Ability of magnesium implants to remodel the osteoporotic immune microenvironment in a murine femoral fracture model

• Published in: Rare metals Vol. 44; no. 8; pp. 5672 - 5688
• Main Authors: Ma, Tian-Le, Zhou, Chun, Qi, Guo-Bin, Jiang, Chang, Jiang, Zeng-Xin, Wang, Xiao, An, Sen-Bo, Yu, Tao, Wang, Xiu-Hui, Zhang, Yue-Qi, Chen, Kai, Zheng, Yu-Feng, Wang, Zhe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Springer Nature B.V 01.08.2025
• Subjects: Biological effects; Fractures; Healing; Heterogeneity; Lymphocytes; Macrophages; Magnesium base alloys; Orthopaedic implants; Surgical implants
• ISSN: 1001-0521; 1867-7185
• DOI: 10.1007/s12598-025-03282-2

Osteoporotic fractures often exhibit delayed healing and repair difficulties in which the bone immune microenvironment may play a critical role, but direct evidence remains elusive. Recently, magnesium (Mg)-based alloys have emerged as promising biodegradable materials capable of promoting fracture healing. Herein, we performed internal fixation of high-purity Mg implants for osteoporotic fractures and used single-cell studies to investigate and elucidate the cellular heterogeneity and dynamic changes that occurred during osteoporotic fracture repair. We observed an early increase in immature neutrophil numbers, together with anti-inflammatory changes in lymphocytes and macrophages. A cluster of macrophages exhibited pro-angiogenic capabilities activated via the TRPM7/S100A4 pathway. These findings provide new theoretical insights into the biological effects of Mg-based materials on the healing of osteoporotic fractures.