Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in Patients with Hereditary Thrombophilia/Hypofibrinolysis-From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) usually has a clear etiology. Local infection or trauma, radiotherapy and drugs that disrupt the vascular supply or bone turnover in the jaws are its major contributors. The thrombotic occlusion of the bone’s venous outflow that occurs in individuals with hereditary thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis has a less known impact on jaw health and healing capability. Our research provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date and systematized information on the prevalence and significance of hereditary thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis states in ONJ. We found that hereditary prothrombotic abnormalities are common in patients with ONJ refractory to conventional medical and dental treatments. Thrombophilia traits usually coexist with hypofibrinolysis traits. We also found that frequently acquired prothrombotic abnormalities coexist with hereditary ones and enhance their negative effect on the bone. Therefore, we recommend a personalized therapeutic approach that addresses, in particular, the modifiable risk factors of ONJ. Patients will have clear benefits, as they will be relieved of persistent pain and repeated dental procedures.

Correlation between methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene rs1801133 C>T polymorphisms and risk of osteoporosis

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene rs1801133 C>T polymorphisms and risk of osteoporosis.

Methods

We searched the clinical studies related to MTHFR gene rs1801133 C>T polymorphisms and risk of osteoporosis in the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM) and included the suitable publications in the present meta-analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of included studies were extracted and pooled by a random or fixed-effect model. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were applied to demonstrate the correlation between MTHFR gene rs1801133 C>T polymorphisms and the risk of osteoporosis. Publication bias was assessed by Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s line regression test.

Results

Seven case–control clinical studies were included and a data combination was made. The data was pooled by the fixed effect model because of no obvious statistical heterogeneity. The pooled results indicated that people with the T allele had increased risk of developing osteoporosis under the homologous gene model (TT vs CC) (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.81–3.08, p < 0.05), dominant gene model (TT + CT) vs CC (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21–1.77, p < 0.05) and recessive gene model TT vs (CC + CT) (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.71–2.74, p < 0.05). Egger’s line regression test indicated no significant publication bias for the present meta-analysis in the above homologous, dominant, and recessive gene models.

Conclusion

The MTHFR gene rs1801133 C>T polymorphisms are associated with osteoporosis and subjects with the T allele have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Patients with Hypercoagulability-From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating disease with major social and economic impacts. It frequently affects relatively young adults and has a predilection for rapid progression to femoral head collapse and end-stage hip arthritis. If not diagnosed and treated properly in the early stages, ONFH has devastating consequences and leads to mandatory total hip arthroplasty. The pathophysiology of non-traumatic ONFH is very complex and not fully understood. While multiple risk factors have been associated with secondary ONFH, there are still many cases in which a clear etiology cannot be established. Recognition of the prothrombotic state as part of the etiopathogeny of primary ONFH provides an opportunity for early medical intervention, with implications for both prophylaxis and therapy aimed at slowing or stopping the progression of the disease. Hereditary thrombophilia and hypofibrinolysis are associated with thrombotic occlusion of bone vessels. Anticoagulant treatment can change the natural course of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. The present work focused on highlighting the association between hereditary thrombophilia/hypofibrinolysis states and ONFH, emphasizing the importance of identifying this condition. We have also provided strong arguments to support the efficiency and safety of anticoagulant treatment in the early stages of the disease, encouraging etiological diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention. In the era of direct oral anticoagulants, new therapeutic options have become available, enabling better long-term compliance.