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Biomedical subjects

Carina Johansson

Publications and source records attributed to Carina Johansson.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Identification of a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor expressed in mammary gland alveolar cells and required for maintenance of the differentiated state.

The development of mammary glands relies on complicated signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic events through transcriptional regulatory circuits. A key family of transcription factors used in mammary gland development is the helix-loop-helix/basic helix-loop-helix (HLH/bHLH) protein family. In this study, we identify Mist1 as a tissue-restricted Class II bHLH transcription factor expressed in lactating mammary glands. Mouse and human mammary glands accumulated Mist1 protein exclusively in secretory alveolar cells, and Mist1 transcripts were differentially expressed in mouse SCp2 cells induced to differentiate by addition of lactogenic hormones. Mist1 null (Mist1(KO)) lactating mammary glands were defective in normal lobuloalveolar organization, exhibiting shedding of cells into the alveolus lumen and premature activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway. These cells also failed to maintain expression of the gap junction proteins connexin26 and connexin32, leading to the loss of gap junctions. Our findings suggest that loss of Mist1 impairs the maintenance of the fully differentiated alveolar state and, for the first time, places Mist1 within the hierarchy of known HLH/bHLH proteins that control mammary epithelial cell development.

Animals↗

Oxidized, bioactive implants are rapidly and strongly integrated in bone. Part 1--experimental implants.

OBJECTIVES: The study presented was designed to investigate the speed and the strength of osseointegration of oxidized implants at early healing times in comparison which machined, turned implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Screw-shaped titanium implants were prepared and divided into two groups: magnesium ion incorporated, oxidized implants (Mg implants, n=10) and machined, turned implants (controls, n=10). Mg implants were prepared using micro-arc oxidation methods. Surface oxide properties of implants such as surface chemistry, oxide thickness, morphology/pore characteristics, crystal structures and roughness were characterized with various surface analytic techniques. Implants were inserted into the tibiae of ten New Zealand white rabbits. After a follow-up period of 3 and 6 weeks, removal torque (RTQ), osseointegration speed (DeltaRTQ/Deltahealing time) and integration strength of implants were measured. Bonding failure analysis of the bone-to-implant interface was performed. RESULTS: The speed the and strength of osseointegration of Mg implants were significantly more rapid and stronger than for turned implants at follow-up periods of 3 and 6 weeks. Bonding failure for Mg implants dominantly occurred within the bone tissue, whereas bonding failure for turned implants mainly occurred at the interface between implant and bone. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidized, bioactive implants are rapidly and strongly integrated in bone. The present results indicate that the rapid and strong integration of oxidized, bioactive Mg implants to bone may encompass immediate/early loading of clinical implants.

Animals↗

Structural study of the H/ACA snoRNP components Nop10p and the 3' hairpin of U65 snoRNA.

The H/ACA small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) complexes guide the modification of uridine to pseudouridine at conserved sites in rRNA. The H/ACA snoRNPs each comprise a target-site-specific snoRNA and four core proteins, Nop10p, Nhp2p, Gar1p, and the pseudouridine synthase, Cbf5p, in yeast. The secondary structure of the H/ACA snoRNAs includes two hairpins that each contain a large internal loop (the pseudouridylation pocket), one or both of which are partially complementary to the target RNA(s). We have determined the solution structure of an RNA hairpin derived from the human U65 box H/ACA snoRNA including the pseudouridylation pocket and adjacent stems, providing the first three-dimensional structural information on these H/ACA snoRNAs. We have also determined the structure of Nop10p and investigated its interaction with RNA using NMR spectroscopy. Nop10p contains a structurally well-defined N-terminal region composed of a beta-hairpin, and the rest of the protein lacks a globular structure. Chemical shift mapping of the interaction of RNA constructs of U65 box H/ACA 3' hairpin with Nop10p shows that the beta-hairpin binds weakly but specifically to RNA. The unstructured region of Nop10p likely interacts with Cbf5p.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The bone response of oxidized bioactive and non-bioactive titanium implants.

