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Bonilla AF, Sikes KJ, Burton LH, Chow L, Kurihara J, Santangelo K, Dow SW, Easley JT. Immunization against nucleus pulposus antigens to accelerate degenerative disc disease in a rabbit model. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1382652. [PMID: 38803805 PMCID: PMC11128595 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1382652] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain poses a significant societal burden, with progressive intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) emerging as a pivotal contributor to chronic pain. Improved animal models of progressive IDD are needed to comprehensively investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to managing IDD. Recent studies underscore the immune system's involvement in IDD, particularly with regards to the role of immune privileged tissues such as the nucleus pulposus (NP) becoming an immune targeting following initial disc injury. We therefore hypothesized that generating an active immune response against NP antigens with an NP vaccine could significantly accelerate and refine an IDD animal model triggered by mechanical puncture of the disc. To address this question, rabbits were immunized against NP antigens following disc puncture, and the impact on development of progressive IDD was assessed radiographically, functionally, and histologically compared between vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals over a 12-week period. Immune responses to NP antigens were assessed by ELISA and Western blot. We found that the vaccine elicited strong immune responses against NP antigens, including a dominant ~37 kD antigen. Histologic evaluation revealed increases IDD in animals that received the NP vaccine plus disc puncture, compared to disc puncture and vaccine only animals. Imaging evaluation evidenced a decrease in disc height index and higher scores of disc degeneration in animals after disc punctures and in those animals that received the NP vaccine in addition to disc puncture. These findings therefore indicate that it is possible to elicit immune responses against NP antigens in adult animals, and that these immune responses may contribute to accelerated development of IDD in a novel immune-induced and accelerated IDD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Katie J. Sikes
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lindsey H. Burton
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jade Kurihara
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kelly Santangelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Steven W. Dow
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Xiang H, Zhao W, Jiang K, He J, Chen L, Cui W, Li Y. Progress in regulating inflammatory biomaterials for intervertebral disc regeneration. Bioact Mater 2024; 33:506-531. [PMID: 38162512 PMCID: PMC10755503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is rising worldwide and leading to significant health issues and financial strain for patients. Traditional treatments for IVDD can alleviate pain but do not reverse disease progression, and surgical removal of the damaged disc may be required for advanced disease. The inflammatory microenvironment is a key driver in the development of disc degeneration. Suitable anti-inflammatory substances are critical for controlling inflammation in IVDD. Several treatment options, including glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and biotherapy, are being studied for their potential to reduce inflammation. However, anti-inflammatories often have a short half-life when applied directly and are quickly excreted, thus limiting their therapeutic effects. Biomaterial-based platforms are being explored as anti-inflammation therapeutic strategies for IVDD treatment. This review introduces the pathophysiology of IVDD and discusses anti-inflammatory therapeutics and the components of these unique biomaterial platforms as comprehensive treatment systems. We discuss the strengths, shortcomings, and development prospects for various biomaterials platforms used to modulate the inflammatory microenvironment, thus providing guidance for future breakthroughs in IVDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Laboratory of Biological Tissue Engineering and Digital Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 The South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, PR China
| | - Weikang Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Laboratory of Biological Tissue Engineering and Digital Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 The South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, PR China
| | - Jiangtao He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Laboratory of Biological Tissue Engineering and Digital Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 The South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, PR China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Laboratory of Biological Tissue Engineering and Digital Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 The South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, PR China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yuling Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Laboratory of Biological Tissue Engineering and Digital Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 The South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, PR China
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Heggli I, Teixeira GQ, Iatridis JC, Neidlinger‐Wilke C, Dudli S. The role of the complement system in disc degeneration and Modic changes. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1312. [PMID: 38312949 PMCID: PMC10835744 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Disc degeneration and vertebral endplate bone marrow lesions called Modic changes are prevalent spinal pathologies found in chronic low back pain patients. Their pathomechanisms are complex and not fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that complement system proteins and interactors are dysregulated in disc degeneration and Modic changes. The complement system is part of the innate immune system and plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis. However, its dysregulation has also been associated with various pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Here, we review the evidence for the involvement of the complement system in intervertebral disc degeneration and Modic changes. We found that only a handful of studies reported on complement factors in Modic changes and disc degeneration. Therefore, the level of evidence for the involvement of the complement