Effect of external mechanical stimuli on human bone: a narrative review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E Mancuso ◽  
Andrew R. Wilzman ◽  
Kyle E. Murdock ◽  
Karen Troy
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Loading ◽  
Bone Structure ◽  
Mechanical Vibration ◽  
Human Bone ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Pulsed Electromagnetic ◽  
External Stimuli

Abstract Bone is a living composite material that has the capacity to adapt and respond to both internal and external stimuli. This capacity allows bone to adapt its structure to habitual loads and repair microdamage. Although human bone evolved to adapt to normal physiologic loading (for example from gravitational and muscle forces), these same biological pathways can potentially be activated through other types of external stimuli such as pulsed electromagnetic fields, mechanical vibration, and others. This review summarizes what is currently known about how human bone adapts to various types of external stimuli. We highlight how studies on sports-specific athletes and other exercise interventions have clarified the role of mechanical loading on bone structure. We also discuss clinical scenarios, such as spinal cord injury, where mechanical loading is drastically reduced, leading to rapid bone loss and permanent alterations to bone structure. Finally, we highlight areas of emerging research and unmet clinical need.

BONE ADAPTATION AND REGENERATION – NEW DEVELOPMENTS

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
JENNEKE KLEIN-NULEND ◽  
ROMMEL GAUD BACABAC
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Cell Signaling ◽  
Mechanical Loading ◽  
Bone Structure ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Bone Adaptation ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Local Bone

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly renewed and adapts to its local loading environment. Mechanical loading results in adaptive changes in bone size and shape that strengthen bone structure. The mechanisms for adaptation involve a multistep process called mechanotransduction, which is the ability of resident bone cells to perceive and translate mechanical energy into a cascade of structural and biochemical changes within the cells. The transduction of a mechanical signal to a biochemical response involves pathways within the cell membrane and cytoskeleton of the osteocytes, the professional mechansensor cells of bone. During the last decade the role of mechanosensitive osteocytes in bone metabolism and turnover, and the lacuno-canalicular porosity as the structure that mediates mechanosensing, is likely to reveal a new paradigm for understanding the bone formation response to mechanical loading, and the bone resorption response to disuse. Strain-derived fluid flow of interstitial fluid through the lacuno-canalicular porosity seems to mechanically activate the osteocytes, as well as ensures transport of cell signaling molecules, nutrients and waste products. Cell-cell signaling from the osteocyte sensor cells to the effector cells (osteoblasts or osteoclasts), and the effector cell response – either bone formation or resorption, allow an explanation of local bone gain and loss as well as remodeling in response to fatigue damage as processes supervised by mechanosensitive osteocytes. The osteogenic activity of cultured bone cells has been quantitatively correlated with varying stress stimulations highlighting the importance of the rate of loading. Theoretically a possible mechanism for the stress response by osteocytes is due to strain amplification at the pericellular matrix. Single cell studies on molecular responses of osteocytes provide insight on local architectural alignment in bone during remodeling. Alignment seems to occur as a result of the osteocytes sensing different canalicular flow patterns around cutting cone and reversal zone during loading, thus determining the bone's structure. Disturbances in architecture and permeability of the 3D porous network will affect transduction of mechanical loads to the mechanosensors. Uncovering the cellular and mechanical basis of the osteocyte's response to loading represents a significant challenge to our understanding of cellular mechanotransduction and bone remodeling. In view of the importance of mechanical stress for maintaining bone strength, mechanical stimuli have great potential for providing a therapeutic approach for bone (re)generation.

scholarly journals Effect of mechanical loading on insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression in rat tibia

2007 ◽  
Vol 192 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christianne M A Reijnders ◽  
Nathalie Bravenboer ◽  
Annechien M Tromp ◽  
Marinus A Blankenstein ◽  
Paul Lips
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Mechanical Loading ◽  
Mechanical Stimulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Female Wistar Rats ◽  
Tibia Shaft

