Titanium Surface Modification Affects MG-63 Cells | Anna Nekleinova
The Effect of Surface Modification of Dental Implants on the Adhesion and Proliferation of the MG-63 Cell Line
Authors: Anna Nekleionova (1), Jana Kolaja Dobrá (1), Jana Dvořáková (1), Vlastimil Kulda (1),
Václav Babuška (1)
Supervisor: Václav Babuška (1)
(1) Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles
University
State-of-the-Art: Anodization is a widely employed electrochemical surface treatment technique
that enhances the properties of metal surfaces, including corrosion resistance, biocompatibility,
and wear resistance. In recent years, anodization has gained increasing attention in
the field of biomedical implants, particularly titanium-based implants, due to its ability to modify
surface characteristics in a controlled manner, thereby creating oxide textures and porosity.
Objective: This study aims to compare the cell adhesion and proliferation of MG-63 cells on
titanium surfaces anodized under different voltage range.
Material and Methods: Six distinct types of titanium Grade 4 samples were prepared, each
differing in surface treatment. The groups included: titanium anodized at 40 V, at 40 V followed
by thermal treatment, at 60 V, at 60 V followed by thermal treatment, subjected to surface etching
followed by anodization at 60 V, and samples with an etched surface only, which served as
the control. The surface morphology of the samples was characterized using scanning electron
microscopy. Surface roughness was quantitatively assessed based on the arithmetical mean
roughness value. Surface wettability was evaluated by measuring the contact angle of a sessile
drop of distilled water. Cell adhesion and proliferation were assessed using the Cell Counting
Kit-8 assay at two time points: 2 hours and 48 hours post-seeding.
Results & Discussion: Significant differences in wettability and roughness were observed
among the samples; however, these differences did not lead to significant changes in cell behaviour.
The etched and anodized surfaces at 60V demonstrated better initial adhesion compared
to the control on the plastic surface. No significant differences in proliferation were observed
among the materials.
Conclusion: The studied surfaces exhibited variations in roughness and wettability. The morphology
of MG-63 cells remained consistent across the various surfaces, suggesting that all
studied materials are suitable for further investigations, such as in vivo osseointegration.
Study program: Doctoral study – Medical Biology and Genetics | Year of study: 4
ID: 1098
Carotid Artery Atheroma on CBCT | Walla Samara
The role of dental CBCT scans in detecting carotid artery calcifications as an incidental finding
Author: Walla Samara (1,2)
Supervisor: Omid Moztarzadeh (1, 2)
(1) Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University Hospital, Pilsen (2) Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University
State-of-the-Art: Dental CBCT scans, while primarily intended for oral and maxillofacial assessment, can incidentally reveal carotid artery calcifications (CAC), which may signal an increased risk of carotid artery stenosis and stroke. CBCT’s high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging enables better visualization of calcified structures near the cervical spine, often capturing the carotid bifurcation. Studies report a CAC prevalence of 4–15% in dental scans. Although not a substitute for vascular imaging, CBCT can act as an effective screening tool. Greater awareness among dental professionals and interdisciplinary referrals can facilitate early detection and timely medical intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and severity of Carotid artery calcifications in CBCT images, in correlation to gender and age differences.
Material and Methods: The maxillofacial CBCTs of 400 patients, from June 2023 to June 2024 were collected at the Department of Stomatology, University Hospital in Pilsen, Czech Republic .
Age was >50 years old, these patients were evaluated and divided into groups based on the presence of incidental carotid artery calcification, group 1: subjects with no calcified atheroma, group 2: subjects with calcified atheroma.
Results & Discussion: Out of 400 patients, 6 patients who had CBCT were found to have calcified atheroma on their CT scans. These patients will be referred for sonography to assess the severity of the calcifications and determine if further follow-up is needed.
Conclusion: Incidentally detected calcified atheromas are common in CBCT scans and should prompt early referral to a medical specialist. To enhance detection, it is recommended to lower the scanning field by approximately 3 cm to include the carotid bifurcation—a frequent site of calcifications.
Study program: Doctoral study – Stomatology | Year of study: 4
ID: 1118
The Role of Rral Microbiota in PVL | Lucie Nechutná
Oral microbiota as a potential therapeutic target in progression and malignant transformation of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
Authors: Lucie Nechutná (1,2) Jan Liška (1)
Supervisor: Jaroslav Hrabák (2)
(1) Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University
Hospital, Pilsen (2) Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University
State-of-the-Art: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a rare and aggressive form of oral
leukoplakia characterized by multifocal lesions that frequently affect alveolar mucosa and gingiva.
