Objective To review the osteogenic mechanism and osteogenic effects of bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP-6) so as to provide the basis for further research of BMP-6. Methods The related articles about the osteogenic mechanism and the osteogenic effects of BMP-6 in experimental animals were extensively summarized. Results BMP-6 from bone matrix can transduct the osteogenic signal to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by means of Smad protein signal transduction pathway. And the BMSCs which received the signals will differentiate into osteoblasts and chondroblasts. Therefore, BMP-6 plays an important role in the development and maturation of bone and cartilage. In addition, BMP-6 has a close relation with bone diseases, such as fracture, osteoporosis, and bone tumor. Conclusion The deep research of BMP-6 is expected to provide a new therapeutic approach for treating bone diseases of nonunion, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
Objective To review the research progress of the osteogenic effect of strontium (Sr) and its application in the orthopaedics. Methods The recent literature concerning the osteogenic effect of Sr and its application in orthopaedics at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the research and development were summarized. Results Both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that Sr could enhance bone formation and inhibit bone resorption. Clinically, Sr was applied for treatment of osteoporosis, composite biomaterials in tissue engineering, and treatment of bone tumors and bone metastases. Conclusion Sr is one important combined element of alternative materials in bone tissue engineering, and can strengthen the mechanical and biological properties of the bone replacement material, so it has some development potential in bone tissue engineering.