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Li L, Zhang G, Yang Z, Kang X. Stress-Activated Protein Kinases in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Unraveling the Impact of JNK and p38 MAPK. Biomolecules 2024; 14:393. [PMID: 38672411 PMCID: PMC11047866 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain. The pathophysiological development of IDD is closely related to the stimulation of various stressors, including proinflammatory cytokines, abnormal mechanical stress, oxidative stress, metabolic abnormalities, and DNA damage, among others. These factors prevent normal intervertebral disc (IVD) development, reduce the number of IVD cells, and induce senescence and apoptosis. Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), particularly, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), control cell signaling in response to cellular stress. Previous studies have shown that these proteins are highly expressed in degenerated IVD tissues and are involved in complex biological signal-regulated processes. Therefore, we summarize the research reports on IDD related to JNK and p38 MAPK. Their structure, function, and signal regulation mechanisms are comprehensively and systematically described and potential therapeutic targets are proposed. This work could provide a reference for future research and help improve molecular therapeutic strategies for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.L.); (G.Z.); (Z.Y.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guangzhi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.L.); (G.Z.); (Z.Y.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Zhili Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.L.); (G.Z.); (Z.Y.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.L.); (G.Z.); (Z.Y.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou 730030, China
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He Y, Liu S, Lin H, Ding F, Shao Z, Xiong L. Roles of organokines in intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1340625. [PMID: 38532900 PMCID: PMC10963452 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1340625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc is not isolated from other tissues. Recently, abundant research has linked intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration to various systemic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Organokines are a group of diverse factors named for the tissue of origin, including adipokines, osteokines, myokines, cardiokines, gastrointestinal hormones, and hepatokines. Through endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms, organokines modulate energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, and metabolic balance in various tissues to mediate cross-organ communication. These molecules are involved in the regulation of cellular behavior, inflammation, and matrix metabolism under physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we aimed to summarize the impact of organokines on disc homeostasis and degeneration and the underlying signaling mechanism. We focused on the regulatory mechanisms of organokines to provide a basis for the development of early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, JingMen Central Hospital, Jingmen, China
- Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liming Xiong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zou X, Wang Y, Qi J, Han S, Xin J, Zheng Z, Wei L, Zhang T, Zhang S. Unraveling the mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration: an exploration of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1324561. [PMID: 38313000 PMCID: PMC10834758 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1324561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is a worldwide spinal degenerative disease. Low back pain (LBP) is frequently caused by a variety of conditions brought on by IDD, including IVD herniation and spinal stenosis, etc. These conditions bring substantial physical and psychological pressure and economic burden to patients. IDD is closely tied with the structural or functional changes of the IVD tissue and can be caused by various complex factors like senescence, genetics, and trauma. The IVD dysfunction and structural changes can result from extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, differentiation, inflammation, oxidative stress, mechanical stress, and senescence of IVD cells. At present, the treatment of IDD is basically to alleviate the symptoms, but not from the pathophysiological changes of IVD. Interestingly, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway is involved in many processes of IDD, including inflammation, ECM degradation, apoptosis, senescence, proliferation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. These activities in degenerated IVD tissue are closely relevant to the development trend of IDD. Hence, the p38 MAPK signaling pathway may be a fitting curative target for IDD. In order to better understand the pathophysiological alterations of the intervertebral disc tissue during IDD and offer potential paths for targeted treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration, this article reviews the purpose of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingmin Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Zilin Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaosong Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Jinwei Qi
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Song Han
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Jingguo Xin
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
| | - Tianhui Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shaokun Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, China
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Zhang Y, Liu C, Li Y, Xu H. Mechanism of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway in the Process of Cartilage Endplate Stem Cell Degeneration Induced by Tension Load. Global Spine J 2023; 13:2396-2408. [PMID: 35400210 PMCID: PMC10538332 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221085226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Basic Research. OBJECTIVE Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is caused by the cartilage endplate (CEP). Cartilage endplate stem cell (CESC) is involved in the recovery of CEP degeneration. Tension load (TL) contributes a lot to the initiation and progression of IVDD. This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanism of the Mitogen-activated protein kinases/Mammalian target of rapamycin (MAPK/mTOR) pathway during TL-induced CESC degeneration. METHODS CESCs were isolated from New Zealand big-eared white female rabbits (6 months old). FX-4000T cell stress loading system was applied to establish a TL-induced degeneration model of CESCs. Western blotting was used to detect the level of mTOR pathway-related proteins and autophagy markers LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin-1, and p62 in degenerative CESCs. The expression of MAPK pathway-related proteins JNK and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in degenerated CESCs was inhibited by cell transfection to explore whether JNK and ERK play a regulatory role in TL-induced autophagy in CESCs. RESULTS In the CESC degeneration model, the mTOR pathway was activated. After inhibition of mTOR, the autophagy level of CESCs was increased, and the degeneration of CESCs was alleviated. The MAPK pathway was also activated in the CESC degeneration model. Inhibition of JNK expression may alleviate TL-induced CEP degeneration by inhibiting Raptor phosphorylation and activating autophagy. Inhibition of ERK expression may alleviate TL-induced CEP degeneration by inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation and activating autophagy. CONCLUSION Inhibition of JNK and ERK in the MAPK signaling family alleviated TL-induced CESC degeneration by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Raptor and mTOR in the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
| | - Chen Liu
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
| | - Yu Li
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
| | - Hongguang Xu
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
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Chen HH, Hsu HT, Liao MH, Teng MS. Effects of Sex and Obesity on LEP Variant and Leptin Level Associations in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012275. [PMID: 36293132 PMCID: PMC9603873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), for which obesity and genetics are known risk factors, is a chronic process that alters the structure and function of the intervertebral discs (IVD). Circulating leptin is positively correlated with body weight and is often measured to elucidate the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration. In this study, we examined the associations of LEP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genetic and environmental effects with IVDD. A total of 303 Taiwanese patients with IVDD (mean age, 58.6 ± 12.7 years) undergoing cervical discectomy for neck pain or lumbar discectomy for back pain were enrolled. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits measured the circulating plasma leptin levels. TaqMan SNP genotyping assays genotyped the LEP SNPs rs2167270 and rs7799039. Leptin levels were significantly increased in obese individuals (p < 0.001) and non-obese or obese women (p < 0.001). In the dominant model, recoded minor alleles of rs2167270 and rs7799039 were associated with higher leptin levels in all individuals (p = 0.011, p = 0.012). Further, the association between these LEP SNPs and leptin levels was significant only in obese women (p = 0.025 and p = 0.008, respectively). There was an interaction effect between sex and obesity, particularly among obese women (interaction p = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that these SNPs have sex-specific associations with BMI in IVDD patients, and that obesity and sex, particularly among obese women, may modify the LEP transcription effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Hong Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Ta Hsu
- Division of Neurosurgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsiu Liao
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Sheng Teng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 23142, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-6628-9779 (ext. 5790); Fax: +886-2-6628-9009
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Adipokine human Resistin promotes obesity-associated inflammatory intervertebral disc degeneration via pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade activation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8936. [PMID: 35624126 PMCID: PMC9142523 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipokine human Resistin (hResistin), is known to be associated with insulin resistance and secrete low-grade pro-inflammatory cytokines in obesity. Although studies on low-grade inflammation of adipokine hResistin are known, studies on the effects and mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) are still lacking. Thus, we investigated the adipokine hResistin with or without pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in intervertebral disc (IVD) cells such as human annulus fibrosus (hAF) and nucleus pulposus (hNP). The protein expression changes in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13, induced by the combined-hResistin and IL-1β stimulation on hAF cells, was significantly greater than that of the same induced by mono-IL-1β stimulation. Similarly, in the case of the protein expression change of inflammatory mediators induced by the combined-hResistin and IL-1β stimulation on hNP cells was also significantly greater than that of the same induced by mono-IL-1β stimulation. These results improve understanding of hResistin on inflammatory IVDD but also with other obesity-related inflammatory diseases.
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A new immunometabolic perspective of intervertebral disc degeneration. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:47-60. [PMID: 34845360 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00713-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common finding on spine imaging that increases in prevalence with age. IVD degeneration is a frequent cause of low back pain, which is a leading cause of disability. The process of IVD degeneration consists of gradual structural change accompanied by severe alterations in metabolic homeostasis. IVD degeneration, like osteoarthritis, is a common comorbidity in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, two metabolic syndrome pathological conditions in which adipokines are important promoters of low-grade inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation and fibrosis. Impairment in white adipose tissue function, due to the abnormal fat accumulation in obesity, is characterized by increased production of specific pro-inflammatory proteins such as adipokines by white adipose tissue and of cytokines such as TNF by immune cells of the stromal compartment. Investigations into the immunometabolic alterations in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and their interconnections with IVD degeneration provide insights into how adipokines might affect the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration and impair IVD function and repair. Toll-like receptor-mediated signalling has also been implicated as a promoter of the inflammatory response in the metabolic alterations associated with IVD and is thus thought to have a role in IVD degeneration. Pathological starvation, obesity and adipokine dysregulation can result in immunometabolic alterations, which could be targeted for the development of new therapeutics.
