title: Important aspects regarding the role of microorganisms in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.
abstract: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is an important side effect of bisphosphonates, whose etiopathogenesis has not been completely elucidated. Theories pointing to bone turnover and angiogenesis inhibition, as well as effects on epithelial cells of oral mucosa and the role of microorganisms have been reported. Nevertheless, the true contribution of each one of these factors to BRONJ is unknown. We present here a literature review focusing on important aspects regarding the role of microorganisms in BRONJ development. Knowledge about specific microbiota and its role in the etiopathogenesis of this disease can help the optimisation of preventive and therapeutic interventions in patients with or at-risk for BRONJ.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program, Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renata Chiapinotto
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Boff
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program, Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernanda Gonçalves
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Salum
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program, Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Antonia
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program, Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil. Electronic address: karen.cherubini@pucrs.br.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cherubini
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D059266:Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Actinomyces sp.; Bisphosphonate; Candida sp.; Infection; Osteonecrosis of the jaws