Fig. 3
From: Immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of distraction osteogenesis
Immune-related biological processes during the consolidation period of DO. The number of osteogenic-related cytokines and signaling pathway-related molecules, which highly expressed in the distraction period, rapidly declines to achieve microenvironment transformation to promote bone remodeling. RANKL/OPG plays an important role in bone remodeling. Moreover, TGF-β1 receptors rapidly decline in the fibrous area, leading a decline of cell proliferation capacity to enter differentiation and maturity. After sufficient remodeling and mineralization, new mature lamellar bone similar to the natural bone structure are formed