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Intervertebral Disc and Adipokine Leptin-Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010375. [PMID: 33396484 PMCID: PMC7795371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin—the most famous adipose tissue-secreted hormone—in the human body is mostly observed in a negative connotation, as the hormone level increases with the accumulation of body fat. Nowadays, fatness is becoming another normal body shape. Fatness is burdened with numerous illnesses—including low back pain and degenerative disease of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD). IVD degeneration and IVD inflammation are two indiscerptible phenomena. Irrespective of the underlying pathophysiological background (trauma, obesity, nutrient deficiency), the inflammation is crucial in triggering IVD degeneration. Leptin is usually depicted as a proinflammatory adipokine. Many studies aimed at explaining the role of leptin in IVD degeneration, though mostly in in vitro and on animal models, confirmed leptin’s “bad reputation”. However, several studies found that leptin might have protective role in IVD metabolism. This review examines the current literature on the metabolic role of different depots of adipose tissue, with focus on leptin, in pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.
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Natelson DM, Lai A, Krishnamoorthy D, Hoy RC, Iatridis JC, Illien-Jünger S. Leptin signaling and the intervertebral disc: Sex dependent effects of leptin receptor deficiency and Western diet on the spine in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227527. [PMID: 32374776 PMCID: PMC7202633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are associated with back pain in juveniles and adults and are implicated in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Hypercaloric Western diets are associated with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine if obesity and type 2 diabetes result in spinal pathology in a sex-specific manner using in vivo diabetic and dietary mouse models. Leptin is an appetite-regulating hormone, and its deficiency leads to polyphagia, resulting in obesity and diabetes. Leptin is also associated with IVD degeneration, and increased expression of its receptor was identified in degenerated IVDs. We used young, leptin receptor deficient (Db/Db) mice to mimic the effect of diet and diabetes on adolescents. Db/Db and Control mice were fed either Western or Control diets, and were sacrificed at 3 months of age. Db/Db mice were obese, while only female mice developed diabetes. Female Db/Db mice displayed altered IVD morphology, with increased intradiscal notochordal band area, suggesting delayed IVD cell proliferation and differentiation, rather than IVD degeneration. Motion segments from Db/Db mice exhibited increased failure risk with decreased torsional failure strength. Db/Db mice also had inferior bone quality, which was most prominent in females. We conclude that obesity and diabetes due to impaired leptin signaling contribute to pathological changes in vertebrae, as well as an immature IVD phenotype, particularly of females, suggesting a sex-dependent role of leptin in the spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devorah M. Natelson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Alon Lai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Divya Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Hoy
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Svenja Illien-Jünger
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hsu HT, Yue CT, Teng MS, Tzeng IS, Li TC, Tai PA, Huang KF, Chen CY, Ko YL. Immuohistochemical score of matrix metalloproteinase-1 may indicate the severity of symptomatic cervical and lumbar disc degeneration. Spine J 2020; 20:124-137. [PMID: 31408735 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is related to numerous risk factors, including obesity. Leptin, one of the commonly measured adipokines, is proven to play an important role in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration. In the context of IVD degeneration, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), which is upregulated and activated by leptin, is the most abundant catabolic enzyme. It remains unclear which of the factors mentioned above is most strongly associated with IVD degeneration. PURPOSE To investigate the influence of MMP-1 in IVD degeneration, we determined the strength of different predictors, including age, sex, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Modic changes (MCs), body mass index (BMI), leptin, and MMP-1. This was achieved by assessing the correlation among these factors and histologic degeneration score (HDS). STUDY DESIGN This study included 89 patients undergoing cervical discectomy for disc herniation, 93 who underwent lumbar discectomy, and 90 control subjects. Herniated disc tissue and plasma were used after the study was approved by the Human Ethics Review Committee at the authors' institution. METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Alcian blue-PAS and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed to measure the expression levels of leptin and MMP-1. Circulating plasma levels of leptin and MMP-1 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess the correlation with HDS, measurements of age, sex, BMI, MRI scale, MCs scale, leptin/MMP-1 plasma concentration, and leptin/MMP-1 IHC expression were analyzed. RESULTS Patients with cervical or lumbar discectomy had significantly higher BMI than controls. Significantly more men than women were involved in the lumbar patients as compared with the cervical patients and the control subjects. After adjustment for age and sex, plasma leptin and leptin IHC score correlated significantly with BMI in patients with cervical or lumbar discectomy. Age, sex, MRI scale, MCs scale, and leptin/MMP-1 plasma concentration were not positively correlated with HDS. HDS was significantly associated with BMI, leptin IHC score, and MMP-1 IHC score. After a stepwise-multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the strength of the correlations between HDS and various factors, only the MMP-1 IHC score demonstrated an independent association with HDS in patients with degeneration of the cervical or lumbar disc. CONCLUSIONS MMP-1 IHC score is an independent predictor of the severity of cervical or lumbar IVD degeneration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE MMP-1 IHC score may be used as an indicator of IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ta Hsu
