Graduation Date
Fall 12-12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Programs
Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area
First Advisor
Dr. Po-Jung Chen
Second Advisor
Dr. Sumit Yadav
Third Advisor
Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Peter J Giannini
Abstract
Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) is a degenerative condition marked by synovial inflammation, cartilage loss, and subchondral bone sclerosis, leading to chronic jaw pain. Current treatments are largely palliative, and regenerative options remain unavailable. Abaloparatide and alendronate have shown anabolic effects in healthy mice TMJs, but their therapeutic potential in TMJ-OA has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the individual effects of abaloparatide and alendronate on cartilage and subchondral bone in a mouse model of TMJ-OA. Eighty 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice (40 male, 40 female) were subjected to unilateral mechanical loading via a bonded anterior crossbite device to induce TMJ-OA. Mice received subcutaneous injections of alendronate (50 μg/kg), abaloparatide (80 μg/kg), or saline. Mandibular condylar cartilage and subchondral bone were harvested for analysis. Samples were examined using micro-computed tomography and histological staining, including toluidine blue, Safranin O, TRAP, alkaline phosphatase, and immunohistochemistry for MMP13 and ADAMTS5. Imaging was performed with a ZEISS Axioscan 7. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test. Alendronate treatment partially rescued cartilage integrity and preserved subchondral bone structure. Abaloparatide showed early signs of anabolic activity but will require dose optimization for conclusive outcomes. Our findings suggest that alendronate and may reverse damage to the cartilage and subchondral bone from mechanically induced TMJ-OA and warrant further studies on optimized dosing, local delivery, and age-specific responses.
Recommended Citation
Ku, Jonjei, "Biological Response of Abaloparatide and Alendronate on the Osteochondral Tissue of TMJ-OA" (2025). Theses & Dissertations. 1012.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/etd/1012
Comments
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