Replace dysfunctional immune cells results in bone fractures

A team at the University of Helsinki and the University of Tartu have succeeded in recovering the function of immune cells in animal models of osteoporosis. Research results have been published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

Osteoporosis is a world-wide health problem. The prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing rapidly and the mortality rate is about 50 percent. It is thought that osteoporosis can be prevented by a strong lifestyle with good diet vitamin D adequate sleep and a healthy body temperature. A fat-acid balance can also be important for maintaining a good fatty-acid-acid balance. Lifestyle factors that promote increased bone mass and decreased body fat have been widely considered as important for osteoporosis prevention.

Research group led by first author of the article Ina-Lindi Ruotikkanen Assistant Professor at the University of Helsinki is conducting research into the bone marrow of mice and humans. Ruotikkanen has conducted a series of studies related to other immune cells including immune cells in adipose tissue. In addition to her studies on the effect of fat in bone marrow and bone marrow transplantation Ruotikkanen has conducted researches into the function of the white blood-cell as well as the role of immune cells in joint pain and fatigue. She is also conducting research into treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis stem cells using nanospheres and in vitro bone marrow transplantation.

Two types of immune cells have functions in bone marrow.