- Division of Neurosurgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Tai Yue
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Sheng Teng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - I-Shiang Tzeng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tin-Chou Li
- Division of Neurosurgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Po-An Tai
- Division of Neurosurgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Feng Huang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Ko
- School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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11
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Saiyin W, Li L, Zhang H, Lu Y, Qin C. Inactivation of FAM20B causes cell fate changes in annulus fibrosus of mouse intervertebral disc and disc defects via the alterations of TGF-β and MAPK signaling pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:165555. [PMID: 31513834 PMCID: PMC7194007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) disorder is often caused by the defect of annulus fibrosus (AF), especially that of the outer AF. Studies about the mechanisms governing the development of the outer AF are needed for a better understanding of pathogenesis of IVD defects. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are essential components of extracellular matrix (ECM) in AF. FAM20B is a newly identified xylose kinase that catalyzes the biosynthesis of GAGs. In this study, we created Fam20B conditional knockout (cKO) mice in which FAM20B was inactivated in type I collagen-expressing cells, the main type of cells in the outer AF of IVD. The cKO mice showed severe spine deformity and remarkable IVD defects associated with AF malformation. The AF of cKO mice had a lower level of chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate, and the outer AF cells lost their normal fibroblast-like morphology and acquired chondrocyte phenotypes, expressing a higher level of Sox 9 and type II collagen along with a reduced level of type I collagen. The level of phospho-Smad 2 and phospho-Smad 3, and that of scleraxis, a downstream target molecule of canonical TGF-β signaling pathway were significantly lower in the AF of cKO mice. The AF in cKO mice also manifested altered levels in the molecules associated with the activations of MAPK pathway; the changes included the increase of phospho-P38 and phospho-ERK and a decrease of phospho-JNK. These results indicate that FAM20B plays an essential role in the development of AF by regulating the TGF-β signaling and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuliji Saiyin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Yongbo Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Chunlin Qin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
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Ruiz-Fernández C, Francisco V, Pino J, Mera A, González-Gay MA, Gómez R, Lago F, Gualillo O. Molecular Relationships among Obesity, Inflammation and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Are Adipokines the Common Link? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20082030. [PMID: 31027158 PMCID: PMC6515363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20082030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a chronic, expensive, and high-incidence musculoskeletal disorder largely responsible for back/neck and radicular-related pain. It is characterized by progressive degenerative damage of intervertebral tissues along with metabolic alterations of all other vertebral tissues. Despite the high socio-economic impact of IVDD, little is known about its etiology and pathogenesis, and currently, no cure or specific treatments are available. Recent evidence indicates that besides abnormal and excessive mechanical loading, inflammation may be a crucial player in IVDD. Furthermore, obese adipose tissue is characterized by a persistent and low-grade production of systemic pro-inflammatory factors. In this context, chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity has been hypothesized as an important contributor to IVDD through different, but still unknown, mechanisms. Adipokines, such as leptin, produced prevalently by white adipose tissues, but also by other cells of mesenchymal origin, particularly cartilage and bone, are cytokine-like hormones involved in important physiologic and pathophysiological processes. Although initially restricted to metabolic functions, adipokines are now viewed as key players of the innate and adaptative immune system and active modulators of the acute and chronic inflammatory response. The goal of this review is to summarize the most recent findings regarding the interrelationships among inflammation, obesity and the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the IVDD, with particular emphasis on the contribution of adipokines and their potential as future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Ruiz-Fernández
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), The NEIRID Group (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Building C, Travesía da Choupana S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Vera Francisco
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), The NEIRID Group (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Building C, Travesía da Choupana S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Jesus Pino
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), The NEIRID Group (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Building C, Travesía da Choupana S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Antonio Mera
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude), Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Travesía da Choupana S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Miguel Angel González-Gay
- Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Universidad de Cantabria and IDIVAL, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. Valdecilla, 39008 Santander, Spain.
