Describing force-induced bone growth and adaptation by a mathematical model.

This work proposes a mathematical model that qualitative describes the process of mechanically force-induced bone growth and adaptation. The mathematical model includes osteocytes as the key interfacing layer connecting tissue, cellular and molecular signaling levels. Specifically, in the presence of an increase in the mechanical stimuli, osteocytes respond by mechano-transduction releasing the local factors nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). These local factors act as the signaling recruitment signals for bone cells progenitors and influence the coupling activity among osteoblasts and osteoclasts during the process of bone remodeling. The model is in agreement with qualitative observations found in the literature concerning the process of bone adaptation and the cellular interactions during a local bone remodeling cycle induced by mechanical stimulation.