A number of experimental and clinical data on so-called oxidized implants have reported promising outcomes. However, little is investigated on the role of the surface oxide properties and osseointegration mechanism of the oxidized implant. Sul [On the Bone Response to Oxidized Titanium Implants: The role of microporous structure and chemical composition of the surface oxide in enhanced osseointegration (thesis). Göteborg: Department of Biomaterials/Handicap Research, University of Göteborg, Sweden; 2002; Biomaterials 2003; 24: 3893-3907] recently proposed two action mechanisms of osseointegration of oxidized implants, i.e. mechanical interlocking through bone growth in pores/other surface irregularities (1) and biochemical bonding (2). The aim of the present study is two-fold: (i) investigating the role of the implant surface chemistry on bone responses; (ii) investigating the validity of the biochemical bonding theory of the oxidized, bioactive bone implants with specific implant surface chemistry. Two groups of oxidized implants were prepared using micro arc oxidation process and were then inserted in rabbit bone. One group consisted of magnesium ion incorporated implants (MgTiO implant), the other consisted of TiO2 stoichiometry implants (TiO implant). Surface oxide properties of the implants were characterized with various surface analytic techniques. After 6 weeks of follow up, the mean peak values of removal torque of Mg implants dominated significantly over TiO implants (p < or = 0.0001). Bonding failure generally occurred in the bone away from the bone to implant interface for the MgTiO implant and mainly occurred at the bone to implant interface for the TiO implant that consisted mainly of TiO2 chemistry and significantly rougher surface as compared to the MgTiO implant. Between bone and the Mg- incorporated implant surface, ionic movements and ion concentrations gradient were detected. The current in vivo experimental data may provide positive evidence for the surface chemistry-mediated biochemical bonding theory of oxidized bioactive implants. However, the present study does not rule out potential synergy effects of the oxide thickness, micro-porous structure, crystal structure and surface roughness on improvements of bone responses to oxidized bioactive implants.

Absorbable Implants↗

The 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase gamma3 isoform has a key role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in glycolytic skeletal muscle.

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic stress sensor present in all eukaryotes. A dominant missense mutation (R225Q) in pig PRKAG3, encoding the muscle-specific gamma3 isoform, causes a marked increase in glycogen content. To determine the functional role of the AMPK gamma3 isoform, we generated transgenic mice with skeletal muscle-specific expression of wild type or mutant (225Q) mouse gamma3 as well as Prkag3 knockout mice. Glycogen resynthesis after exercise was impaired in AMPK gamma3 knock-out mice and markedly enhanced in transgenic mutant mice. An AMPK activator failed to increase skeletal muscle glucose uptake in AMPK gamma3 knock-out mice, whereas contraction effects were preserved. When placed on a high fat diet, transgenic mutant mice but not knock-out mice were protected against excessive triglyceride accumulation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Transfection experiments reveal the R225Q mutation is associated with higher basal AMPK activity and diminished AMP dependence. Our results validate the muscle-specific AMPK gamma3 isoform as a therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of insulin resistance.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Contributions of the RNA-binding and linker domains and RNA structure to the specificity and affinity of the nucleolin RBD12/NRE interaction.

Nucleolin is a multidomain phosphoprotein involved in ribosome biogenesis. In vitro selection and binding studies with pre-rRNA fragments have shown that the first two RNA-binding domains (RBDs) in nucleolin (RBD12) recognize the consensus sequence (U/G)CCCG(A/G) in the context of a stem-loop structure (nucleolin-recognition element = NRE). Structural studies of nucleolin RBD12 in complex with an in vitro selected NRE (sNRE) and a natural pre-rRNA NRE (b2NRE) have revealed that sequence-specific binding of the consensus NRE is achieved in a similar manner in both complexes using residues in both RBDs as well as the linker connecting them. Using fluorescence anisotropy (FA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), we demonstrate the importance of the linker for NRE affinity by showing that only the individual RBDs with the linker attached retain the ability to specifically bind, albeit weakly, to sNRE and b2NRE. Binding of RBD1 and RBD2 to the NREs in trans is not detected even when one of the RBDs has the linker attached, which suggests that the linker also contributes to the affinity by tethering the two RBDs. To determine if binding of nucleolin RBD12 to natural NREs is dependent on a specific RNA stem-loop structure, as was the case for the sNRE, we conducted FA and NMR binding assays with nucleolin RBD12 and a single-stranded NRE. The results show that nucleolin RBD12 sequence-specifically binds a single-stranded NRE with an affinity similar to that for b2NRE, indicating that a stem-loop structure is not required for the nucleolin RBD12/pre-rRNA NRE interaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solution structure of the complex formed by the two N-terminal RNA-binding domains of nucleolin and a pre-rRNA target.

