Effects of Thermal Environment on Bone Microenvironment: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Skeletal Biology
• Environmental Physiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• The skeletal system's adaptation to thermal environments is complex.
• Existing research lacks a comprehensive understanding of the multi-level regulatory mechanisms involved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the triple regulation of skeletal systems by thermal environments at structural, cellular, and molecular levels.
• To explore the translational value of these findings for biomechanical protection and therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

• Investigation of thermal environment effects on bone tissue morphology and biomechanical properties.
• Analysis of cellular dynamics, including osteoblast, osteoclast, osteocyte, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell responses.
• Exploration of molecular mechanisms involving neural factors (CGRP, NPY) and signaling pathways (VEGF, TGFβ).

Main Results:

• Moderate heat enhances bone density and fracture load but can alter geometry.
• High temperatures negatively impact bone structure and biomechanical characteristics.
• Thermal environments modulate cellular proliferation/apoptosis and stem cell fate, forming temperature-dependent regulatory circuits.
• Heat stress influences molecular factors regulating bone formation/resorption, angiogenesis, and fat inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Thermal environments precisely regulate skeletal systems via structural, cellular, and molecular pathways.
• Findings provide a basis for protecting high-temperature workers and athletes.
• This research offers insights into heat stroke-related bone injury and osteoporosis.
• Establishes a foundation for developing temperature-responsive biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.