Influence of mouse genetic background on wear particle-induced in vivo inflammatory osteolysis

Abstract

Genetics may influence wear particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis after joint replacement. In the present work, mice with three different genetic backgrounds were used to test this hypothesis. C57BL/6J, Balb/c and Kunming mouse were used. Each kind of mouse was divided into those receiving 30 mg UHMWPE particle implantation onto the calvariae and those receiving a sham operation. Mice of each group were sacrificed one week after surgery. Calvariae were harvested for immunological assay of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta secretion in supernatants of calvariae organ culture and histological analysis of calvarial sagittal suture osteolysis and osteoclastogenesis. Although UHMWPE particles induced obvious calvarial sagittal suture osteolysis and osteoclastogenesis in all strains as compared with their corresponding control mice, the most significant change was found in C57BL/6J mice, less severe in Balb/c mice and much less severe in Kunming mice. In agreement with pathological findings, UHMWPE particles induced the highest IL-1 beta secretion in C57BL/6J mice, compared with Balb/c and Kunming mice. However, no difference was observed concerning TNF-alpha secretion among these mice. Our data suggests that genetics had a significant influence on wear particle-induced inflammation, osteoclastogenesis and osteolysis. The influence of genetic background on implant life in patients with joint replacement warrants further investigation.