| | - Rodolfo Gómez
- Musculoskeletal Pathology Group. SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), Research Laboratory 9, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Francisca Lago
- Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Group, SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), Research Laboratory 7, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Oreste Gualillo
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), The NEIRID Group (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Building C, Travesía da Choupana S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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13
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The Role of Adipokines in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:medsci6020034. [PMID: 29695079 PMCID: PMC6024372 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an important cause of low back pain. Recent evidence suggests that in addition to abnormal and excessive mechanical loading, inflammation may be a key driver for both IDD and low back pain. Obesity, a known mechanical risk factor of IDD, is now increasingly being recognized as a systemic inflammatory state with adipokines being postulated as likely inflammatory mediators. The aim of this review was to summarize the current literature regarding the inflammatory role of adipokines in the pathophysiology of IDD. A systematic literature search was performed using the OVID Medline, EMBASE and PubMed databases to identify all studies assessing IDD and adipokines. Fifteen studies were included in the present review. Leptin was the most commonly assessed adipokine. Ten of 15 studies were conducted in humans; three in rats and two in both humans and rats. Studies focused on a variety of topics ranging from receptor identification, pathway analysis, genetic associations, and proteonomics. Currently, data from both human and animal experiments demonstrate significant effects of leptin and adiponectin on the internal milieu of intervertebral discs. However, future studies are needed to determine the molecular pathway relationships between adipokines in the pathophysiology of IDD as avenues for future therapeutic targets.
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Lu H, Cao X, Chen Q, Chen L, Chen L, Gan M. The expression and role of MEKK3 in renal clear cell carcinoma. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 298:727-34. [PMID: 25388155 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
To explore the relationship between Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 3(MEKK3) and cell apoptosis, clinicopathology, and prognosis, we characterize the expression of MEKK3, survivin and stat3 in renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC). The expressions were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot from 15 cases of RCCC and 15 cases of control group (CG). Protein expression was detected by tissue microarray and immunochemistry in 98 cases of RCCC, 28 cases of CG. Expression patterns were analyzed for their association with pathological factors, correlation and prognosis in RCCC. Expression of MEKK3, survivin and stat3 mRNA was significantly higher in RCCC than in CG (P < 0.01). MEKK3, survivin and stat3 expression differed significantly between pathological grade (P < 0.05) and clinical stage (P < 0.05). MEKK3 expression was positively correlated with survivin and stat3 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, we investigated the role of MEKK3 in RCCC using the technique of RNA silencing via small interfering (siRNA) in ACHN cells. The results indicated that the targeted depletion of MEKK3 caused a dramatic massive apoptotic cell death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that MEKK3 and survivin expression, pathological grade, and clinical stage reduced cumulative survival. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that MEKK3, survivin, and clinical staging were independent prognostic factors in renal cancer (P < 0.05). MEKK3 can be used as an important marker of prognostic evaluation in RCCC. The mechanism may be closely related to cell apoptosis. Targeted therapy of MEKK3 may provide a new strategy for treatment of chemotherapeutic-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Lu
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
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Xu DG, Lv W, Dai CY, Zhu FF, Xu GH, Ma ZJ, Chen Z. 2-(Pro-1-ynyl)-5-(5,6-dihydroxypenta-1,3-diynyl) thiophene induces apoptosis through reactive oxygen species-mediated JNK activation in human colon cancer SW620 cells. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 298:376-85. [PMID: 25178491 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
2-(Pro-1-ynyl)-5-(5,6-dihydroxypenta-1,3-diynyl) thiophene (PYDDT) is a naturally occurring thiophene isolated from the roots of Echinops grijsii, a Chinese herbal medicine used to treat colon cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. There are many reports on the clinical use of Echinops grijsii alone or in combination with other herbs to treat malignant tumors. We previously reported that the expression and activity of phase II enzymes including GSTs and NQO1 could be induced through the activation of Keap1-Nrf2 pathway by the treatment of PYDDT. In this study, we reported the anticancer effect and mechanism of PYDDT against human colon cancer SW620 cells. Our results demonstrate that treatment of SW620 cells with PYDDT leads to induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, which is characterized by the cleavage of PARP, activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulation of Bcl-2, and mitochondrial translocation of Bax. The PYDDT treatment caused the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of JNK but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and ERK1/2. Specific JNK inhibitor SP600125 prevented the PYDDT-induced down-regulation of Bcl-2, mitochondrial translocation of Bax, activation of caspase 3, and apoptosis of SW620 cells. Moreover, PYDDT-induced apoptosis as well as activation of JNK was abrogated by the pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Taken together, these findings suggest that PYDDT induces apoptosis in SW620 cells through a ROS/JNK-mediated mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao Gun Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Wenling, China
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