[February 2008] A study led by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) found that the use of a drug called bortezamib (Bzb)   brought about regeneration of bone tissue in mice. The line of research in question involved the treatment of the animals with Bzb, a medication used to treat bone marrow cancer, which subsequently improved bone density – most likely through its effect on bone marrow-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These adult stem cells have the potential to differentiate or develop into bone-building cells called osteoblasts and also cartilage, fat, skin and muscle.

Experts believe that Bzb activated stem cells that differentiate into bone.

In their first series of experiments, the scientists demonstrated that treating mice with Bzb bolstered production of several factors associated with bone genesis. Similar results took place when MSCs being cultured in the lab were treated with Bzb. However, when the drug was applied to cells that were already on their way to becoming particular cell types the creation of new bone did not take place.

In subsequent experiments the researchers found that Bzb worked its bone-building magic by boosting osteoblast activity and by virtue of its effects on MSCs, something not true when it comes to differentiated osteoblast precursor cells.  

Contemporary treatments for osteoporosis typically involve manipulating bone-building osteoblasts and bone-demolishing osteoclasts, favoring the former and discouraging the latter. This approach has limitations, however, as “Mother Nature” (in this instance) can only be pushed so far. On the other hand, the use of a drug to directly differentiate MSCs represents a way to get bone-building done without taxing a person’s native bone-building machinery.

Until this approach is fully tested out, proven safe and approved by the FDA, readers still have many conventional medical and nonstandard options when it comes to preserving bone and promoting new bone formation – many of which can be found in these on-line articles: Bone Building & Osteoporosis - Vitamin K2 to Prevent and Reverse Bone Loss & Bone Loss - Natural Ways To Prevent & Even Reverse Bone Loss.

Reference Credit: Massachusetts GeneralHospital (2008, January 25). Turning On Adult Stem Cells May Help Repair Bone. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/01/080124173809.htmBottom of Form