Effect of Alumina Particles on the Osteogenic Ability of Osteoblasts

Abstract

Biomaterials are used as implants for bone and dental disabilities. However, wear particles from the implants cause osteolysis following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Ceramic implants are considered safe and elicit a minimal response to cause periprosthetic osteolysis. However, few reports have highlighted the adverse effect of ceramic particles such as alumina (Al2O3) on various cell types. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of Al2O3 particles on osteoprogenitors. A comparative treatment of Al2O3, Ti, and UHMWPE particles to osteoprogenitors at a similar concentration of 200 μg/mL showed that only Al2O3 particles were able to suppress the early and late differentiation markers of osteoprogenitors, including collagen synthesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNA expression of Runx2, OSX, Col1α, and OCN. Al2O3 particles even induced inflammation and activated the NFkB signaling pathway in osteoprogenitors. Moreover, bone-forming signals such as the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway were inhibited by the Al2O3 particles. Al2O3 particles were found to induce the mRNA expression of WNT/β-catenin signaling antagonists such as DKK2, WIF, and sFRP1 several times in osteoprogenitors. Taken together, this study highlights a mechanistic view of the effect of Al2O3 particles on osteoprogenitors and suggests therapeutic targets such as NFĸB and WNT signaling pathways for ceramic particle-induced osteolysis.

Comprehensive Review on Biomaterials and Their Inherent Behaviors for Hip Repair Applications

“…Compared to Ti and polyethene, alumina can encourage good osteogenic activity on the implanted body, whereas nanosized debris plays an essential role in their physiological performances. 182 The achievement of bioglass coating over alumina and its composites has also improved physiological osteointegration. 183 The coating promotes and develops more significant interaction between the implant and the host bone, resulting in superior cell proliferation and higher levels of calcium nodules produced than uncoated alumina substrates.…”

“…Alumina particles' harmful effects on osteogenic cells were studied by Sharma et al 182 Due to the wear debris, the host body began to experience noncurrent biological effects. The alumina wear debris can trigger an inflammatory response in osteoblast cells and limit osteogenic activity, leading to bone loss.…”

“…The alumina wear debris can trigger an inflammatory response in osteoblast cells and limit osteogenic activity, leading to bone loss. Compared to Ti and polyethene, alumina can encourage good osteogenic activity on the implanted body, whereas nanosized debris plays an essential role in their physiological performances . The achievement of bioglass coating over alumina and its composites has also improved physiological osteointegration .…”

Minimizing Risk of Failure from Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Prosthesis by Selecting Ceramic Materials Based on Tresca Stress

“…Therefore, ceramic-on-ceramic couplings have become the surgeon's choice because of concerns about the dangers of using other couplings [10]. The main advantages presented by using ceramic-on-ceramic coupling are their high hardness [11], scratch resistance [12], low wear rate [13], and increased lubrication performance [14]. In terms of wear particles, ceramic materials produce less when compared to polyethylene or metallic materials [15].…”