Nucleolin is a 70 kDa multidomain protein involved in several steps of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis. In vitro selection in combination with mutagenesis and structural analysis identified binding sites in pre-rRNA with the consensus (U/G)CCCG(A/G) in the context of a hairpin structure, the nucleolin recognition element (NRE). The central region of the protein contains four tandem RNA-binding domains (RBDs), of which the first two are responsible for the RNA-binding specificity and affinity for NREs. Here, we present the solution structure of the 28 kDa complex formed by the two N-terminal RNA-binding domains of nucleolin (RBD12) and a natural pre-rRNA target, b2NRE. The structure demonstrates that the sequence-specific recognition of the pre-rRNA NRE is achieved by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions involving mainly the beta-sheet surfaces of the two RBDs and the linker residues. A comparison with our previously determined NMR structure of RBD12 in complex with an in vitro selected RNA target, sNRE, shows that although the sequence-specific recognition of the loop consensus nucleotides is the same in the two complexes, they differ in several aspects. While the protein makes numerous specific contacts to the non-consensus nucleotides in the loop E motif (S-turn) in the upper part of the sNRE stem, nucleolin RBD12 contacts only consensus nucleotides in b2NRE. The absence of these upper stem contacts from the RBD12/b2NRE complex results in a much less stable complex, as demonstrated by kinetic analyses. The role of the loop E motif in high-affinity binding is supported by gel-shift analyses with a series of sNRE mutants. The less stable interaction of RBD12 with the natural RNA target is consistent with the proposed role of nucleolin as a chaperone that interacts transiently with pre-rRNA to prevent misfolding.

Animals↗

A comparative study of barrier membranes as graft protectors in the treatment of localized bone defects. An experimental study in a canine model.

Guided bone regeneration is a predictable and well-documented surgical approach for the treatment of deficient alveolar ridges prior to endosseous implant placement. The purpose of this study was to compare a new resorbable membrane (GORE RESOLUT ADAPT Regenerative Membrane, i.e. 67% glycolide (PGA) : 33% trimethyline carbonate (TMC)) with Bio-Gide, a resorbable collagen membrane. Five canines were used in the study. Three saddle-type osseous defects were created bilaterally in edentulous areas of the mandible. The defects were filled with assayed, canine demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDB) in a thermoplastic gelatin matrix. Using a randomized block design, four sites were covered with PGA : TMC membranes of four different porosities, one site was covered with a collagen membrane and one site consisted of DFDB alone (control). At 3 months, the animals were euthanized and the mandibles were removed en bloc for laboratory processing. A total of 30 sites were reviewed microradiographically and underwent histomorphometric analysis for bone regeneration, soft tissue presence and remaining graft material. All sites exhibited uneventful healing. A significantly higher percentage of bone regeneration was seen in the sites protected by the PGA : TMC membrane. A higher component of soft tissue was visible beneath the collagen membrane as compared with the PGA : TMC membrane. The control sites exhibited noticeable deformation of the regenerated bone secondary to collapse of the overlying periosteum. The authors conclude that the PGA : TMC membrane protected the DFDB-filled defect and allowed a greater amount of bone regeneration than the defect protected by the collagen membrane or the control.

Absorbable Implants↗

Titanium release from implants prepared with different surface roughness.

OBJECTIVES: There may be a risk of greater ion release for surface-enlarged implants than conventionally turned components. The major aim of the present paper was to investigate whether a correlation exists between ion release and a surface roughness relevant for today's commercial implants. Other aims were to compare ion release after two insertion times and concentration in bone tissue as a function of distance from the implant surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lactic acid aqueous solution (pH=2.3) and phosphate-buffered saline were used for the in vitro investigation. For the in vivo investigation, synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) were performed 12 weeks and 1 year after implantation in rabbit tibiae. RESULTS: The average height deviation (S(a)) was 0.7, 1.27, 1.43 and 2.21 microm, respectively, for the four surfaces investigated. No difference in ion release was found in vitro. In vivo, SRXRF demonstrated slightly higher values for the roughest surface up to a distance of 400 microm from the implant surface; thereafter no difference was found. SIMS demonstrated no difference in ion release for the roughest and smoothest surfaces, but slightly more titanium in bone tissue after 1 year than after 12 weeks. Titanium rapidly decreased with distance from the implant surface. CONCLUSION: At a level relevant for commercial oral implants, no correlation was found between increasing roughness and ion release, neither in vitro nor in vivo.

