Exploring the Microstructure of Bones: Advancements in Osteoporosis Research

2023-07-11 11:10:22

Osteoporosis and osteoporosis come with aging. when you get older Many things in the body will deteriorate over time. whether the hair turns white wrinkled skin His eyes began to fade Not even the bones that gradually lose calcium mass slowly since the age of 40 years and even faster in menopausal women. Men can get osteoporosis too. but may occur later than women Either way, more than half of people over the age of 70 have thinning bones or hidden osteoporosis. One day in the future, you may break your bones and don’t know if they will recover to normal or not. It is estimated that more than 30% of women aged 65 years and over have osteoporosis, almost completely unaware of the dangerously rapid decrease in bone mass. There are many diseases and other disorders that can precipitate osteoporosis, such as high blood pressure. Thalassemia, diabetes, lack of exercise Excess consumption of salt, etc.

The major challenge is Visualization of microstructures of bone, on the micrometer or nanometer scale. which is much smaller than a human hair Ordinary scientific instruments are invisible. But what if there was a special tool that would allow researchers to see the inner structure of the bone in detail? It will allow the development of methods for diagnosing and treating osteopenia and osteoporosis at an early stage. Patients may know years in advance of the onset of symptoms. It is fortunate for Thai researchers at the Synchrotron Light Research Institute. (Public Organization) has high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging technology that opens up the microscopic worlds inside bones to be seen more clearly than ever. Inside the vacuum tube of the synchrotron light generator Electrons circulate in a circular accelerator at nearly the speed of light. before being transported to the electron confinement loop In it, electrons are forced to move in a circular motion under the influence of a magnetic field. This results in the electron emitting a photon or parallel light. high intensity brighter than the light from the sun that we can see Photons from Thailand’s synchrotron light generator cover a wide spectrum of frequencies, such as infrared, visible light. Ultraviolet rays, X-rays, etc. Researchers can select specific frequencies, such as X-rays and infrared, to study bone structure and proteins, respectively.

For more than 5 years, Professor Dr. Naratthaphon Charoenphan, M.D. from the Calcium and Bone Research Unit and the Department of Physiology Faculty of Science Mahidol University and members Science Center Royal Society along with Assistant Professor Dr. Watcharaporn, MD. Tiyasat Kulkowit from the Department of Biology Faculty of Science Chulalongkorn University and a research team of more than 10 people, together with Dr. Cattleya Rojwiriya, Dr. Kanchana Thamnu and Dr. Nantaporn Kamolsuthipaijit from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization) to study the microstructure of bone. whether the bone fibers are solid structures The cortex is the outer part of the bone. proteins and collagen nets in bone tissue, etc., leading to the discovery of information that Mice suffering from high blood pressure had thinner bone fibers. small porous Nanometer and micrometer size inserts in bone tissue arrangement of collagen molecules and the structure of some proteins was different from that found in healthy mice. In mice that ate too much salt. which is similar to those who are addicted to salty taste Abnormalities in bone tissue were also found, such as increased porosity of the thigh and shin bones. Therefore, whether the disease is high blood pressure. or consuming too much sodium salt All affect the hard and protein structure of the bone. The greater the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures for the elderly. which is at an age where high blood pressure is often found in conjunction with it

In addition to the above research Calcium and Bone Research Unit Faculty of Science Mahidol University Synchrotron light was also used to study the bone structure of rats suffering from thalassemia. which is a common anemia in Thailand in which red blood cells produce little or no globin protein This mouse strain comes in collaboration with the Institute of Molecular Biosciences. Mahidol University which has world-leading research on thalassemia When rats were sick with thalassemia Although the symptoms are generally mild However, bone abnormalities can be found at a young age, such as thin and porous bones within. Not surprisingly, synchrotron light detects bone abnormalities early on. There is no need to wait until the rats are old or have osteoporotic fractures, and of course synchrotron light will be an important tool for evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs, herbs, medical devices. Or a diet developed to help build bones or slow down bone deterioration.

There are many challenges in the future. Although synchrotron 3D X-rays provide good detail of the bone structure, But if there are other technologies to help enhance the potential, such as artificial intelligence or automated analysis of 3D X-ray images using high-performance computers. It will help researchers work faster. and may lead to unraveling the secrets of nature that are the targets of modern drug development. or other forms of treatment such as exercise to slow down bone degeneration Can’t deny that Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), one of the agencies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (NorWor.) is an important force of Thai researchers. to help create high-quality international research to benefit the Thai economy and society quickly and sustainably

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