PVL tends to recur despite treatment and, in 40%, leads to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Recent research suggests that the oral microbiota may play a significant role in the pathogenesis
and progression of PVL. A study from 2023 demonstrated dysbiosis and loss of diversity of oral
microbiota in biopsies of PVL compared to homogenous leukoplakia and healthy mucosa. In our
department, we have already examined the presence of 12 aggressive periodontal pathogens
with a commercial test. The results show a significant increase of detected bacteria in PVL patients
compared to less dangerous mucosal affections.
Objective: As PVL is an idiopathic disease, we aim to map the oral microbiota of 41 PVL patients
compared to a control group. This research will provide insights into its pathogenesis, aiming to
reduce the risk of malignant transformation, and enhance treatment guidelines and prognosis
for PVL patients.
Material and Methods: We collected samples from 41 patients with PVL and a control group
after establishing criteria. Samples were taken using sterilized paper points inserted into periodontal
pockets. After the DNA is isolated, a specific V3-V4 region of 16 S rRNA will be amplified
for taxonomic profiling. We also plan to establish complete metagenomic profiling, including
detecting a virome with a special focus on potential oncogenic viruses (e.g., Human Papilloma
Virus, Epstein-Barr virus). A bioinformatic analysis using R will be performed after sequencing
using the Illumina platform (MiSeq) and Pacific Biosciences long-read sequencer (Vega).
Results & Discussion: In our pilot study, we monitored 12 aggressive perio-pathogens in 38
cases of PVL, 38 OLP with desquamative gingivitis, and 38 with chronic periodontitis. All pathogens
were relatively quantified by qPCR Taqman probe. PVL had a threefold higher number
of these bacteria compared to control groups. The difference was statistically significant with
p=0,0009. Our research underscored the significant association of aggressive periodontal pathogens
with PVL. Understanding the interactions between the oral microbiota and host tissues
can be crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets. The results of this subsequent study
will reveal the differences in the full spectrum of bacteria and viruses.
Conclusion: The results highlight an essential cofactor in PVL pathogenesis and a part of future
therapy guidelines. Using antibacterial therapy and agents that limit bacterial products should
improve the treatment and prognosis of PVL, as conventional therapy is mostly unsuccessful.
Funding: This work was supported by the project Nr. LX22NPO5103 „National Institute of virology
and bacteriology“ supported by the National Recovery Plan (EXCELES Programme).
Study program: Doctoral study – Medical Microbiology | Year of study: 3
ID: 1131
New MRONJ Category for Imunosuppresed Patients | Nasimeh Baghalipour
Enhancing MRONJ Prevention: Introducing a Very High Risk Category for Patients with Imunosupressed Medical Profiles
Authors: Nasimeh Baghalipour (1), Omid Moztarzadeh (1,2)
Supervisor: Omid Moztarzadeh (1,2)
(1) Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University Hospital, Pilsen (2) Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University
State-of-the-Art: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious adverse event, presented with exposed necrotic bone in patients undergoing antiresorptive or antiangiogenic medications for conditions like osteoporosis and cancer. Current prevention approaches classify patients into low- and high-risk categories on the basis of drug duration, and immune state However, patients with complicated medical conditions, such as those with several commodities, polypharmacy, or advanced stages of the disease, may not fall into these categories, leading to potential gaps in prevention strategies. Current guidelines do not specifically address this group, which may benefit from a more refined classification to better tailor prevention measures.
Objective: To evaluate whether the third risk category for patients with complex health conditions enhances patient classification and ensures more targeted preventive measures for patients who are more susceptible to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Material and Methods: Medical records of 127 patients with risk of MRONJ treated at the Faculty Hospital of Pilsen (2021–2024) were retrospectively analyzed. Collected data included number and location of extracted teeth (maxilla/mandible), detailed medical history, medication type and duration, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapy. Patients were classified into low- and high-risk levels based on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) guidelines, with an additional third group of very high-risk for those with severely compromised health, introduced as part of our study. The distribution of patients and preventive measures were evaluated using descriptive statistics.
Results & Discussion: Analysis revealed that a significant proportion of patients had severely compromised immune systems, which placed them outside the existing low- and high-risk categories. These patients require additional preventive protocols that go beyond current classification guidelines. By introducing a third classification, we were able to identify this distinct group and tailor risk assessments more accurately. This adjustment highlighted the limitations of current protocols in addressing patients with severe immunosuppression, suggesting the need for more targeted and specialized preventive measures. Further validation of this new classification is essential to optimize prevention strategies for these high-risk patients.
Conclusion: Introducing a third risk category for patients with severely compromised immune systems offers a more nuanced MRONJ risk assessment. This study suggests that refined classifications could improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes, particularly for those with multiple comorbidities.
Study program: Doctoral study – Stomatology | Year of study: 4
ID: 1101