Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (13): 3350-3358.doi: 10.12307/2026.307

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Osteogenic-adipogenic differentiation imbalance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteonecrosis of the femoral head: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies

Zhang Shilei1, 2, Qin Chuanhong1, 2, Wang Jianxu1, 2, Sun Shui1, 2   

  1. 1Department of Joint Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China; 2Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
  • Accepted:2025-08-09 Online:2026-05-08 Published:2025-12-26
  • Contact: Sun Shui, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Joint Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China; Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Shilei, MS, Department of Joint Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China; Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a common orthopedic condition that can lead to significant disability. A key feature of this disease is the collapse of the femoral head, causing severe hip pain and loss of function. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, including osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Pathological factors like alcohol and corticosteroids disrupt the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. This leads to excessive fat accumulation and reduced bone formation, ultimately contributing to osteonecrosis of the femoral head. 
OBJECTIVE: To focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying osteonecrosis of the femoral head with a particular focus on the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and further discuss the implications of adipocytes.
METHODS: PubMed was searched for articles published from database inception to June 2025, using “osteonecrosis of the femoral head, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteogenic differentiation, adipogenic differentiation, bone marrow adipose tissue, adipokines.” Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 81 relevant articles were selected for comprehensive analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A review of research shows that Wnt, transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein superfamily, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways, along with various RNA molecules, play a role in regulating the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These pathways precisely control cell behavior by targeting key transcription factors, such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 for bone formation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT enhancer binding protein for fat cell development. Furthermore, adipocytes and the signaling molecules they release, such as leptin and adiponectin, can also affect the progression of osteonecrosis of the femoral head through paracrine signaling. This article explains how interactions between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipocytes contribute to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and, based on current research, suggests potential future interventions and treatment strategies.

Key words: ">osteonecrosis of the femoral head, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, signaling pathway, adipokine, adipocyte, bone marrow microenvironment, differentiation balance, stem cell therapy

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