Background: Surface coating with mitogenic or morphogenic proteins can improve the healing of bone adjacent to implants and increase the bone-implant interface. Clinical surveys have shown liposome-mediated gene transfer to be a promising and safe new therapeutic method. The aim of our study was to evaluate an experimental model of new approaches for topical treatment of the implant surface and of periimplant defects by using DNA liposomes encoding for BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein).
Material and methods: A total of 27 implants (3.5 x 14 mm) were placed in critically sized defects of the frontal skull bone of adult pigs (n=3). The bottom of the implant was placed in the base of the defect which guaranteed primary stability, whereas the superior part of the implant (10 mm) represented an implant in a defect area. Liposomes containing DNA encoding for BMP-2 and GFP (green fluorescence protein) were used. In a first trial GFP-DNA liposomes on a collagen matrix were directly applied to the periimplant defect. In a second stage, the surface of the implants was encoded with BMP-2 DNA liposomes. Subsequently, these implants were inserted in the manner described. The resulting bone samples were prepared for immunohistochemical staining. Staining for GFP was performed in the area of the defect and for BMP-2 on the bone-implant interface.
Results: Immunohistochemical staining on day 3 postoperatively revealed an increased GFP expression in the periimplant defect. Therefore, the effectiveness of the liposomal vector was verified for the chosen animal model. On the surface of the implants encoded with BMP-2 DNA liposomes an increased BMP-2 expression was found. Thus, the liposomal vector system was validated also for BMP-2 DNA transfer in the chosen animal model. Further, the established system allows a sustainable and delayed release of BMP-2 in the area of the bone-implant interface.
Conclusions: As a result of the study we were able to collect data concerning the influence of implant surface conditioning on the bone-implant interface and on therapeutically relevant options for the treatment of periimplant defects. These approaches are currently being evaluated in a long-term study.