A study conducted by an international team, led by specialists from the University of Hong Kong, showed that physical activity contributes effectively to preventing osteoporosis problems.
The researchers pointed out that the PiezO1 protein in the body plays the role of a “motion sensor” within the bones, responding to the mechanical pressure resulting from walking, running, or exercise. Experiments showed that when this protein is activated, it directs stem cells in the bone marrow to form new bone cells instead of turning into fat cells, a process that explains how exercise strengthens bones.
In experiments conducted on mice, removing the Piezo1 protein from the body led to a decrease in bone density and an accumulation of fat in the bone marrow. The mice, by removing it, also lost the ability to benefit from the positive effect of exercise in strengthening bones. This helped scientists understand how to convert mechanical stress into specific biological signals that protect bones from osteoporosis.
Researchers believe that understanding this mechanism opens up prospects for developing new methods to prevent and treat osteoporosis, especially for people who are unable to exercise regularly, stressing that the current results are still in the pre-clinical studies stage.
Health experts confirm that walking and exercising daily, and following a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamins and minerals, are all natural and effective ways to maintain bone health, especially as we get older.
