Keywords
Mechanotransduction; Collagen; Extracorporeal shock therapy; Pulsed electromagnetic waves; Low intensity vibrations; Vacuum assisted wound healing; Physical therapy; Cartilage; Bone; Skin; Scar; Tendon; Nerve; Cardiovascular tissue; Tissue engineering; Chronic wounds
Abstract
Gravity plays a central role in vertebrate development, evolution and repair and regeneration responses. Recent studies suggest that tissue repair may in part be stimulated by mechanical loading of tissues in a process by which addition of mechanical energy leads to changes in tissue metabolism by mechanotransduction. In this paper we summarize reported research studies on how mechanotransduction can stimulate repair of tissues to enable clinicians to promote healing of chronic wounds and assist in the facilitation of production of tissue engineered products.
External energy in the form of extracorporeal shock waves, low intensity vibrations, pulsed electromagnetic waves and vacuum assisted wound healing have been used to promote healing. Results of research studies on cells and tissues suggest that mechanical loading can down-regulate inflammation, modify natural immune responses during healing and is also associated with promoting angiogenesis. Using vibrational OCT, a non destructive and non-invasive method to measure mechanical properties of tissues and implants, it is possible to evaluate the effects of mechanotransduction on repair responses. Further studies are needed to optimize the healing effects of mechanotransduction in bone, tendon, cartilage, nerve, myocardium, cardiovascular tissue, and skin.
Citation
Silver FH and Silver LL. Gravity, Mechanotransduction and Healing: How Mechanical Forces Promote Tissue Repair. SM J Biomed Eng. 2017; 3(4): 1023.