Air Abrasion, Dental↗

Solution structures of stem-loop RNAs that bind to the two N-terminal RNA-binding domains of nucleolin.

Nucleolin, a multi-domain protein involved in ribosome biogenesis, has been shown to bind the consensus sequence (U/G)CCCG(A/G) in the context of a hairpin loop structure (nucleolin recognition element; NRE). Previous studies have shown that the first two RNA-binding domains in nucleolin (RBD12) are responsible for the interaction with the in vitro selected NRE (sNRE). We have previously reported the structures of nucleolin RBD12, sNRE and nucleolin RBD12-sNRE complex. A comparison of free and bound sNRE shows that the NRE loop becomes structured upon binding. From this observation, we hypothesized that the disordered hairpin loop of sNRE facilitates conformational rearrangements when the protein binds. Here, we show that nucleolin RBD12 is also sufficient for sequence- specific binding of two NRE sequences found in pre-rRNA, b1NRE and b2NRE. Structural investigations of the free NREs using NMR spectroscopy show that the b1NRE loop is conformationally heterogeneous, while the b2NRE loop is structured. The b2NRE forms a hairpin capped by a YNMG-like tetraloop. Comparison of the chemical shifts of sNRE and b2NRE in complex with nucleolin RBD12 suggests that the NRE consensus nucleotides adopt a similar conformation. These results show that a disordered NRE consensus sequence is not a prerequisite for nucleolin RBD12 binding.

Base Sequence↗

Expression profiling of the gamma-subunit isoforms of AMP-activated protein kinase suggests a major role for gamma3 in white skeletal muscle.

Expression patterns of the three isoforms of the regulatory gamma-subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were determined in various tissues from adult humans, mice, and rats, as well as in human primary muscle cells. Real-time PCR-based quantification of mRNA showed similar expression patterns in the three species and a good correlation with protein expression in mice and rats. The gamma3-isoform appeared highly specific to skeletal muscle, whereas gamma1 and gamma2 showed broad tissue distributions. Moreover, the proportion of white, type IIb fibers in the mouse and rat muscle samples, as indicated by real-time PCR quantification of Atp1b2 mRNA, showed a strong positive correlation with the expression of gamma3. In samples of white skeletal muscle, gamma3 clearly appeared to be the most abundant gamma-isoform. Differentiation of human primary muscle cells from myoblasts into multinucleated myotubes was accompanied by upregulation of gamma3 mRNA expression, whereas levels of gamma1 and gamma2 remained largely unchanged. However, even in these cultured myotubes, gamma2 was the most highly expressed isoform, indicating a considerable difference compared with adult skeletal muscle. Immunoblot analysis of mouse gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle extracts precipitated with a gamma3-specific antibody showed that gamma3 was exclusively associated with the alpha2- and beta2-subunit isoforms. The observation that the AMPKgamma3 isoform is expressed primarily in white skeletal muscle, in which it is the predominant gamma-isoform, strongly suggests that gamma3 has a key role in this tissue.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Bone augmentation by means of a stiff occlusive titanium barrier.

It has already been shown that occlusive titanium barriers have osteoconductive properties. These barriers, however, cover only a limited surface area and have only been used in animal experiments. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone neogenesis under a pre-shaped titanium barrier placed over the top of the rabbit skull and the top of highly resorbed edentulous upper-jaw bone in patients. Computed tomography (CT) scans made it possible to pre-shape the titanium barrier according to individual bone shape in human experiments. On the rabbit skull, tissue augmentation of up to 6 mm 1 year after barrier placement was observed, while the original thickness of skull bone was on average between 1.5 and 2.5 mm. The bone, which remained histologically immature for 1 year, grew systematically along the titanium surface, illustrating its osteoconductivity. Even after removal of the barrier, on average, 75.3 and 59.4% of the newly created tissue volume was maintained after 3 and 9 months, respectively. Clinical observations on 10 consecutive patients showed that, in those (5/10) in which the barrier remained unexposed for several months, an increase of the jawbone height and width of up to 16 mm could be observed when the barrier was removed after 12-18 months. As in the rabbits at barrier removal, the bone demonstrated a limited degree of mineralization as ascertained from biopsies. This newly formed osteoid tissue allowed the insertion of 33 screw-shaped titanium implants which in most cases (30/33) successfully osseointegrated to support a fixed prosthesis. The surrounding marginal bone level remained stable even up to 5 years after implant placement. Both animal and clinical data demonstrate that guided bone neogenesis under a subperiosteally placed titanium barrier can reach large volumes.

