Importance of hydroxyapatite particles characteristics on cytokines production by human monocytes in vitro

Calcium phosphate bioceramics have been applied as bone substitutes for several decades. Aseptic loosening after total joint arthroplasty is a major problem in orthopaedic surgery. Hydroxyapatite particles from materials wear have been reported as the main cause of implant failure. For this reason, an investigation into possible wear particles from materials used in the implant may lead to longevity after arthroplasty. Monocytes are among the first cells to colonize the inflammatory site. In the present study, we have evaluated the inflammatory response after exposition to particles with different characteristics (size, sintering temperature and shape). Our data demonstrate that the most important characteristic was the shape and the size of the particles. The needle shaped particles induced the larger production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 by cells. To a less manner, the smallest particles induced an increase of the expression and production of the cytokines studied (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10). The sintering temperature appeared to be a less important characteristic even though it was involved in the dissolution/precipitation process. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.