Khaberni - An international research team has made a scientific discovery that could change the future of osteoporosis treatment and bone mass loss associated with aging, by identifying a protein that acts as a "physical exercise sensor" within the body, and can be pharmacologically activated to simulate the benefits of physical activity without the need for actual movement.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong, and published in the scientific journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, which revealed how a protein known as Piezo1 contributes to maintaining bone strength when activated by movement and mechanical pressure resulting from exercise.
According to the researchers, the Piezo1 protein plays the role of a "biological sensor" that senses movement within the bone marrow, and prompts stem cells there to form new bone tissue instead of turning into fat cells. With age, these cells tend to produce fat within the bone marrow, which reduces bone density and increases the risk of fractures.
The team explained that activating Piezo1 through physical activity reduces fat accumulation within the bone marrow, and stimulates the formation of stronger new bones, while its absence or disruption leads to accelerated bone loss and increased fragility.
New Hope
Professor Shu Ayman, leader of the study and director of the state laboratory for biopharmaceutical technology at the University of Hong Kong, said that this discovery represents a crucial step towards developing new treatments.
He added, "Millions around the world suffer from osteoporosis, especially the elderly and bedridden patients, who are unable to exercise. Understanding the molecular mechanism that makes movement strengthen bones opens the door to simulating these benefits pharmacologically."
According to the World Health Organization, about a third of women and a fifth of men over the age of fifty suffer from fractures resulting from weak bones, making this discovery particularly significant as societies age more rapidly.
On his part, Dr. Wang Baili, a co-researcher in the study, pointed out that the results allow the development of what are known as "exercise mimetics," which are drugs that activate the Piezo1 pathway and give the body signals similar to those produced by movement.
He added, "We are essentially fooling the body to believe it is exercising, even in the absence of movement, which may preserve bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures in the elderly and mobility-limited patients."
The researchers confirmed that the next step involves turning these laboratory findings into safe and effective clinical treatments, which may radically transform osteoporosis prevention and improve the quality of life and independence for a wide segment of the elderly.
