Titanium implant alters the effect of zoledronic acid on the behaviour of endothelial cells

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) attached to different surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of three groups were evaluated in this study: sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) + HUVECs; mechanically polished (MP) + HUVECs; and plastic cell culture plates + HUVECs. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, surface roughness and water contact angle were tested for titanium surface characterisation. ZA was added at different concentrations (0, 1, 10, 50 and 100 μM). Cell adhesion, proliferation, viability, apoptosis and gene expression were evaluated. RESULTS Mechanically polished and SLA surfaces showed negative effects on cell adhesion and proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis with 100 μM ZA (p