Abstract
The pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a morbid condition associated with bisphosphonate administration, has not been fully elucidated. Recent research utilizing a murine model has revealed that the neutrophil becomes dysfunctional following exposure to bisphosphonates. Accordingly, the impairment of neutrophil function could play an important role in the pathogenesis of MRONJ via an infectious mechanism mediated by the suppression of the innate immune system. Currently, the existing human data are insufficient to substantiate this theory. To investigate, we isolated neutrophils from blood and oral rinse samples from bisphosphonate-naïve patients who were recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma both prior to and one month following their initial infusion of pamidronate, an intravenous bisphosphonate agent. Stimulated blood and oral neutrophil superoxide production and chemotactic capabilities were found to be impaired relative to baseline values. These results suggest that impaired neutrophil function may partially contribute to the aetiology underlying the pathophysiological processes linked to the development of MRONJ. Further, as the functional status of circulating neutrophils was reflected in the oral cavity where sampling can be accomplished in a non-invasive fashion, it is conceivable that neutrophil function could serve as a potential biomarker for MRONJ prognostication.