system is currently low. Nevertheless, the complement system is tightly intertwined with processes known to occur during disc degeneration and Modic changes, such as increased cell death, autoantibody production, bacterial defense processes, neutrophil activation, and osteoclast formation, indicating a contribution of the complement system to these spinal pathologies. Based on these mechanisms, we propose a model how the complement system could contribute to the vicious cycle of tissue damage and chronic inflammation in disc degeneration and Modic changes. With this review, we aim to highlight a currently understudied but potentially important inflammatory pathomechanism of disc degeneration and Modic changes that may be a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Heggli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of RheumatologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and RheumatologyBalgrist University Hospital, Balgrist Campus, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Graciosa Q. Teixeira
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm UniversityUlmGermany
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Stefan Dudli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of RheumatologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and RheumatologyBalgrist University Hospital, Balgrist Campus, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Karchevskaya AE, Poluektov YM, Korolishin VA. Understanding Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Background Factors and the Role of Initial Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2714. [PMID: 37893088 PMCID: PMC10604877 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is complex and multifactorial, and it is still not fully understood. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of IVDD will help to improve treatment regimens and avoid unnecessary surgical aggression. In order to summarize recent research data on IVDD pathogenesis, including genetic and immune factors, a literature review was conducted. The pathogenesis of IVDD is a complex multifactorial process without an evident starting point. There are extensive data on the role of the different genetic factors affecting the course of the disease, such as mutations in structural proteins and enzymes involved in the immune response. However, these factors alone are not sufficient for the development of the disease. Nevertheless, like mechanical damage, they can also be considered risk factors for IVDD. In conclusion, currently, there is no consensus on a single concept for the pathogenesis of IVDD. We consider the intervertebral disc autoimmune damage hypothesis to be the most promising hypothesis for clinicians, because it can be extrapolated to all populations and does not counteract other factors. The genetic factors currently known do not allow for building effective predictive models; however, they can be used to stratify the risks of individual populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Karchevskaya
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia;
- Medical Faculty, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str. 32, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri M. Poluektov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str. 32, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, 4th-Tverskaya-Yamskaya Str. 16, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasiliy A. Korolishin
- Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education Studies, 2/1 Barrikadnaya Str., Building 1, 125993 Moscow, Russia;
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Liu XW, Xu HW, Yi YY, Zhang SB, Wang SJ. Role of ferroptosis and immune infiltration in intervertebral disc degeneration: novel insights from bioinformatics analyses. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1170758. [PMID: 37736497 PMCID: PMC10509768 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1170758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), which contributes to stenosis of the spinal segment, commonly causes lower back pain. The process of IVDD degradation entails gradual structural adjustments accompanied by extreme transformations in metabolic homeostasis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with IVDD are poorly understood. Methods: The RNA-sequencing datasets GSE34095 and GSE56081 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from these gene sets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, and the key functional modules of ferroptosis-related genes were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), immune infiltration analysis in the GEO database, and other GSE series were used as validation datasets. The xCELL algorithm was performed to investigate the immune cell infiltration differences between the degenerated IVDD and control groups. Results: The major genes involved in nucleus pulposus tissue immune infiltration and ferroptosis-related genes were mined by bioinformatics analysis. A total of 3,056 DEGs were obtained between the IVDD tissue and control groups. The DEGs were enriched in the cell cycle; apoptosis; necroptosis; and the PI3K-Akt, Hippo, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. PCR and Western blot techniques were utilized to confirm the differential ferroptosis-related genes. The results indicated that the protein expression levels of NCOA4 and PCBP1 were elevated, while the protein expression level of GPX4 was reduced in NPCs following IL-1β treatment. Our study has found that severe disc tissue degeneration leads to a noteworthy increase in the expression of CD8A in naive T cells, CCR7 in memory CD4+ cells, GZMB in natural killer (NK) cells, and CD163 and CD45 in macrophages. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that ferroptosis occurs in IVDD, suggesting that ferroptosis may also increase IVDD improvement by triggering immune infiltration. This work was conducted to further understand IVDD pathogenesis and identify new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Wei Xu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Yang Yi
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Bao Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan-Jin Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Orthopedic, East Hospital, Ji’an Hospital, Jinggangshan University School of Medicine, Jiangxi, China
