Abstract
ObjectivesIn this study on 90 individuals we aimed at evaluating the microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profile associated with personal levels of Titanium (Ti) and Zirconium (Zr) traced in hair samples. Ti and Zr materials are broadly used for dental implants but the biological reactions triggered by a long term presence of these materials in the oral cavity still need to be assessed. MiRNAs are mechanisms that need to be investigated as they play a fundamental role in the control of gene expression following external stimuli and contribute to a wide range of pathophysiological processes.MethodsUsing the TaqMan® Low-Density Array, we assessed the expression levels of 377 human miRNAs in peripheral blood of 90 subjects. Hair samples were analyzed for Ti and Zr content using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. We performed multivariable regression analysis to investigate the effects of Ti and Zr exposure on miRNA expression levels. We used the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software to explore the functional role of the investigated miRNAs and the related target genes.ResultsSeven miRNAs (miR-99b, miR-142-5p, miR-152, miR-193a-5p, miR-323-3p, miR-335, miR-494) resulted specifically associated with Zr levels. The functional target analysis showed that miRNAs are involved in mechanisms such as inflammation, skeletal and connective tissue disorders.ConclusionsOur data suggest that Zr is more bioactive than Ti and show that miRNAs are relevant molecular mechanisms sensitive to Zr exposure.
Highlights
Over the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in studying the effects of exposure to exogenous elements on several health effects such as developmental disorders, endocrine disruption, immunological syndromes, different types of cancers and even death [1]
Titanium and Zirconium Association with MiRNAs: A Cross-Sectional Study showed that miRNAs are involved in mechanisms such as inflammation, skeletal and connective tissue disorders
Our data suggest that Zr is more bioactive than Ti and show that miRNAs are relevant molecular mechanisms sensitive to Zr exposure
Summary
Over the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in studying the effects of exposure to exogenous elements on several health effects such as developmental disorders, endocrine disruption, immunological syndromes, different types of cancers and even death [1]. The study of biomedical application in dentistry raised interest, as materials like Titanium (Ti) and Zirconium (Zr) are broadly used in prostheses, implants and orthodontic applications. These elements haven't any biological function and their presence in human body may reflect inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption [2, 3], and the release from the metallic implant surface of biomedical devices due to electrochemical dissolution, frictional wear, or a synergistic combination of the two. The development of new materials was promoted due to some disadvantages of titanium implants, such as the unfavorable aesthetic results related to Ti shining through or the noticeable metallic portion in case of gingival recession. The characteristics of tooth-colour like, the ability to be machined and the low plaque affinity make Zr the material of choice in the esthetic of the oral cavity, especially compared with Ti devices [7, 8]
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