Phenomenological model of bone remodeling cycle containing osteocyte regulation loop

• Published in: BioSystems Vol. 84; no. 3; pp. 183 - 190
• Main Authors: Moroz, Adam, Crane, Martin C., Smith, Geoff, Wimpenny, David Ian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-06-2006
• Subjects: Animals; Basic multicellular unit; Bone remodeling; Bone Remodeling - physiology; Cell Differentiation - physiology; Cell Proliferation; Computer Simulation; Feedback - physiology; Homeostasis - physiology; Humans; Mathematical model; Models, Biological; Osteoblasts - cytology; Osteoblasts - physiology; Osteoclasts - cytology; Osteoclasts - physiology; Osteocytes - cytology; Osteocytes - physiology; Osteogenesis - physiology; Mathematical model; Basic multicellular unit; Bone remodeling
• ISSN: 0303-2647; 1872-8324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2005.11.002

Biological parameters, such as bone resorption and formation constants, are important variables to achieve optimised hard tissue scaffolds design. To help to understand the modelling process that occurs when a scaffold is implanted it is vital to understand the rather complex bone remodeling process prevalent in native bone. One approach to developing a mathematical model that predicts osteoactivity both in scaffolds, as well as in bone in vivo, is based on a bio-cybernetic vision of basic multicellular unit (BMU) action –
Komarova et al. (2003). In the case of the model presented in this paper, an additional loop of regulation based on osteocyte activity has been added. This approach has resulted in a four-dimensional system, which shows steady-quasi-cyclic behaviour using a particular range of constants with real biological meaning. The initial findings suggesting that the basic steady-state appears as a torus in multidimensional phase space have been discussed. The existence of this surface in the osteoclasts–osteoblasts-osteocytes-bone subspace indicates that there is a first integral for this dynamic system. Biological and physical interpretation of this integral as a conservative value has been proposed. It is possible to draw an analogy between this conservative value, as a kind of substrate–energy regenerative potential of the bone remodeling system with a molecular nature, to the classical physical value (energy). There are clear indications that there is recovering potential within the BMU that results in a steady operating genetically predominated bone remodeling process. This recovering potential is directed against both mechanical and biomechanical damage to the bone. The current model has credibility when compared to the normal bone remodeling process. However, additional work is required to study a wider range of constants.