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Zhou KS, Ran R, Gong CY, Zhang SB, Ma CW, Lv JY, Lei ZY, Ren Y, Zhang HH. Roles of pyroptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154685. [PMID: 37494803 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), the key pathological process in low back pain, is characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive cell death. Pyroptosis is a type of pro-inflammatory programmed necrosis mediated by inflammasomes that is dependent on the gasdermin family of proteins. An in-depth study of the pathological mechanisms of IDD has revealed that pyroptosis plays an important role in its occurrence and development. The molecular characteristics and activation signaling mechanisms of pyroptosis are reviewed in this paper. Moreover, the specific roles of pyroptosis in IDD pathology are outlined and various targeted drugs for its treatment are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Sheng Zhou
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Rui Ran
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Chao-Yang Gong
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Shun-Bai Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Chun-Wei Ma
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Jia-Yang Lv
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Ze-Yuan Lei
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Yi Ren
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
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Bråten LCH, Gjefsen E, Gervin K, Pripp AH, Skouen JS, Schistad E, Pedersen LM, Wigemyr M, Selmer KK, Aass HCD, Goll G, Brox JI, Espeland A, Grøvle L, Zwart JA, Storheim K. Cytokine Patterns as Predictors of Antibiotic Treatment Effect in Chronic Low Back Pain with Modic Changes: Subgroup Analyses of a Randomized Trial (AIM Study). J Pain Res 2023; 16:1713-1724. [PMID: 37252109 PMCID: PMC10224727 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s406079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Randomized trials testing the effect of antibiotics for chronic low back pain (LBP) with vertebral bone marrow changes on MRI (Modic changes) report inconsistent results. A proposed explanation is subgroups with low grade discitis where antibiotics are effective, but there is currently no method to identify such subgroups. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether distinct patterns of serum cytokine levels predict any treatment effect of oral amoxicillin at one-year follow-up in patients with chronic low back pain and Modic changes at the level of a previous lumbar disc herniation. Design We used data from an overpowered, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (the AIM study) that tested 100 days of oral 750 mg amoxicillin vs placebo three times daily in hospital outpatients with chronic (>6 months) LBP with pain intensity ≥5 on a 0-10 numerical rating scale and Modic changes type 1 (oedema type) or 2 (fatty type). We measured serum levels of 40 inflammatory cytokines at baseline and analysed six predefined potential predictors of treatment effect based on cytokine patterns in 78 randomized patients; three analyses with recursive partitioning, one based on cluster analysis and two based on principal component analyses. The primary outcome was the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score at one-year follow-up in the intention to treat population. The methodology and overall results of the AIM study were published previously. Results The 78 patients were 25-62 years old and 47 (60%) were women. None of the three recursive partitioning analyses resulted in any suggested subgroups. Of all main analyses, the largest effect estimate (mean difference between antibiotic and placebo groups) was seen in a subgroup not predefined as of main interest (Cluster category 3+4; -2.0, 95% CI: -5.2-1.3, RMDQ points; p-value for interaction 0.54). Conclusion Patterns of inflammatory serum cytokine levels did not predict treatment effect of amoxicillin in patients with chronic LBP and Modic changes. Clinical Trial Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02323412).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Christian Haugli Bråten
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Gjefsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Gervin
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Are Hugo Pripp
- Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Support Services, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Sture Skouen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elina Schistad
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Margareth Pedersen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Monica Wigemyr
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaja Kristine Selmer
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Guro Goll
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Ivar Brox
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ansgar Espeland
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Grøvle
- Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway
| | - John-Anker Zwart
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo, Norway
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Shnayder NA, Ashhotov AV, Trefilova VV, Nurgaliev ZA, Novitsky MA, Vaiman EE, Petrova MM, Nasyrova RF. Cytokine Imbalance as a Biomarker of Intervertebral Disk Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032360. [PMID: 36768679 PMCID: PMC9917299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) and its associated conditions are an important problem in modern medicine. The onset of IDD may be in childhood and adolescence in patients with a genetic predisposition. IDD progresses with age, leading to spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, intervertebral disk herniation, and spinal stenosis. The purpose of this review is an attempt to summarize the data characterizing the patterns of production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in IDD and to appreciate the prognostic value of cytokine imbalance as its biomarker. This narrative review demonstrates that the problem of evaluating the contribution of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to the maintenance or alteration of cytokine balance may be a new key to unlocking the mystery of IDD development and new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IDD in the setting of acute and chronic inflammation. The presented data support the hypothesis that cytokine imbalance is one of the most important biomarkers of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Shnayder
- Institute of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, Shared Core Facilities, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Shared Core Facilities “Molecular and Cell Technologies”, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Correspondence: (N.A.S.); (R.F.N.); Tel.: +7-(812)-620-0220-7813 (N.A.S. & R.F.N.)
