Scientists from the University of Ulm found that severe psychological stress impairs bone growth and fracture healing. Research published in the journal Nature Communication.
The research team, which included scientists from Canada and Japan, was able to show that during stress certain immune cells (neutrophil granulocytes) stimulate the release of the stress hormone catecholamines. The latter affects bone locally, slowing the transformation of cartilage cells into bone cells, thereby impairing bone growth and fracture healing.
Scientists have confirmed that this mechanism is observed in patients with ankle fractures. They also created genetically modified mice with blocked adrenergic receptors. They were insensitive to the action of catecholamines and therefore did not experience any problems with bone healing under stress.
The study’s findings could soon improve the treatment of fractures and other major injuries. It would be appropriate to consider the presence of stress in the patient’s medical history. In some cases, it may make sense to use beta-blockers, which block the effect of catecholamines on the heart, to reduce the negative effect of stress hormones on bone healing.
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