Osteoporosis is a risk factor for marked changes of the bone metabolism in the skeletal and alveolar process and for residual ridge reduction in jaw. Immunological aspects of osteoporosis, bone metabolism and bone resorption changes are still under investigation. Many cytokines play very importent roles in immune homeostasis and remodeling of bone.

Objectives: The survey of cytokines level and their receptors in blood serum of of patients with osteoporosis is employed in the clinic of osteoporosis and experimental investigations. The purpose of the study was the survey of the concentration of acute phase protein: Alpha1 - antitrypsin in blood serum and the resorption rate and the morphology of mandiblar alveolar ridges.

Methods: The study concerned the group of geriatric edentulous persons (63-83 years old) wearing complete dentures. Interviews, clinical and radiological examination and densitometric surveys were carried out in this group of patients. The concentration of Alpha1-antitrypsin in serum of patients with osteoporosis was investigated with the use of the method of radial immunodiffusion with plates NOR-Partigen (Behring).

Results: Radiographic evaluation showed the manifestation of osteoporotic changes in mandibular interior cortex and resorption of the mandibulae of all surveyed geriatric patients. The results revealed highly above the norm level of Alpha1-antitryspin detected in the blood serum of the surveyed group.

Conclusions: Analysis of the correlation between evaluated of markedly resorbed bone and of osteoporotic changes in the mandible and the concentration of Alpha1-antitrypsin in the blood serum showed a positive dependence.

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