| | - Azamat V. Ashhotov
- Institute of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, Shared Core Facilities, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Zaitun A. Nurgaliev
- Institute of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, Shared Core Facilities, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Elena E. Vaiman
- Institute of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, Shared Core Facilities, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina M. Petrova
- Shared Core Facilities “Molecular and Cell Technologies”, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Regina F. Nasyrova
- Institute of Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology, Shared Core Facilities, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (N.A.S.); (R.F.N.); Tel.: +7-(812)-620-0220-7813 (N.A.S. & R.F.N.)
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9
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Song C, Cai W, Liu F, Cheng K, Guo D, Liu Z. An in-depth analysis of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1233. [PMID: 36601372 PMCID: PMC9799087 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the pathological basis of disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and other related diseases, and the lower back pain it produces lays a heavy financial burden on individuals and society. Thus, it is essential to comprehend IVDD's pathophysiology. Numerous factors, such as inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, apoptosis, matrix metalloproteinases, are linked to IVDD pathogenesis. Despite the fact that many researches has provided explanations for the pathophysiology of IVDD, these studies are typically singular, restricted, and isolated, expound only on one or two components, and do not systematically analyze and summarize the numerous influencing elements. In addition, we discovered that the incidence of many chronic diseases in the field of orthopedics may be thoroughly and systematically defined in terms of immunological systems. In order to provide a theoretical foundation for an in-depth understanding of the pathological process of IVDD and the formulation of more effective prevention and treatment measures, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic account of the pathogenesis of IVDD from the physical to the molecular barriers of the intervertebral disc, from the nucleus pulposus tissue to the cellular to the immune-molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Trauma and Bonesetting)The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Weiye Cai
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Trauma and Bonesetting)The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Trauma and Bonesetting)The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Kang Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Trauma and Bonesetting)The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Daru Guo
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Trauma and Bonesetting)The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Zongchao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Trauma and Bonesetting)The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
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Peng Z, Cui Z, Kuang X, Yu C, Ruan Y, Li C, Li S, Lu S. Intervertebral disc injury is the mainspring for the postoperative increase in Cobb Angle after thoracolumbar burst fracture. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2022; 30:10225536221088753. [PMID: 35507450 DOI: 10.1177/10225536221088753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A single-institution retrospective study of a cohort of patients who underwent internal fixation spine surgery for thoracolumbar burst fracture (TLBF). OBJECTIVE To observe the imaging manifestations of intervertebral disc changes in TLBF, to analyze the relationship between the degree of disc injury and the Cobb angle increase. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation in the spinal surgery department of a single hospital between January 2014 and December 2017 (n = 90). According to the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the superior intervertebral disc tissue of the injured vertebrae before the operation, the intervertebral disc injury was divided into three types, which was used for group allocation: group A, uninjured intervertebral disc group; group B, mild intervertebral disc injury group; and group C, severe intervertebral disc injury group. The main imaging results of the three groups Cobb, IVA, IHI, AHIV, and VAS were compared among groups. RESULTS Ninety patients were included in the study (n = 38, 32, and 20, in groups A, B, and C, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in demographics among the three groups (p > .05). 1-year post-surgery, the Cobb angle in group C differed significantly from that in groups A and B (p < .01). There was a significant difference in Cobb angle between groups A and B after internal fixation was removed for 6 months. At 1-year post-surgery, the IHI group C differed significantly from groups A and B (p < .01), while groups A and B were similar (p = .102); however, at 6 months after the internal fixation was removed, the IHI differed significantly between these two groups, also the AHIV between groups A and B was statistically significant (p < .01). The VAS pain score was similar among the three groups. Pearson's test showed that the increase in the Cobb angle was moderately correlated with IVA and IHI, and weakly correlated with AHIV. CONCLUSION For TLBF with an intervertebral disc injury, the presurgical degree of intervertebral disc injury is the main reason for the post-surgery increase in the Cobb angle. Thus, diagnosis and treatment of this kind of patient require attention to the risk of spinal deformity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Peng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, 71240Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopaedics of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.,Graduate School of Kunming Medical University, 746211168, Chunrongxi Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhongfeng Cui