Mechanical loading plays an essential role in maintaining skeletal integrity. Mechanical stimulation leads to increased bone formation. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in the translation of mechanical stimuli into bone formation, are not completely understood. Growth factors and osteocytes, which act as mechanosensors, play a key role during the bone formation after mechanical stimulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of IGF-I in the translation of mechanical stimuli into bone formation locally in rat tibiae. Fifteen female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 5): load, sham-loaded, and control. The four-point bending model of Forwood and Turner was used to induce a single period of mechanical loading on the tibia shaft. The effects of mechanical loading on IGF-I mRNA expression were determined with non-radioactive in situ hybridization on decalcified tibiae sections, 6 h after the loading session. Endogenous IGF-I mRNA was expressed in trabecular and cortical osteoblasts, some trabecular and sub-endocortical osteocytes, intracortical endothelial cells of blood vessels, and periosteum. Megakaryocytes, macrophages, and myeloid cells also expressed IGF-I mRNA. In the growth plate, IGF-I mRNA was located in proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes. Mechanical loading did not affect the IGF-I mRNA expression in osteoblasts, bone marrow cells, and chondrocytes, but the osteocytes at the endosteal side of the shaft showed a twofold increase of IGF-I mRNA expression. The proportion of IGF-I mRNA positive osteocytes in loaded tibiae was 29.3 ± 12.9% (mean ± s.d.; n = 5), whereas sham-loaded and contra-lateral control tibiae exhibited 16.7 ± 4.4% (n = 5) and 14.7 ± 4.2% (n = 10) respectively (P < 0.05). Lamellar bone formation after a single mechanical loading session was observed at the endosteal side of the shaft. In conclusion, a single loading session results in a twofold up-regulation of IGF-I mRNA synthesis in osteocytes which are present in multiple layers extending into the cortical bone of mechanically stimulated tibia shaft 6 h after loading. This supports the hypothesis that IGF-I, which is located in osteocytes, is involved in the translation of mechanical stimuli into bone formation.

scholarly journals Effects of exercise interventions on cardiovascular health in individuals with chronic, motor complete spinal cord injury: protocol for a randomised controlled trial [Cardiovascular Health/Outcomes: Improvements Created by Exercise and education in SCI (CHOICES) Study]

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e023540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei V Krassioukov ◽  
Katharine D Currie ◽  
Michèle Hubli ◽  
Tom E Nightingale ◽  
Abdullah A Alrashidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionRecent studies demonstrate that cardiovascular diseases and associated complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Abnormal arterial stiffness, defined by a carotid–to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) ≥10 m/s, is a recognised risk factor for heart disease in individuals with SCI. There is a paucity of studies assessing the efficacy of conventional training modalities on arterial stiffness and other cardiovascular outcomes in this population. Therefore, this study aims to compare the efficacy of arm cycle ergometry training (ACET) and body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on reducing arterial stiffness in individuals with chronic motor complete, high-level (above the sixth thoracic segment) SCI.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, randomised, controlled, clinical trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) into either ACET or BWSTT groups. Sixty participants with chronic (>1 year) SCI will be recruited from three sites in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto and Hamilton). Participants in each group will exercise three times per week up to 30 min and 60 min for ACET and BWSTT, respectively, over the period of 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be change in arterial stiffness (cfPWV) from baseline. Secondary outcome measures will include comprehensive assessments of: (1) cardiovascular parameters, (2) autonomic function, (3) body composition, (4) blood haematological and metabolic profiles, (5) cardiorespiratory fitness and (6) quality of life (QOL) and physical activity outcomes. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months (only QOL and physical activity outcomes). Statistical analyses will apply linear-mixed modelling to determine the training (time), group (ACET vs BWSTT) and interaction (time × group) effects on all outcomes.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from all three participating sites. Primary and secondary outcome data will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and widely disseminated.Trial registration numberNCT01718977; Pre-results.Trial statusRecruitment for this study began on January 2013 and the first participant was randomized on April 2013. Recruitment stopped on October 2018.

scholarly journals Osteoblast and Osteoclast Activity Affect Bone Remodeling Upon Regulation by Mechanical Loading-Induced Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Expression in Osteocytes

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingke Du ◽  
Jiancheng Yang ◽  
Zihao He ◽  
Junqi Cui ◽  
Yiqi Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Mechanical Loading ◽  
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Fluid Shear Stress ◽  
Bone Structure ◽  
Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase ◽  
Osteoclast Activity ◽  
Microgravity Simulation