Adult↗

The organization of the membrane domain and its interaction with the NADP(H)-binding site in proton-translocating transhydrogenase from E. coli.

Proton-translocating nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase is a conformationally driven pump which catalyzes the reversibel reduction of NADP(+) by NADH. Transhydrogenases contain three domains, i.e., the hydrophilic NAD(H)-binding domain I and the NADP(H)-binding domain III, and the hydrophobic domain II containing the proton channel. Domains I and III have been separately expressed and characterized structurally by, e.g. X-ray crystallography and NMR. These domains catalyze transhydrogenation in the absence of domain II. However, due to the absence of the latter domain, the reactions catalyzed by domains I and III differ significantly from those catalyzed by the intact enzyme. Mutagenesis of residues in domain II markedly affects the activity of the intact enzyme. In order to resolve the structure-function relationships of the intact enzyme, and the molecular mechanism of proton translocation, it is therefore essential to establish the structure and function of domain II and its interactions with domains I and III. This review describes some relevant recent results in this field of research.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Redox-sensitive loops D and E regulate NADP(H) binding in domain III and domain I-domain III interactions in proton-translocating Escherichia coli transhydrogenase.

Membrane-bound transhydrogenases are conformationally driven proton-pumps which couple an inward proton translocation to the reversible reduction of NADP+ by NADH (forward reaction). This reaction is stimulated by an electrochemical proton gradient, Delta p, presumably through an increased release of NADPH. The enzymes have three domains: domain II spans the membrane, while domain I and III are hydrophilic and contain the binding sites for NAD(H) and NADP(H), respectively. Separately expressed domain I and III together catalyze a very slow forward reaction due to tightly bound NADP(H) in domain III. With the aim of examining the mechanistic role(s) of loop D and E in domain III and intact cysteine-free Escherichia coli transhydrogenase by cysteine mutagenesis, the conserved residues beta A398, beta S404, beta I406, beta G408, beta M409 and beta V411 in loop D, and residue beta Y431 in loop E were selected. In addition, the previously made mutants betaD392C and betaT393C in loop D, and beta G430C and beta A432C in loop E, were included. All loop D and E mutants, especially beta I406C and beta G430C, showed increased ratios between the rates of the forward and reverse reactions, thus approaching that of the wild-type enzyme. Determination of values indicated that the former increase was due to a strongly increased dissociation of NADPH caused by an altered conformation of loops D and E. In contrast, the cysteine-free G430C mutant of the intact enzyme showed the same inhibition of both forward and reverse rates. Most domain III mutants also showed a decreased affinity for domain I. The results support an important and regulatory role of loops D and E in the binding of NADP(H) as well as in the interaction between domain I and domain III.

Catalysis↗

Histologic evaluation of bone response to oxidized and turned titanium micro-implants in human jawbone.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the human bone tissue response to 2 surfaces (oxidized or turned) on commercially available titanium implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screw-type turned (control) and oxidized (test) micro-implants were manufactured in the same manner as commercially available turned and oxidized (TiUnite, Brånemark System) implants. The thickness of the oxide layer of the test implants was on average 10 microm, corresponding to the oxide thickness of the apical part of the TiUnite implant. Twenty patients received 1 test and 1 control micro-implant each during implant surgery. Before placement, the surface topography of the implants was characterized with an optical confocal laser profilometer. After a mean healing period of 6.6 months in the maxilla and 3.5 months in the mandible, the micro-implants and surrounding tissue were removed with a trephine bur. Histologic sections were produced, and the specimens were analyzed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: Surface roughness and enlargement were greater for the oxidized implants than for the turned implants. All micro-implants, except for 2 controls, were found to be clinically stable at the time of retrieval. Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated significantly higher bone-to-implant contact for the oxidized implants, whether placed in the maxilla or in the mandible. Significantly more bone was found inside the threaded area for the oxidized implants placed in the mandible and maxilla, but there was no difference between implants with regard to position (maxilla or mandible). DISCUSSION: The stronger bone response to the oxidized implants may have contributed to the fact that 2 control implants but no test implants were lost. The reason for these findings may depend on one or multiple differences of the surfaces between test and control implants: (1) the thicker oxide layer itself, (2) increased surface roughness, (3) different surface morphology in terms of porosity, or (4) change in crystal structure. CONCLUSION: The present histologic study in human jawbone demonstrated a significantly higher bone response for anodic oxidized titanium implants than for implants with a turned surface.

