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Novel Insights into Bone Tissue: Pathologies and Therapeutic Strategies
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Novel Insights into Bone Tissue: Pathologies and Therapeutic Strategies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2026) | Viewed by 9417

Editor

Dr. Francesca Salamanna

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Instituto Ortopedizo Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Interests: biocompatibility; tissue engineering; stem cells and regenerative medicine; cell biology; advanced in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bone tissue, with its intricate physiology and susceptibility to a wide range of pathologies, remains a critical focus of scientific research. Understanding its mechanisms and disorders is essential for addressing global health challenges, as bone-related diseases, ranging from osteoporosis to rare genetic disorders, affect millions worldwide. This Special Issue highlights fundamental discoveries and clinical practice advancements, publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that explore the molecular, cellular, and biomechanical aspects of bone health and disease. Topics of interest include the etiology and progression of bone disorders, innovative diagnostic tools, the interplay between bone and systemic conditions, and the development of cutting-edge therapeutic approaches, such as regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and pharmacological interventions. Researchers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary teams are invited to contribute original research, reviews, and case studies that advance the field, foster deeper understanding, and drive transformative clinical applications to improve patient outcomes globally.

Dr. Francesca Salamanna
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bone tissue
  • pathologies
  • regenerative medicine
  • biomechanics
  • diagnostics
  • therapeutic strategies

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

28 pages, 2549 KB  
Review
Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Lumbar Disc Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Francesca Salamanna, Riccardo Ghermandi, Francesca Veronesi, Veronica Borsari, Cristiana Griffoni, Alessandro Gasbarrini and Gianluca Giavaresi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3810; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093810 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1544
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising regenerative treatments for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), but their comparative efficacy is unclear. This systematic review and indirect meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework, evaluated their effects on [...] Read more.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising regenerative treatments for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), but their comparative efficacy is unclear. This systematic review and indirect meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework, evaluated their effects on pain, function, and safety. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched, yielding 1694 records, of which 21 studies (nine randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 12 prospective studies) were included. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, and risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined pain and disability at 6 and 12 months using a random-effects model. Indirect comparisons were performed using the Bucher method. Qualitative synthesis showed that PRP consistently reduced pain (often > 50%) and improved function, frequently outperforming corticosteroids. MSCs provided sustained benefits, with follow-up extending up to 72 months in some studies. Quantitative meta-analysis of five RCTs demonstrated that PRP significantly reduced pain at 6 months (mean difference [MD] −16.4 mm) and disability (ODI −12.7), with effects persisting at 12 months in one study. In contrast, MSCs showed a modest but significant reduction in pain (MD −4.3 mm) and minimal functional improvement. Indirect comparisons favored PRP over MSCs at 6 months. Both treatments exhibited favorable safety profiles, with mostly mild and transient adverse events. Overall, PRP appears more effective than MSCs in the short to mid-term, although both therapies are safe. Further high-quality head-to-head RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and define optimal clinical indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Bone Tissue: Pathologies and Therapeutic Strategies)
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26 pages, 2031 KB  
Review
Bone Defect Treatment in Regenerative Medicine: Exploring Natural and Synthetic Bone Substitutes
by Angelo Santoro, Andrea Voto, Luigi Fortino, Raffaella Guida, Carolina Laudisio, Mariarosaria Cillo and Anna Maria D’Ursi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3085; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073085 - 27 Mar 2025
Cited by 66 | Viewed by 7159
Abstract
In recent years, the management of bone defects in regenerative medicine and orthopedic surgery has been the subject of extensive research efforts. The complexity of fractures and bone loss arising from trauma, degenerative conditions, or congenital disorders necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies to promote [...] Read more.
In recent years, the management of bone defects in regenerative medicine and orthopedic surgery has been the subject of extensive research efforts. The complexity of fractures and bone loss arising from trauma, degenerative conditions, or congenital disorders necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies to promote effective healing. Although bone tissue exhibits an intrinsic regenerative capacity, extensive fractures and critical-sized defects can severely compromise this process, often requiring bone grafts or substitutes. Tissue engineering approaches within regenerative medicine have introduced novel possibilities for addressing nonunions and challenging bone defects refractory to conventional treatment methods. Key components in this field include stem cells, bioactive growth factors, and biocompatible scaffolds, with a strong focus on advancements in bone substitute materials. Both natural and synthetic substitutes present distinct characteristics and applications. Natural grafts—comprising autologous, allogeneic, and xenogeneic materials—offer biological advantages, while synthetic alternatives, including biodegradable and non-biodegradable biomaterials, provide structural versatility and reduced immunogenicity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse bone grafting alternatives utilized in orthopedic surgery, emphasizing recent advancements and persistent challenges. By exploring both natural and synthetic bone substitutes, this work offers an in-depth examination of cutting-edge solutions, fostering further research and innovation in the treatment of complex bone defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Bone Tissue: Pathologies and Therapeutic Strategies)
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