Fracture repair

A study published in Nature shows the effects of ageing on skeletal stem cells (SSCs) and how aged SSCs affect haematopoiesis, bone turnover and fracture repair.

Novel osteoanabolic strategies are highly desired to treat osteoporotic bone loss or augment fracture repair in patients at risk of healing complications, including individuals with osteoporosis or inflammatory disorders. Whereas current osteoanabolics address osteoblast function, research by Ren Xu and colleagues highlights the skeletal endothelium as a promising target to promote bone formation.

Osteoporotic fractures are one of the principal adverse effects resulting from the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids. These fractures contribute substantially to morbidity in patients who already have major disabling chronic diseases. The prevention of these fractures is, therefore, a high priority in patients who require glucocorticoids, particularly older patients.