Bone Abstracts

Polynesians have higher bone mineral density and lower rate of hip fracture compared to age-matched Caucasian in New Zealand, and anecdotal evidence suggests that bones of Polynesian patients heal much faster than those of Caucasians. We compared gene expression in osteoblasts cultured form bone samples taken from patients of Polynesian and Caucasian origin, in order to identify genes and pathways that contribute to the greater density and accelerated healing of Polynesian bon...

The musculoskeletal system experiences severe mechanical strain, with repetitive or extreme strains causing significant trauma; the result being an increase in mechanobiological studies evaluating mechanical strain on musculoskeletal cells. Currently, most stretching studies utilise fibronectin-coated cultures, as these enhance cell attachment. However, recent studies suggest that fibronectin increases cell turnover and DNA damage and affects cell differentiation. Furthermore,...

Background: In patients with gout, urate deposition has been observed both adjacent to and within tendons, suggesting that monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals are likely to be in direct contact with tenocytes, the stromal cells of tendons. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of MSU crystals on tenocyte viability and function.Methods: Cultures of primary rat tenocytes were prepared from Wistar rat tails. Primary human tenocytes were...