Characterization of Age-Related Bone Changes
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Characterization of Age-Related Bone Changes

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes continuous remodeling throughout life, influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, mechanical loading, and cellular activity. As individuals age, the balance between bone resorption and formation is disrupted, resulting in a decrease in bone density and changes in bone quality. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in postmenopausal women and elderly men, where the risk of osteoporosis becomes a significant concern.

The aging process results in a reduction in the population of MSCs and osteoblasts, while there is an increase in osteoclasts and adipocytes, along with heightened levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Fig. 1 Age-related transformations in bone structure involve a decrease in bone mass and alterations in microarchitecture. (Mi B, et al., 2024)

At CD BioSciences, we provide a complete suite of preclinical services for the in-depth characterization of age-related bone changes, supporting clients in unveiling the mechanisms of bone aging and evaluating potential anti-aging therapeutics.

Characterization of Cell Senescence in Bone

Senescent bone cells are key contributors to bone aging through their impaired function and pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype. At CD BioSciences, we provide analyses of senescence across different bone cell types, including osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

We provide senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining to identify senescent cells using in vitro bone models. Our scientists also help clients conduct secretome profiling to measure senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, which are known to disrupt bone remodeling and promote inflammatory bone loss. Our company also offers single-cell RNA sequencing and epigenetic profiling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblast progenitors. Our tools enable the identification of senescent subpopulations that accumulate in aging bone.

Characterization of Age-Related Bone Changes in Animal Models

CD BioSciences offers rodent and non-human primate models to study age-related bone changes in vivo. Our services encompass both structural and functional analyses of age-related bone deterioration, enabling preclinical evaluation of bone targeted therapeutics.

Characterization of age-related changes in bone morphology

Bone morphology undergoes significant remodeling with age, characterized by cortical thinning, trabecular perforation, and changes in bone geometry. Our experts use high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to quantify changes in trabecular microarchitectural parameters, including thickness, separation, number, and bone volume fraction. We also offer histomorphometric analyses on undecalcified bone sections using Goldner's trichrome and von Kossa staining to visualize mineral deposition and matrix organization.

Characterization of age-related changes in bone structure

Aging disrupts the microscopic organization of bone, including collagen fiber orientation, mineralization patterns, and osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network integrity. CD BioSciences offers polarized light microscopy and second harmonic generation imaging to analyze collagen structure and fiber alignment. We assist clients in evaluating mineral density distribution using quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) and Raman spectroscopy to detect heterogeneity in bone mineralization. We also offer imaging and analysis of osteocyte morphology and network connectivity via confocal microscopy and 3D reconstruction. Using quantitative proteomics, Western blot, and ELISA, we support clients in assessing the expression and post-translational modifications of key structural proteins such as type I collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein.

Age-related bone changes are multifactorial and manifest at the molecular, cellular, and structural levels. CD BioSciences offers comprehensive services to characterize age-related bone changes, from detecting cell senescence in bone to assessing age-related changes in morphology and structure. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.

References

  1. Mi B, et al. Ageing-related bone and immunity changes: insights into the complex interplay between the skeleton and the immune system. Bone Res, 2024, 12 (1): 42.
  2. Boskey AL, Coleman R. Aging and bone. J Dent Res, 2010, 89 (12): 1333-48.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.