Effect of extracellular vesicles on osteoblasts exposed to osteonecrosis-related medications

• Grant number: 24/10548-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Taisa Nogueira Pansani
• Grantee: Helena Oliveira Deróbio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/06491-5 - Use of extracellular vesicles to prevent the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws: in vitro and in vivo studies, AP.GR

Abstract

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a condition in which the patient exhibits jawbone exposure for more than 8 weeks due to the use of certain classes of medications, such as bisphosphonates and some monoclonal antibodies, without a prior history of head and neck radiotherapy. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by inducing apoptosis in osteoclasts, whereas denosumab (monoclonal antibody) inhibits osteoclast differentiation. Preventive therapy is essential to reduce the incidence of MRONJ, and dental evaluation and treatment are recommended prior to the administration of these medications. More recently, researchers have suggested the use of therapies employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which promote tissue regeneration. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released by cells that contain content that can regulate different signaling pathways in recipient cells, in addition to exhibiting low immunogenicity and bioactivity. Therefore, the aim of this project will be to evaluate the effect of EVs derived from MSCs on osteoblasts exposed to zoledronic acid (ZA), with or without the monoclonal antibody denosumab (D).