17Beta-Estradiol Modulates the Response of Human Osteoblasts to Titanium Surface Roughness

Estrogen (17beta-estradiol) is involved in the regulation of bone formation, and estrogen deficiency results in decreased bone density and bone mass, as well as a decrease in pull-out strengths of implants. In previous studies, implant surface roughness was shown to affect the morphology, proliferation and differentiation of MG63 osteoblast-like cells, by inducing a more mature phenotype and by increasing production of local factors. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether primary cultures of normal human female osteoblast (NHOst) cells respond in a similar fashion to these same surfaces and how these surfaces modulate cell response to 17beta-estradiol. Much of the Branemark literature supports the use of machined titanium surfaces for cases of suitable bone quality. Patients who present with less than ideal bone quality (i.e. osteoporotic bone) present a unique challenge to clinicians to enhance osseointegration that will allow masticatory function for many years to come. The possible effects of estrogen or estrogen deficiency on osseointegration are unclear. The in vitro model described here was designed to elucidate what effect, if any, did estrogen have on osteoblast response to titanium surface roughness, and conversely, what effect surface microtopography had on osteoblasts response to estrogen.
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