A mathematical model of epiphyseal development: hypothesis of growth pattern of the secondary ossification centre.
This paper introduces a 'hypothesis about the growth pattern of the secondary ossification centre (SOC)', whereby two phases are assumed. First, the formation of cartilage canals as an event essential for the development of the SOC. Second, once the canals are merged in the central zone of the epiphysis, molecular factors are released (primarily Runx2 and MMP9) spreading and causing hypertrophy of adjacent cells. In addition, there are two important molecular factors in the epiphysis: PTHrP and Ihh. The first one inhibits chondrocyte hypertrophy and the second helps the cell proliferation. Between these factors, there is negative feedback, which generates a highly localised and stable pattern over time. From a mathematical point of view, this pattern is similar to the patterns of Turing. The spread of Runx2 hypertrophies the cells from the centre to the periphery of the epiphysis until found with high levels of PTHrP to inhibit hypertrophy. This mechanism produces the epiphyseal bone-plate. Moreover, the hypertrophy is inhibited when the cells sense low shear stress and high pressure levels that maintain the articular cartilage structure. To test this hypothesis, we solve a system of coupled partial differential equations using the finite element method and we have obtained spatio-temporal patterns of the growth process of the SOC. The model is in qualitative agreement with experimental results previously reported by other authors. Thus, we conclude that this model can be used as a methodological basis to present a complete mathematical model of the whole epiphyseal development.
Group of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Methods GNUM-UN, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. dagarzona@bt.unal.edu.co
Diego Alexander
DA
Garzón-Alvarado
Liliana Mabel
LM
Peinado Cortés
Rosy Paola
RP
Cárdenas Sandoval
D049109:Cell Proliferation; D050657:Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits / Q000378:metabolism; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010012:Osteogenesis; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D050657:Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; C509246:IHH protein, human; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9