Research Status and Development Prospects of Osteocyte Microenvironment Regulating Bone Regeneration After Fracture

Abstract

Osteocytes, the most prolific and longest lived resident cell population embedded in the mineralised skeletal matrix, have evolved from putative passive placeholders to active conductors of skeletal metabolism and regeneration. After bone fracture, the local osteocyte microenvironment, comprising the complex lacuno-canalicular fluid network, pericellular matrix, mechanical stress distribution, metabolic gradients and inflammatory signalling, is radically remodelled, in space and time. This research summarises the available data for the structural and functional mechanisms by which the osteocyte microenvironment may influence bone healing following fracture. We address the function of osteocytes in the translation of physical and chemical stimuli into particular bone repair, integrating classical concepts of mechanotransduction, apoptotic cascades of osteocytes, vascular-osteogenic link and immune-inflammatory control. Moreover, this paper highlights recent experimental and technological approaches developed to mimic or modulate the osteocyte niche, including mechanobiological stimulation, microfluidic platforms, and biomimetic scaffolds. Finally, we discuss in depth the significant translational restrictions and planned research paths in targeted treatments and multi-cellular regenerative systems.