Purpose: The interaction between the surface of the implant and the human body results in a local and systemic inflammatory reaction that leads to the formation of a peri-implant capsule and entails complications like contractures, calcifications, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and systemic autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the local and systemic inflammatory reactions of silicone implants coated with polyurethane foam and those with a nanotextured surface.
Methods: Using indirect ELISA, the levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured in the serum and per-implant capsule of rats submitted to surgical placement of the two different types of implants. The statistical analysis was conducted within each group, comparing the parameters according to the times at which the rats were euthanized (30, 60, and 90 days) to evaluate and compare the differences in the levels of these markers at three distinct durations of exposure.
Results: The results show that at both 30 and 60 days, there was no significant increase in the levels of markers in both groups; however, this increase becomes evident at 90 days. We also observed that the nanotextured surface showed a decreased production of inflammatory markers at 30 and 60 days as compared to the polyurethane group. Nevertheless, at 90 days, there is a marked increase in these markers observed in the nanotextured group and a decrease in markers in the polyurethane group, yet without any statistical significance between both groups at that time.
Conclusion: Our data suggests that for an extended period of time (90 days), nanotextured surface implants cause a local and systemic inflammatory reaction similar to those with a polyurethane foam surface.