Macrophage Depletion Reduces Bone Loss and Alters Inflammatory Responses: A Mouse Peri‐Implantitis Model

AimTo evaluate the impact of macrophage depletion on bone loss and inflammatory responses in a mouse model of peri‐implantitis, assessing macrophage depletion potential as a therapeutic strategy.Materials and MethodsUsing 6‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice, peri‐implantitis was induced by placing a silk ligature around osteointegrated dental implants. Mice were divided into three groups: Healthy control (Healthy group); peri‐implantitis with liposomal phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS group); and peri‐implantitis with liposomal clodronate for macrophage depletion (CLOD group). Two weeks after ligature placement, micro‐CT, histological and real‐time PCR analyses were performed to assess bone density, leukocyte infiltration and cytokine levels.ResultsThe CLOD group showed a significantly higher bone‐to‐implant contact (74%) and bone volume relative to total volume (79%) compared to the PBS group (53% and 54%, respectively) and Healthy group (64% and 66%, respectively). Histological analysis revealed significantly reduced leukocyte and macrophage counts in the CLOD group. Additionally, TNF‐α and IL‐10 levels were significantly decreased in the CLOD group compared with the PBS group.ConclusionMacrophage depletion effectively reduces bone loss and inflammation in peri‐implantitis. This study highlights targeting macrophages as a promising approach for managing peri‐implantitis, although further research is needed to optimize therapeutic strategies.