- Department of Emergency, 577528The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolin Kuang
- The 1st Department of Hepatic Diseases, 71240People's Hospital of Kunming City, 319 Wujing Road, Kunming, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, 71240Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopaedics of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yushan Ruan
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Graduate School of Kunming Medical University, 746211168, Chunrongxi Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shaobo Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, 71240Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopaedics of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
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11
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Jin L, Xiao L, Ding M, Pan A, Balian G, Sung SSJ, Li XJ. Heterogeneous macrophages contribute to the pathology of disc herniation induced radiculopathy. Spine J 2022; 22:677-689. [PMID: 34718176 PMCID: PMC8957503 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Macrophages play important roles in the progression of intervertebral disc herniation and radiculopathy. PURPOSE To better understand the roles of macrophages in this process, we developed a new mouse model that mimics human radiculopathy. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING A preclinical randomized animal study. METHODS Three types of surgeries were performed in randomly assigned Balb/c mice. These were spinal nerve exposure, traditional anterior disc puncture, and lateral disc puncture with nerve exposure (n=16/group). For the nerve exposure group, the left L5 spinal nerve was exposed without disc injury. For the traditional anterior puncture, L5/6 disc was punctured by an anterior approach as previously established. For lateral puncture with nerve exposure, the left L5 spinal nerve was exposed by removing the psoas major muscle fibers, and the L5/6 disc was punctured laterally on the left side with a 30G needle, allowing the nucleus to protrude toward the L5 spinal nerve. Mechanical hyperalgesia (pain sensitivity) of hind paws was assessed with electronic von Frey assay on alternative day for up to 2 weeks. MRI, histology, and immunostaining were performed to confirm disc herniation and inflammation. RESULTS Ipsilateral pain in the lateral puncture with nerve exposure group was significantly greater than the other groups. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were markedly elevated at the hernia sites of both puncture groups and the spinal nerve of lateral puncture with never exposure group on postoperative day 7. Heterogeneous populations of macrophages were detected in the infiltration tissue of this mouse model and in tissue from patients undergone discectomy. CONCLUSIONS We have established a new mouse model that mimics human radiculopathy and demonstrated that a mixed phenotype of macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of acute discogenic radiculopathy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study provides a clinically relevant in vivo animal model to elucidate complex interactions of disc herniation and radicular pain, which may present opportunities for the development of macrophage-anchored therapeutics to manage radiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mengmeng Ding
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Aixing Pan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Gary Balian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Sun-Sang J Sung
- Department of Medicine and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Xudong Joshua Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
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12
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Wan ZY, Shan H, Liu TF, Song F, Zhang J, Liu ZH, Ma KL, Wang HQ. Emerging Issues Questioning the Current Treatment Strategies for Lumbar Disc Herniation. Front Surg 2022; 9:814531. [PMID: 35419406 PMCID: PMC8999845 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.814531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation is among the common phenotypes of degenerative lumbar spine diseases, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. The practice pattern is diverse. Choosing conservative measures or surgical treatments is still controversial in some areas. For those who have failed conservative treatment, surgery with or without instrumentation is recommended, causing significant expenditures and frustrating complications, that should not be ignored. In the article, we performed a literature review and summarized the evidence by subheadings to unravel the cons of surgical intervention for lumbar disc herniation. There are tetrad critical issues about surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, i.e., favorable natural history, insufficient evidence in a recommendation of fusion surgery for patients, metallosis, and implant removal. Firstly, accumulating evidence reveals immune privilege and auto-immunity hallmarks of human lumbar discs within the closed niche. Progenitor cells within human discs further expand the capacity with the endogenous repair. Clinical watchful follow-up studies with repeated diagnostic imaging reveal spontaneous resolution for lumbar disc herniation, even calcified tissues. Secondly, emerging evidence indicates long-term complications of lumbar fusion, such as adjacent segment disease, pseudarthrosis, implant failure, and sagittal spinal imbalance, which get increasing attention. Thirdly, systemic and local reactions (metallosis) for metal instrumentation have been noted with long-term health concerns and toxicity. Fourthly, the indications and timing for spinal implant removal have not reached a consensus. Other challenging issues include postoperative lumbar stiffness. The review provided evidence from a negative perspective for surgeons and patients who attempt to choose surgical treatment. Collectively, the emerging underlying evidence questions the benefits of traditional surgery for patients with lumbar disc herniation. Therefore, the long-term effects of surgery should be closely observed. Surgical decisions should be made prudently for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Y. Wan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Medical Center of General Hospital of People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Hua Shan
