Influence of nicotine on the biological activity of rabbit osteoblasts

Objectives To assess the influence of nicotine on the proliferation and gene expression of osteogenic and angiogenic mediators of osteoblasts. Material and methods Rabbit primary osteoblasts were exposed to various concentrations of nicotine (0.001, 0.1 and 10 mu mol/l). The cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. The gene expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated using real-time reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction. Results The osteoblast proliferation was inhibited by nicotine at the concentration of 0.001-10 mu M at 48 and 72 h of culture, but with no significant effect at 24 h. The expression of TGF-beta(1), BMP-2, PDGF-AA and VEGF was inhibited by nicotine at the concentrations of 0.1 and 10 mu M, but with no significant difference at the low concentration of 0.001 mu M. Conclusions Nicotine suppresses osteoblast proliferation and inhibits the expression of some key osteogenic and angiogenic mediators in the in vitro experimental model. These inhibitory effects of nicotine on the osteoblast activity may reflect, to a certain degree, the overall detrimental effects of tobacco use on the survival rate of dental implants. To cite this article:Ma L, Zwahlen RA, Zheng LW, Sham MH. Influence of nicotine on biological activity of rabbit osteoblasts.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 338-342.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2010.02088.x.