Link between Osteoporosis Drugs and Jaw Infections.

A group of University of Southern California School of Dentistry researchers says it has identified the slimy culprits killing the jawbones of some people taking drugs that treat osteoporosis.

Sold under brand names such as Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel, bisphosphonates are prescribed to millions of patients to combat osteoporosis, a bone-wasting disease that increases the risk of fractures. Parish Sedghizadeh, lead researcher and assistant clinical professor at the USC School of Dentistry said there have been increasing reports of osteonecrosis (bone death) of the jaw in patients who have been taking the drugs for osteoporosis or for treatment from the bone-wasting effects of cancer.

The team used powerful scanning electron microscopes to study patients’ jawbone samples. The images revealed biofilm bacteria sprawling over pitted tissue.This is the first study that identifies microbial biofilms in the bone of bisphosphonate patients who have osteonecrosis of the jaw. Jaw osteonecrosis occurs when bacteria-laden biofilms infect the jaw after the bone is exposed, typically because of a tooth extraction or injury.

The scientists are now trying to determine why bisphosphonate drugs seem to open the door for biofilm-associated infections of the jaw.

Source:www.usc.edu/hsc/dental/news_event/press_releases.