Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2024, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (21): 3407-3412.doi: 10.12307/2024.088

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Effects of biomechanics on biological characteristics of osteoblasts

Xiong Wanqi1, Li Zhenhao1, Cui Yan1, Liu Jiahe1, Li Chenzhi1, Wu Mingjian1, Li Yancheng1, Yang Fan1, 2, Liu Baoyi1   

  1. 1Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Dalian 116001, Liaoning Province, China; 2Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
  • Received:2023-05-06 Accepted:2023-07-04 Online:2024-07-28 Published:2023-09-28
  • Contact: Liu Baoyi, PhD, Chief physician, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Dalian 116001, Liaoning Province, China Yang Fan, PhD, Associate researcher, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Dalian 116001, Liaoning Province, China; Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
  • About author:Xiong Wanqi, Master candidate, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Dalian 116001, Liaoning Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Postdoctoral Science Foundation of Dalian, No. 285395 (to YF); Dalian Medical Science Research Project, No. 2111038 (to YF); Key Research Project of Education Department of Liaoning Province, No. LJKZZ20220148 (to LBY)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bone formation is the process by which osteoblasts synthesize and secrete osteoid and promote its mineralization, which generally involves mechanical signal transduction. Osteoblasts are primarily regulated by mechanical factors such as gravity, compressive stress, tensile stress, fluid shear stress, and hydrostatic pressure in vivo, and different mechanical stimuli modulate the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of osteoblasts through various mechanisms, including hormones, cytoskeletal proteins, and microRNAs. By clarifying the effects of biomechanical forces on osteoblasts, it provides ideas and a reference basis for the treatment of osteometabolic diseases involving osteoblasts.
OBJECTIVE: To review the effects of different biomechanical forces on the biological characteristics of osteoblasts.
METHODS: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, FMRS, CNKI, and WanFang databases for relevant publications published from 2000 to 2023, covering basic research and tissue engineering studies related to the effects of biomechanical forces on osteoblasts. Ultimately, a total of 70 articles were reviewed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Different biomechanical forces have an impact on the biological characteristics of osteoblasts, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and these effects are dependent on the intensity and duration of the applied force. Specifically, the effects are as follows: (1) Under microgravity conditions, osteoblast proliferation and differentiation are inhibited, resulting in a decrease in bone density and the development of osteoporosis. (2) Compared to microgravity, hypergravity has a promoting effect on osteoblast proliferation. (3) The effects of compressive stress on osteoblasts are dependent on the loading intensity and time. Appropriate compressive stress can promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, which is beneficial for bone tissue formation and repair, while excessive compressive stress can cause osteoblast apoptosis and bone tissue destruction. (4) The biological effects of different types of tensile stress on osteoblasts differ. Studies have shown that a strain rate within the range of 0-12% has a promoting effect on osteoblast proliferation. (5) Fluid shear stress can promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and enhance the bone-inducing effect of biomaterials. (6) Static hydrostatic pressure can affect the biological behavior of osteoblasts, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and these effects are closely related to the time and intensity of the pressure. Understanding the effects of different biomechanical forces on osteoblasts is of great significance for a deeper understanding of bone growth and maintenance mechanisms.

Key words: osteoblast, biomechanics, biological characteristics, signaling pathway, mechanotransduction, microRNA, bone metabolism, osteoporosis

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