| Theme | Osteoporosis and urolithiasis induced by microgravity | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Molecular mechanism of mechanical stress-induced bone formation | |
| Publish Date | 2005/01 | |
| Author | Shinsuke Kido | Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Sciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School Institute of Health Biosciences |
| Author | Daisuke Inoue | Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Sciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School Institute of Health Biosciences |
| [ Summary ] | Mechanical stress plays an important physiological role in maintaining bone mass, as evidenced by the fact that lock of mechanical loading causes rapid and severe bone loss in astronauts, subjected to microgravity or in bed ridden patients. Immobilization osteoporosis is characterized by “uncoupling”which involves not only enhanced bone resorption and but also profoundly impaired bone formation. However, the mechanism by which mechanical loading induces bone formation is not fully understood. Here in, we review the current knowledge on the mechanical stress-induced intracellular signaling pathways, leading to activation and upregulation of various osteogenic factors in osteoblasts. The elucidation of such signaling pathways will help us understand the pathogenesis of immobilization osteoporosis and may further lead to the development of new bone forming drugs for osteoporosis. | |