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Tang F. Liu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Song
- Department of Stomatology, The Specialty Medical Center Rocket Force of People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Baoji Central Hospital, Baoji, China
| | - Zhi H. Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kun L. Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hai Q. Wang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
- *Correspondence: Hai Q. Wang ;
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13
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Ye F, Lyu FJ, Wang H, Zheng Z. The involvement of immune system in intervertebral disc herniation and degeneration. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1196. [PMID: 35386754 PMCID: PMC8966871 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation and degeneration contributes significantly to low back pain (LBP), of which the molecular pathogenesis is not fully understood. Disc herniation may cause LBP and radicular pain, but not all LBP patients have disc herniation. Degenerated discs could be the source of pain, but not all degenerated discs are symptomatic. We previously found that disc degeneration and herniation accompanied by inflammation. We further found that anti‐inflammatory molecules blocked immune responses, alleviated IVD degeneration and pain. Based on our recent findings and the work of others, we hypothesize that immune system may play a prominent role in the production of disc herniation or disc degeneration associated pain. While the nucleus pulposus (NP) is an immune‐privileged organ, the damage of the physical barrier between NP and systemic circulation, or the innervation and vascularization of the degenerated NP, on one hand exposes NP as a foreign antigen to immune system, and on the other hand presents compression on the nerve root or dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which both elicit immune responses induced by immune cells and their mediators. The inflammation can remain for a long time at remote distance, with various types of cytokines and immune cells involved in this pain‐inducing process. In this review, we aim to revisit the autoimmunity of the NP, immune cell infiltration after break of physical barrier, the inflammatory activities in the DRG and the generation of pain. We also summarize the involvement of immune system, including immune cells and cytokines, in degenerated or herniated IVDs and affected DRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fubiao Ye
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou China.,Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Provincial Hospital Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Feng-Juan Lyu
- Joint Center for Regenerative Medicine Research of South China University of Technology and The University of Western Australia, School of Medicine South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhaomin Zheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou China.,Pain Research Center Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou China
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14
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Herger N, Bermudez-Lekerika P, Farshad M, Albers CE, Distler O, Gantenbein B, Dudli S. Should Degenerated Intervertebral Discs of Patients with Modic Type 1 Changes Be Treated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052721. [PMID: 35269863 PMCID: PMC8910866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) has been among the leading causes of disability for the past 30 years. This highlights the need for improvement in LBP management. Many clinical trials focus on developing treatments against degenerative disc disease (DDD). The multifactorial etiology of DDD and associated risk factors lead to a heterogeneous patient population. It comes as no surprise that the outcomes of clinical trials on intradiscal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections for patients with DDD are inconsistent. Intradiscal MSC injections have demonstrated substantial pain relief and significant disability-related improvements, yet they have failed to regenerate the intervertebral disc (IVD). Increasing evidence suggests that the positive outcomes in clinical trials might be attributed to the immunomodulatory potential of MSCs rather than to their regenerative properties. Therefore, patient stratification for inflammatory DDD phenotypes may (i) better serve the mechanisms of action of MSCs and (ii) increase the treatment effect. Modic type 1 changes—pathologic inflammatory, fibrotic changes in the vertebral bone marrow—are frequently observed adjacent to degenerated IVDs in chronic LBP patients and represent a clinically distinct subpopulation of patients with DDD. This review discusses whether degenerated IVDs of patients with Modic type 1 changes should be treated with an intradiscal MSC injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Herger
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.H.); (O.D.)
| | - Paola Bermudez-Lekerika
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (P.B.-L.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Mazda Farshad
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Christoph E. Albers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.H.); (O.D.)
