with MU.

The effects of hyperglycaemia on peri-implant tissues after osseointegration

PURPOSE

We assessed the effects of hyperglycaemia induced by streptozotocin (STZ) on peri-implantitis developing after implant osseointegration.

METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar rats (4 weeks old) were used. We placed titanium implants 4 weeks after extraction of the maxillary first molars. Healing abutments were attached 4 weeks later. After osseointegration was confirmed, the rats were divided into control, hyperglycaemia (STZ), and STZ with insulin (STZ+INS) groups. Hyperglycaemia was induced by a single injection of 50mg/kg STZ. Silk ligatures were placed on only the right sides (i.e. ligature sides), not on the left sides. Peri-implant tissues extracted at 4 weeks post-ligation were analysed both radiologically (via micro-computed tomography) and histologically (via toluidine blue staining). Total RNA was also extracted and analysed by quantitative PCR to detect TNF-α, IL-1β and the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Additionally, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Radiological and histological analyses showed that bone loss on the non-ligature sides was significantly greater in the STZ than the control group. However, on the ligature sides, bone loss was greater than on the non-ligature sides, and no significant difference was evident among the three groups. The levels of mRNAs encoding TNF-α, IL-1β, RAGE, and AGEs on the ligature sides were significantly upregulated (all P<0.05) in the STZ compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although hyperglycaemia could be associated with bone loss around implants with increased AGE production and RAGE expression, hyperglycaemia does not become a triggering factor of ligature induced peri-implantitis.

Macrophage polarization in aseptic bone resorption around dental implants induced by Ti particles in a murine model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Titanium particles/ions detected in peri-implant tissues have been considered as a potential etiologic factor for crestal bone loss around oral implants. However, the definite impact of titanium wear particles on the health of surrounding structures remains undetermined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of titanium particles-induced foreign body reaction on peri-implant bone level and the related mechanism by using clodronate liposomes to deplete macrophages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats with custom-made titanium screw implanted in bilateral maxillary first molar area for 4 weeks to obtain osseointegration were randomly divided into four groups. Twenty microgram titanium particles were introduced into the peri-implant tissue to induce aseptic foreign body reaction, and macrophages were depleted by the local injection of 100 μL clodronate liposome immediately and re-injection every 3 days until the sacrifice of the rats (Ti + LipClod group). Titanium-injected rats also treated with phosphate buffer solution (Ti + PBS) or empty liposome (Ti + Lip) as well as rats injected with PBS alone (Control) were included as controls. Eight weeks later, animals were sacrificed and samples containing implants were collected. Half of the samples were analyzed radiologically to measure bone level change, and macrophage markers (CD68, CCR7, CD163) was also characterized by immunofluorescence to evaluate macrophage number, density, and phenotype distribution (CCR7+M1/CD163+M2). The rest of the samples were used to determine the relative mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and RANKL with real-time PCR analysis.

RESULTS

No obvious bacterial contamination was found in all titanium-injected areas, and the implant survival rate was 100% with no implant loss. Compared with Ti + PBS and Ti + Lip group, macrophage density (1.64 ± 0.86%) infiltrated into peri-implant tissue and bone loss (0.17 ± 0.03 mm) around implant decreased significantly in the Ti + LipClod group. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that more macrophage infiltrated into peri-implant tissue in the Ti + PBS and Ti + Lip groups, predominantly with M1 phenotype. In contrast, the macrophage density was lower and M2 phenotype was dominant in the Control group, while macrophages density was significantly reduced and the M1 type macrophages were slightly more than M2 type in the Ti + LipClod group. Accordingly, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL6, and RANKL mRNA expression increased significantly in the Ti + PBS and Ti + Lip groups compared with Control and Ti + LipClod groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Titanium particles had a negative effect on peri-implant tissue by activating macrophages which induced an M1 macrophage phenotype promoting local secretion of inflammatory cytokines. It was found that clodronate liposome treatment attenuated the severity of inflammation and bone loss by depletion of macrophages. Therefore, the present study revealed the marked impact of macrophage polarization with respect to peri-implant bone loss caused by titanium particles.

Ligature-Induced Experimental Peri-Implantitis-A Systematic Review

This systematic review sought to analyze different experimental peri-implantitis models, their potential to induce marginal bone resorption (MBR) and the necessity of bacteria for bone loss to occur in these models. An electronic search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect was undertaken. A total of 133 studies were analyzed. Most studies induced peri-implantitis with ligatures that had formed a biofilm, sometimes in combination with inoculation of specific bacteria but never in a sterile environment. Most vertical MBR resulted from new ligatures periodically packed above old ones, followed by periodically exchanged ligatures and ligatures that were not exchanged. Cotton ligatures produced the most MBR, followed by steel, “dental floss” (not further specified in the studies) and silk. The amount of MBR varied significantly between different animal types and implant surfaces. None of the analyzed ligature studies aimed to validate that bacteria are necessary for the inducement of MBR. It cannot be excluded that bone loss can be achieved by other factors of the model, such as an immunological reaction to the ligature itself or trauma from repeated ligature insertions. Because all the included trials allowed plaque accumulation on the ligatures, bone resorbing capacity due to other factors could not be excluded or evaluated here.

Characterization of ligature-induced experimental periodontitis

We sought to better characterize the progression of periodontal tissue breakdown in rats induced by a ligature model of experimental periodontal disease (PD). A total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly divided into an untreated control group and a PD group induced by ligature bilaterally around first and second maxillary molars. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after the induction of PD. Alveolar bone loss was evaluated by histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography (μCT). The immune-inflammatory process in the periodontal tissue was assessed using descriptive histologic analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This ligature model resulted in significant alveolar bone loss and increased inflammatory process of the periodontal tissues during the initial periods of evaluation (0-14 days). A significant increase in the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and proteins involved in osteoclastogenesis, receptor activator of nuclear factor-k B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was observed in the first week of analysis. In the later periods of evaluation (14-21 days), no significant alterations were noted with regard to inflammatory processes, bone resorption, and expression of cytokine genes. The ligature-induced PD model resulted in progressive alveolar bone resorption with two different phases: Acute (0-14 days), characterized by inflammation and rapid bone resorption, and chronic (14-21 days) with no significant progression of bone loss. Furthermore, the gene expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, RANKL, and OPG were highly increased during the progress of PD in the early periods. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Ligature-induced bone resorption in rats occurred in the initial periods after disease induction The bone resorption was characterized by two distinct phases: Acute (0-14 days), with pronounced inflammation and alveolar bone loss Chronic phase (14-21 days): No further disease progression Several pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased during the progress of periodontitis.