Aged↗

Optimum surface properties of oxidized implants for reinforcement of osseointegration: surface chemistry, oxide thickness, porosity, roughness, and crystal structure.

PURPOSE: To investigate detailed surface characterization of oxidized implants in a newly invented electrolyte system and to determine optimal surface oxide properties to enhance the bone response in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 screw-type titanium implants were prepared and divided into 1 control group (machine-turned implants) and 4 test groups (magnesium ion-incorporated oxidized implants). Forty implants were used for surface analyses. A total of 60 implants, 12 implants from each group, were placed in the tibiae of 10 New Zealand white rabbits and measured with a removal torque test after a healing period of 6 weeks. RESULTS: For the test groups, the oxide thicknesses ranged from about 1,000 to 5,800 nm; for the control group, mean oxide thickness was about 17 nm. The surface morphology showed porous structures for test groups and nonporous barrier film for the control group. Pore diameter ranged from < or = 0.5 microm to < or = 3.0 microm. In regard to surface roughness, arithmetic average height deviation (Sa) values varied from 0.68 to 0.98 microm for test implants and 0.55 microm for control implants; developed surface ratio (Sdr) values ranged from 10.6% to 46% for the test groups and were about 10.6% for the control group. A mixture of anatase and rutile-type crystals were observed in the test groups; amorphous-type crystals were observed in the control group. After a healing period of 6 weeks, removal torque measurements in all 4 test groups demonstrated significantly greater implant integration as compared to machine-turned control implants (P < or = .033). DISCUSSION: Determinant oxide properties of oxidized implants are discussed in association with bone responses. Of all surface properties, RTVs were linearly increased as relative atomic concentrations of magnesium ion increase. CONCLUSIONS: Surface properties of the oxidized implants in the present study, especially surface chemistry, influenced bone responses. The surface chemistry of the optimal oxidized implant should be composed of approximately 9% magnesium at relative atomic concentration in titanium oxide matrix and have an oxide thickness of approximately 1,000 to 5,000 nm, a porosity of about 24%, and a surface roughness of about 0.8 microm in Sa and 27% to 46% in Sdr; its oxide crystal structure should be a mixture of anatase- and rutile-phase crystals.

Animals↗

Which surface properties enhance bone response to implants? Comparison of oxidized magnesium, TiUnite, and Osseotite implant surfaces.

PURPOSE: This study compared the speed and strength of osseointegration and osteoconductivity between an oxidized experimental magnesium (Mg) implant, an oxidized commercially available TiUnite implant, and a dual acid-etched surface Osseotite implant. The aim was to investigate which surface properties enhance bone response to implants, and thereby to test a biochemical bonding theory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 screw implants (20 of each design) were inserted through 1 cortex into the tibiae of 10 rabbits. Surface chemistry, oxide thickness, morphology, crystal structure, and surface roughness were evaluated. After healing times of 3 and 6 weeks, all bone implants were unscrewed with removal torque (RTQ) devices, and the bone specimens were subjected to histomorphometry. RESULTS: RTQ values for Mg, TiUnite, and Osseotite implants were 27.1, 21.3, and 15.4 Ncm, with new bone formation values of 29%, 18%, and 15%, respectively, at 3 weeks. At 6 weeks the RTQ values were 37.5, 36.4, and 21.5 Ncm, with new bone formation values of 39%, 31%, and 26%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Mg implants demonstrated significantly greater RTQ values (P = .008 and P = .0001) and more new bone formation (P = .031 and P = .030) than Osseotite at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. Mg implants also showed higher RTQ values at 3 weeks and new bone formation at 6 weeks than TiUnite, but neither were significant (P > .05). TiUnite showed significantly higher RTQ values than Osseotite at 6 weeks (P = .001), but was not significant at 3 weeks (P > .05). Osseointegration rate (deltaRTQ/deltaweeks) was significantly faster for Mg (P = .011) and TiUnite (P = .001) implants between 3 and 6 weeks of healing time, but was not significant for Osseotite. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that surface chemistry facilitated more rapid and stronger osseointegration of the Mg implants despite their minimal roughness compared to the moderately roughened TiUnite. This suggests potential advantages of Mg implants for reducing high implant failure rates in the early postimplantation stage and in compromised bone, making it possible to shorten bone healing time from surgery to functional loading, and enhancing the possibility of immediate/early loading.

Animals↗