Bone Regeneration
Duke University recently published a paper discussing the development of a drug similar to a molecule called adenosine. This drug might lead to bone regeneration. This may provide a significant amount of promise for individuals who have suffered broken bones, such as femur fractures. For years, much of the focus on fracture prevention has been on avoiding bone loss. Unfortunately, this focus won’t help individuals who have already developed diseases such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. This also doesn’t help those who are trying to recover from severe fractures. This new drug may provide an opportunity to change this.
Researchers from Duke University have been working with teams from biomedical engineering, materials science, and orthopedics to find a way to regenerate healthy bone tissue. This can help individuals who suffer serious bone fractures as well as those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis by speeding the recovery process and preventing future injuries.
The Cycle of Bone Formation
In a serious bone fracture, osteoblasts are responsible for forming new cells. These osteoblasts use nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D to rebuild the scaffold of the broken bone. For osteoblasts to jump into action, they need to have a signal from a set of receptors. These are the A2B receptors.
A2B receptors play a crucial role in triggering bone formation. When the molecule, adenosine binds to the A2B receptor, it triggers a molecular signal cascade. This cascade results in osteoblasts forming new bone cells.
Watch YouTube Video: Bone Formation, Healing, Remodeling. This video discusses the process of bone formation, bone fracture healing, and bone remodeling
Adenosine Plays a Critical Role
Adenosine is a significant player in multiple locations throughout the body. It is involved in the structure of DNA, the supply of cellular energy, and bone formation. Without a proper amount of adenosine, it is challenging to form new bone cells. This leads to weak and brittle bones, which are prone to fracturing. Furthermore, this also makes it hard for existing bone fractures, such as those in the femur, to heal properly.
The researchers believe that if they work on designing a drug that is similar to adenosine, they might be able to trigger the receptors involved in bone formation. If they find a way to induce the A2B receptor, they can trigger the cellular cascade and induce bone formation. To do this, the research team must design a drug that is similar in structure to adenosine. The structure of adenosine has been known for years; however, creating a drug that looks like this molecule can be a challenge. Furthermore, the drug needs to mimic adenosine yet not cause any other side effects. If the drug binds to receptors other than adenosine, other molecular cascades might be triggered, leading to serious side effects and complications.
The Design of the Molecule Leads to Bone Regeneration
The researchers came up with an initial design for the drug, a molecule they called BAY 60-6583. The team conducted a study in animals that had intentionally weak bones. The density of the bones was measured using routine imaging scans. After this, the researchers conducted a controlled study by giving the animals appropriate doses of BAY 60-6583. After some time, the researchers measured the bone density of the animals again. They found that bone regeneration had occurred in these animals.
The next step would be to replicate the results in humans. Currently, the results of this study in animals demonstrate something called proof of concept. The researchers are conducting further research now to refine their molecule. Eventually, the researchers will conduct their study in humans. The results should provide hope to millions of people who suffer bone fractures every year. There might be a way to induce bone regeneration.
Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento femur fracture lawyer. It may be possible to use medications to stimulate bone regeneration following a femur fracture. If a family member has suffered a serious fracture of the femur due to the negligence of another person or entity, please contact me today at (916) 921-6400 or by dialing (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a proud part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum & of the Top One Percent.
Feel free to see our verdicts or settlements here and check out our client reviews on Yelp, Avvo, & Google.
Attribution of Image: The image at the top was located first on Pixabay and has been shown here with permission given by the Creative Commons License.
:dr 0p cha [cs 760]