Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene particles have direct effects on proliferation, differentiation, and local factor production of MG63 osteoblast-like cells

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) particles were characterized and their effect on the wear properties of osteoblast-like cells were investigated. In aliquots of the culture medium containing UHMWP, 79% of the particles were less than 1 μm in diameter, indicating that the cells were exposed to particles less than 1 μm. UHMWP particles influenced the MG63 proliferation, differentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis, local factor production. These effects were direct and dose dependent. UHMWP wear debris particles with an average size of approximately 1 μm may inhibit bone formation by inhibiting cell differentiation and reducing transforming growth factor-β production and matrix synthesis.