If migration of stem cells can occur it means that potentially stem cells could migrate to form new growth plates and that cartilage could regenerate at articular cartilage sites potentially leading to height increase via articular cartilage endochondral ossification.
Mechanical Loading Promotes the Migration of Endogenous Stem Cells and Chondrogenic Differentiation in a Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis
“This study evaluated whether mechanical loading can enhance anabolic activities by facilitating the recruitment of stem cells for chondrogenesis{anabolic effects could potentially be used for non-osteoarthritic ie normal cartilage}. We evaluated cartilage degradation in a mouse model of OA through histology with H&E and safranin O staining. We also evaluated the migration and chondrogenic ability of stem cells using in vitro assays, including immunohistochemistry, immunofuorescence, and Western blot analysis. The result showed that the OA mice that received mechanical loading exhibited resilience to cartilage damage. Compared to the OA group, mechanical loading promoted the expression of Piezo1 and the migration of stem cells was promoted via the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. Also, the chondrogenic diferentiation was enhanced by the upregulation of SOX9, a transcription factor important for chondrogenesis. Collectively, the results revealed that mechanical loading facilitated cartilage repair by promoting the migration and chondrogenic diferentiation of endogenous stem cells. This study provided new insights into the loading-driven engagement of endogenous stem cells and the enhancement of anabolic responses for the treatment of OA.”
A vacuole is a space within a cell that is empty of cytoplasm, lined with a membrane, and filled with fluid. Reduction in vacuoles could potentially that new bone is being formed.
“Mechanical stimulation affects the migration and differentiation of MSCs”
“We developed joint loading modalities in which dynamic lateral loads are applied to synovial joints”
“mechanical loading caused cyclic alteration of the intramedullary pressure, driving oscillatory
fluid flow and molecular transport in the lacunocanalicular network in the bone matrix and the medullary cavity”
“female C57BL/6 mice (~ 14 weeks of age, Animal Center of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, China) were used.”
Piezo1 is greater in loading groups even than non ostearthritic controls meaning LSJL(lateral synovial joint loading) meaning that joint loading should enhance stem cell migration in healthy controls.
joint loading promotes adhesion and migration compounds even above controls. These compounds could potentially help induce new cartilage and bone formation.
“Dynamic loads were sinusoidal at 1 N (peak-to-peak) and the frequency was 5 Hz for 6 min/day (each knee, 3 min).”
“After 2 weeks of mechanical loading, the level of Piezo1 in OA mice was significantly increased”
“knee loading contributed to repairing damaged cartilage by recruiting endogenous stem cells and stimulating chondrogenic differentiation.”
Here’s a diagram which explains how loading could be anabolic to cartilage and bone and potentially non osteoarthritic cartilage and bone as well.