Expression of OPG and RANKL in Osteoblast Cells exposed by Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and Hydroxyapatite (HAp) Combination

Background/aim: Dental implants serve as an optimal solution for tooth loss, commonly utilizing titanium as a biomaterial. However, the release of metal ions and the potential for allergic reactions in some patients pose challenges. The implant's success relies on effective osseointegration between the implant material and bone. While polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) can be used as an implant material, it lacks bioactivity. To address this, hydroxyapatite (HAp) is introduced. The combination of PMMA/HAp composite biomaterials is suggested for dental implants due to their favorable mechanical, biological, and chemical properties. The study investigates the potential of PMMA/HAp as implant materials by examining Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activators of nuclear factor-ĸβ ligand (RANKL) expression in osteoblast cells using immunocytochemical analysis. Materials and methods: Twenty-four fetal rat calvarial osteoblast cell cultures were divided into six groupssuch as a 7-day control group, a 14-day control group, a 7-day PMMA/HApBBK group, a 14-day PMMA/HApBBK group, a 7-day PMMA/HApGMP group, and the 14-day PMMA/HApGMP group. The expression of OPG and RANKL was analyzed using immunocytochemical analysis. Results: Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA yielded a significance value of 0.000 (p˂0.05). OPG and RANKL expression increased in the 7- and 14-day groups following exposure to PMMA/HAp. Conclusion: The combination of PMMA and HAp demonstrates the potential to enhance OPG and RANKL expression in osteoblast cells.