Mathematical modeling to elucidate underlying matrix mechanisms in the mechanical response of biological soft tissues
Description
The application of mechanics to biology and medicine has enabled progress towards improvement of human health. Combined experimental and computational approaches have improved understanding of underlying tissue mechanisms under normal and pathological conditions. It has long been thought that tissues undergo growth i.e. change in mass and/or remodeling i.e. change in structure in response to mechanical loading, this hypothesis motivated the development of growth and remodeling (G&R) models. G&R models are computational tools developed based on the hypothesis that cells seek to establish, maintain, and restore a preferred mechanical environment through the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix components. Homeostasis is attained through a dynamic balance between both processes. A large or sustained perturbation of this balance may lead to pathological conditions requiring clinical interventions when the cells are unable to restore the preferred homeostatic state. Further, results of in silico experiments within these tools have suggested tissue engineering and clinical strategies and critical timing thereof, to potentially achieve better outcomes for procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgeries, and tissue-engineered graft design and implantation. However, while significant strides have been made in the understanding of cardiovascular diseases, other tissues such as soft orthopedic tissues and more so, women’s reproductive tissues are grossly understudied in this regard. Hence, it is unsurprisingly that limited progress has been made in improving outcomes of interventions post-injury such as in tendons, and in either managing or reversing pathological conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse which affects significant portion of the world population. Therefore, in this regard, there is a pressing need to develop and leverage mathematical models – including first-generation G&R computational tools specific to these relatively understudied tissues to better understand underlying critical mechanisms in homeostasis and pathological processes. Herein, the relations required to develop these tools, preliminary studies conducted in this regard, and future work are described and discussed.