[Cartilage formation and regeneration by mechanical stress].

Every cell in our body is subject to mechanical stress and responds to mechanical stimulation. Especially, tissues which function as a supportive tissue such as bone or cartilage utilize these stimulation during tissue formation and maintenance. Several lines of extensive studies have revealed the effects and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in cartilage or three dimensional engineered tissue. Furthermore, these biological responses to mechanical stimulation are thought to enhance cartilage formation or regeneration in vitro . Mechanical stimulation to a cultured tissue is thought to be a feasible strategy to develop a new cartilage therapy.