RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Osseointegration and success of an implant involve the interaction of local and systemic factors such as bone metabolic diseases. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of experimental hepatic osteodystrophy induced by a choline-deficient diet on periimplant bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laminar titanium implants were placed in the tibias of five groups of Wistar rats: those with a (1). controlled diet for 15 days; (2). choline-deficient diet for 15 days; (3). controlled diet for 30 days; (4). choline-deficient diet for 30 days; (5). choline-deficient diet for 15 days and a controlled diet for 15 days (refeeding). Body weight and food intake, hematocrit, and hemoglobinemia were evaluated. The animals were killed at 15 or 30 days post implantation. The liver, kidneys, and tibias were resected and fixed in 20% formalin solution. The tibias were radiographed and processed for histomorphometric evaluation of the periimplant bone area. RESULTS: Histologic studies revealed steatosis in the liver but no alterations in the kidneys. Rats fed a choline-deficient diet showed periimplant bone healing with marked qualitative and quantitative alterations. The periimplant bone area was 28% and 75% lower in experimental animals than in controls at 15 and 30 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Liver alterations caused by a choline-deficient diet alter periimplant osteogenesis qualitatively and quantitatively.