Tibial pseudarthrosis associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an orthopedic condition with consistently poor clinical outcomes. Using a murine model that features localized double inactivation of the Nf1 gene in an experimental tibial fracture, we tested the effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and/or the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA).
Upregulation of Akt signaling enhances femoral fracture healing by accelerating atrophic quadriceps recovery
Muscle damage and disuse muscular atrophy are detrimental for fracture healing. It has been reported that the Akt signaling pathway plays a role in skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy. The aim of this study was to further investigate whether promoting local muscle function through regulating Akt signaling affects fracture healing. For this purpose, we combined a rat model of short-term atrophy of the quadriceps with a femoral fracture model.
Comparison between mineralized cancellous bone allograft and an alloplast material for sinus augmentation: A split mouth histomorphometric study
Several grafting materials have been used in sinus augmentation procedures including autogenous bone, demineralized freeze-dried bone, hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, anorganic deproteinized bovine bone, and combination of these and others. Yet, the issue of the optimal graft material for sinus floor augmentation is controversial.
Aging leads to inferior Achilles tendon mechanics and altered ankle function in rodents
Spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon is increasingly common in the middle aged population. However, the cause for the particularly high incidence of injury in this age group is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify age-specific differences in the Achilles tendon-muscle complex using an animal model.
PLS3 sequencing in childhood-onset primary osteoporosis identifies two novel disease-causing variants
Altogether 95 children with primary bone fragility were screened for variants in PLS3, the gene underlying X-linked osteoporosis. Two children with multiple peripheral and spinal fractures and low BMD had novel disease-causing PLS3 variants. Children with milder phenotypes had no pathogenic variants. PLS3 screening is indicated in childhood-onset primary osteoporosis.
Reduced bone loss in a murine model of postmenopausal osteoporosis lacking complement component 3
The growing field of osteoimmunology seeks to unravel the complex interdependence of the skeletal and immune systems. Notably, we and others have demonstrated that complement signaling influences the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the two primary cell types responsible for maintaining bone homeostasis. However, the net effect of complement on bone homeostasis in vivo was unknown.