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Research on solute transport behaviors in the lacunar-canalicular system using numerical simulation in microgravity.
- Source :
-
Computers in biology and medicine [Comput Biol Med] 2020 Apr; Vol. 119, pp. 103700. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Mar 14. - Publication Year :
- 2020
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Abstract
- Background: The lack of mass transfer in microgravity might be the underlying cause of disuse osteoporosis in astronauts after long-term space flights. The osteons are cylindrical structures and are the main structural units of the diaphysis in long bones.<br />Methods: A multi-scale 3D fluid-solid coupled finite element model of osteon with a two-stage pore structure was developed using COMSOL software in order to investigate solute transport behaviors in the lacunar-canalicular system (LCS) induced by physiological strain loading. Certain small molecules that are necessary as solutes in tissue fluid for osteocyte metabolism were simplified to micro-particles. A comparative analysis of solute transport behaviors in the LCS induced by physiological strain loading was conducted with a frequency of 0.2-2.5 Hz in microgravity and the Earth's gravitational fields.<br />Results: The average velocity of solute transport in lacunae in microgravity was 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than in Earth's gravitational field. The number of particles that represented solute transport quantity in the middle and deep lacunae increased steadily with a load frequency within the Earth's gravitational field. However, it differed based on the load frequency in microgravity, with the number of particles increasing with frequencies in the range of 0.2-0.5 Hz and 0.8-2 Hz, and decreasing with frequencies in the range of 0.5-0.8 Hz.<br />Conclusions: A moving load with appropriate frequency could promote solute transport to the middle and deep lacunae, effectively preventing apoptosis of deep osteocytes due to a lack of nutrients. The results of this study provided theoretical guidance for preventing bone loss in astronauts during long-term space flights.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None Declared.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Bone and Bones
Computer Simulation
Humans
Osteocytes
Osteoporosis
Weightlessness
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1879-0534
- Volume :
- 119
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Computers in biology and medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32339112
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.103700