Increased human defensin levels in bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw
Author Information
Author(s): Philipp Stockmann, Falk Wehrhan, Stephan Schwarz-Furlan, Florian Stelzle, Suzanne Trabert, Friedrich W. Neukam, Emeka Nkenke
Primary Institution: University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Hypothesis
An impaired hBD expression in the bone might contribute to the development of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) or other inflammatory jaw bone diseases.
Conclusion
The study found that bone samples from BONJ showed increased expression of hBD-1, -2, and -3, indicating an unimpaired metabolic reaction to microbial invasion.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunoreactivity against hBD-2 and -3 was significantly higher in BONJ than in ORN and healthy jaw bone samples.
- The number of empty osteocyte lacunae was significantly higher in ORN compared with BONJ.
- Defensins are important for the immune response in the jaw bone.
Takeaway
The study looked at how certain proteins in the bone, called defensins, are affected in patients with jaw problems related to bisphosphonates, finding that these proteins are still present and active.
Methodology
Bone samples were collected from patients with BONJ, ORN, and healthy controls, and immunohistological staining was performed to analyze the expression of hBD-1, -2, and -3.
Limitations
The study does not clarify the relationship between defensin expression and the severity of BONJ or ORN.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 70 years for BONJ, 59 years for ORN, and 46 years for controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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