The results of two pre-clinical studies funded by the Osteology Foundation have been published recently in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Oral Implants Research. The two studies reveal important findings that will help to better understand the mechanisms of bone loss and soft-tissue regeneration. Supporting research into all aspects of oral tissue regeneration is a core task of the Osteology Foundation. Over recent years, the Foundation has supported a number of pre-clinical and clinical studies that have led to about 30 publications in international peer-reviewed journals. In 2014 the results from two pre-clinical studies supported by the Osteology Foundation were published in the high-ranking journal Clinical Oral Implants Research. Both studies provide important insights into basic mechanisms in bone loss and tissue regeneration. Pre-clinical rat model for studies on osteoporosis A study by Xi Ling Liu and co-workers from Hong Kong investigated the skeletal site-specific response to ovariectomy in a rat model (Liu 2014). The investigators examined changes in bone density and microcarchitecture in different bone sites and found significant differences, which is highly relevant for other studies using this animal model for osteoporosis-related studies. After 36 weeks the researchers observed that jaw bones and cranial bones in ovariectomized rats only showed a minor reduction in bone mineral density, whilst long bones, lumber vertebra and ilium in the same animals showed significant bone loss compared to the baseline. A significant deterioration of the trabecular structure was detected in the long bones and vertebra, while jaw bones remained relatively stable. Overall, femur and tibia displayed the largest bone loss. Relevant information for further studies using the model The study by Liu et al. assessed for the first time the systemic site-specific bone loss and microarchitecture changes in ovariectomized rats, a widely used animal model that mimics the estrogen-deficiency-induced bone loss, and one which is approved by the FDA for osteoporosis. The results provide valuable information for the selection of bone sites and observation times in further studies using this animal model for osteoporosis studies a topic that is becoming increasingly important, since osteoporosis, along with the aging of the population, has developed into a relevant health burden. Crosslinked and non-crosslinked collagen matrices A different topic investigated the study by Daniel S. Thoma and his co-workers from Zurich (Thoma 2014). Their study, which was also funded by a Research Grant from the Osteology Foundation, investigated in a rat model whether the crosslinking of a collagen matrix, as well as the addition of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB), influenced tissue integration, angiogenesis and degeneration of the collagen matrices. Four treatment modalities were tested in an ectopic model in rats and compared for the study: the cross linked matrix with and without rhPDGF-BB, and the non-cross-linked matrix with and without rhPDGF-BB. In 50 rats, the four combinations were planted in four unconnected pouches on the back of each animal. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric assessments were performed at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks after the surgery. Angiogenesis and stability of the collagen matrices The study showed that the compact layer of the non-cross linked matrix delayed angiogenesis and connective tissue formation, while the spongeous cross-linked matrix facilitated early vascularization and also demonstrated network presence over a longer time span. No statistically significant effects of rhPDGF-BB were observed for any of the evaluated parameters. Different characteristics for different indications These results revealed that both types of matrices can be successfully incorporated into the tissue. However, the matrix composition influenced the healing patterns. The study therefore revealed important information on the use of the two different collagen matrices for different indications, since they provide different characteristics due to their different designs. These are important findings that help to evaluate the efficacy of different matrices for different indications and to understand why such differences exist. References Liu XL, Li CL, Lu WW, Cai WX, Zheng LW. Skeletal site-specific response to ovariectomy in a rat model: change in bone density and microarchitecture. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2014 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/clr.12360. Thoma DS, Nnni N, Benic GI, Weber FE, Hmmerle CH, Jung RE. Effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on tissue integration of cross-linked and non-cross-linked collagen matrices in a rat ectopic model. Clin Oral Implants Res 2014 Sep 30. doi: 10.1111/clr.12496. Further information Published studies supported by Osteology Research Grants Information on Osteology Research Grants

The 13 participants of the intensive course came from 10 countries from all-over the world to gain deeper insights into histology in oral bone regeneration. The Expert Module of the Osteology Research Academy comprises 13 hours of practical (in the laboratory) and 7 hours of theoretical advanced training on the following topics: Pre-clinical and clinical studies in bone regeneration MicroCT, histomorphometry and digital image analysis Bone anatomy, histology, physiology and bone pathophysiology Hard tissue sample preparation Data presentation: from the raw picture to the figure Asked about their experiences during the course the participants gave the following feedback: The professionalism and enthusiasm of all people involved, and the course have been an excellent steppingstone for someone like me who has been out of the research field since my postgraduate studies. Steven Soukoulis, Australia An inspiring course with great content that will be applicable for my future research. Monica Misawa, Brazil In very much enjoyed the workshops, tips and tricks for future projects and the 1:1 discussion with the experts. Dominic Ho, Hong Kong The next Expert Module will take place 7-9. November 2016 in Vienna. Further information For the third time the Osteology Foundation has organised the Osteology Research Academy Expert Module in Kiel. The course on Hard Tissue Research was held in collaboration with the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Kiel.