Influence of osteoporosis on the osteocyte density of human mandibular bone samples: a controlled histological human study.

Objectives: Osteocytes have emerged as key regulators of skeletal and mineral homeostasis. The number of these cells could be influenced by the presence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Hence, the aim this study was to evaluate the osteocyte density in patients with osteopenia, and in patients with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients were selected for this study and divided into three groups: (A) nine healthy patients (control), (B) 15 patients with osteopenia, and (C) 15 patients with osteoporosis. During the surgical insertion of dental implants in the lower jaw, bone samples were retrieved and processed for histological analysis of osteocyte density, measured as number of osteocytes/bone tissue area (μm(2) ). Results: Patients with osteopenia showed statistically higher values of osteocyte density than patients with osteoporosis (P < 0.05) No significant differences were detected between osteopenia and osteoporosis subjects vs. healthy patients (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Bone metabolism diseases (osteoporosis and osteopenia) do not seem to influence the osteocyte density; this could be due to the administration of bisphosphonates in patients with osteoporosis. This information could play a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a postmenopausal stage.