PurposeBone remodeling is affected by mechanical stimulation. Osteocytes are the primary mechanical load-sensing cells in the bone, and can regulate osteoblast and osteoclast activity, thus playing a key role in bone remodeling. Further, bone mass during exercise is also regulated by Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). This study aimed to investigate the role of LIF in the mechanical response of the bone, in vivo and in vitro, and to elucidate the mechanism by which osteocytes secrete LIF to regulate osteoblasts and osteoclasts.MethodsA tail-suspension (TS) mouse model was used in this study to mimic muscular disuse. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect bone and serum LIF levels. Micro-computed tomography (CT) of the mouse femurs was performed to measure three-dimensional bone structure parameters. Fluid shear stress (FSS) and microgravity simulation experiments were performed to study mechanical stress-induced LIF secretion and its resultant effects. Bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured to induce in vitro osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis, respectively.ResultsMicro-CT results showed that TS mice exhibited deteriorated bone microstructure and lower serum LIF expression. LIF secretion by osteocytes was promoted by FSS and was repressed in a microgravity environment. Further experiments showed that LIF could elevate the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in BMM-derived osteoclasts through the STAT3 signaling pathway. LIF also enhanced alkaline phosphatase staining and osteogenesis-related gene expression during the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.ConclusionMechanical loading affected LIF expression levels in osteocytes, thereby altering the balance between osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis.

Comparison of mesenchymal stromal cells from human bone marrow and adipose tissue for the treatment of spinal cord injury

Cytotherapy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhilai Zhou ◽  
Yinhai Chen ◽  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Shaoxiong Min ◽  
Bo Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Human Bone ◽  
Human Bone Marrow ◽  
Cord Injury

Influence of increased mechanical loading by hypergravity on the microtubule cytoskeleton and prostaglandin E2 release in primary osteoblasts

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (1) ◽  
pp. C148-C158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy D. Searby ◽  
Charles R. Steele ◽  
Ruth K. Globus
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Loading ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Paracrine Factor ◽  
Microtubule Network ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Primary Osteoblasts ◽  
And Function

Cells respond to a wide range of mechanical stimuli such as fluid shear and strain, although the contribution of gravity to cell structure and function is not understood. We hypothesized that bone-forming osteoblasts are sensitive to increased mechanical loading by hypergravity. A centrifuge suitable for cell culture was developed and validated, and then primary cultures of fetal rat calvarial osteoblasts at various stages of differentiation were mechanically loaded using hypergravity. We measured microtubule network morphology as well as release of the paracrine factor prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In immature osteoblasts, a stimulus of 10× gravity (10 g) for 3 h increased PGE2 2.5-fold and decreased microtubule network height 1.12-fold without affecting cell viability. Hypergravity (3 h) caused dose-dependent (5–50 g) increases in PGE2 (5.3-fold at 50 g) and decreases (1.26-fold at 50 g) in microtubule network height. PGE2 release depended on duration but not orientation of the hypergravity load. As osteoblasts differentiated, sensitivity to hypergravity declined. We conclude that primary osteoblasts demonstrate dose- and duration-dependent sensitivity to gravitational loading, which appears to be blunted in mature osteoblasts.

A Study of Mechanosensing of an Osteoblast at Focal Adhesions Under Cyclic Strain Using Magnetic Micropillars

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshihiko Shiraishi ◽  
Kota Nagai
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Ion ◽  
Mechanical Vibration ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Cyclic Strain ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Osteoblast Cells ◽  
Intracellular Calcium Ion ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Sense And Respond ◽  
Biochemical Signals

Abstract It has been reported that cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. Mechanical vibration promotes the cell proliferation and the cell differentiation of osteoblast cells at 12.5 Hz and 50 Hz, respectively. It indicates that osteoblast cells have a mechansensing system for mechanical vibration. There may be some mechanosensors and we focus on cellular focal adhesions through which mechanical and biochemical signals may be transmitted from extracellular matrices into a cell. However, it is very difficult to directly apply mechanical stimuli to focal adhesions. We developed a magnetic micropillar substrate on which micron-sized pillars are deflected according to applied magnetic field strength and focal adhesions adhering to the top surface of the pillars are given mechanical stimuli. In this paper, we focus on intracellular calcium ion as a second messenger of cellular mechanosensing and investigate the mechanosensing mechanism of an osteoblast cell at focal adhesions under cyclic strain using a magnetic micropillar substrate. The experimental results indicate that the magnetic micropillars have enough performance to response to an electric current applied to a coil in an electromagnet and to apply the cyclic strain of less than 3% to a cell. In the cyclic strain of less than 3%, the calcium response of a cell was not observed.

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