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (P.B.-L.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.H.); (O.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-4451-07511
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15
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Yamamoto Y, Kokubo Y, Nakajima H, Honjoh K, Watanabe S, Matsumine A. Distribution and Polarization of Hematogenous Macrophages Associated with the Progression of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2022; 47:E149-E158. [PMID: 34545043 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN In vivo study using immunostaining and immunoblot analysis. OBJECTIVE To determine the distribution of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), macrophage polarization and cytokine expression in the process of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Knowledge of the detailed distribution of exogeneous macrophages in the disc degeneration process is important for understanding the pathomechanisms and establishing novel therapeutic targets. METHODS To distinguish BMDMs, GFP-labeled bone marrow chimeric rats (n = 12) were generated. The degenerative process of the intervertebral disc was reproduced in a rat caudal disc puncture model (n = 49). Immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the distribution of BMDMs, Iba-1 and GFP double-positive cells, and Iba-1 and iNOS (M1 macrophage) or arginase-1 (M2 macrophage) double-positive cells. Immunoblot analysis was used to evaluate differences in cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10) depending on the distribution of BMDMs. RESULTS BMDMs infiltrated into the outer annulus fibrosus and endplate, while increasing tissue-resident macrophage was observed inside the annulus fibrosus/nucleus pulposus. The ratio of BMDMs and the polarity change differed among the regions. Especially in the endplate, BMDMs increased gradually and the macrophage phenotype was M2 dominant. Expression of IL-1β decreased gradually at endplate, and that of IL-4 increased early after disc puncture at inside of the annulus fibrosus. CONCLUSION During the disc degeneration process, BMDMs were observed mainly around the endplate and outside area of the annulus fibrosus, with few in the inside area of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. Compared to other IVD area, macrophage polarity and cytokine expression is concomitantly M2-dominant in endplate. Increased hematogenous M2-phenotype macrophages in endplate with progression of IVD degeneration could enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disc degeneration.Level of Evidence: N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Yamamoto
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, Japan
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16
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Applebaum A, Nessim A, Cho W. Modic Change: An Emerging Complication in the Aging Population. Clin Spine Surg 2022; 35:12-17. [PMID: 33769981 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a literature review. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review the pathogenesis, prevalence, clinical associations, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options for patients with lower back pain (LBP) associated with Modic change (MC). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Vertebral body endplates are located between the intervertebral disk and adjacent vertebral body. Despite their crucial roles in nutrition and biomechanical stability, vertebral endplates are extremely susceptible to mechanical failure. Studies examining the events leading to disk degeneration have shown that failure often begins at the endplates. Endplate degeneration with subchondral bone marrow changes were originally noticed on magnetic resonance imaging. These magnetic resonance imaging signal changes were classified as MC. METHODS A literature review was conducted on the history, etiology, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and treatment of LBP with MC. RESULTS Type 1 MC refers to the presence of increased vascularization and bone marrow edema within the vertebral body. Type 2 MC involves fatty marrow replacement within the vertebral body. Type 3 MC reflects subchondral bone sclerosis. Despite the original classification, research has supported the notion that MCs possess a transitional nature. Furthermore, type 1 MCs have been strongly associated with inflammation and severe LBP, while types 2 and 3 tend to be more stable and demonstrate less refractory pain. With a strong association to LBP, understanding the etiology of MC is crucial to optimal treatment planning. Various etiologic theories have been proposed including autoimmunity, mechanics, infection, and genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS With the aging nature of the population, MC has emerged as an extremely prevalent issue. Research into the pathogenesis of MC is important for planning preventative and therapeutic strategies. Such strategies may include rehabilitation, surgical fixation, stabilization, steroid or cement injection, or antibiotics. Improved diagnostic methods in clinical practice are thus critical to properly identify patients suffering from MC, plan early intervention, and hasten return to functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella Applebaum
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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17
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Cosamalón-Gan I, Cosamalón-Gan T, Mattos-Piaggio G, Villar-Suárez V, García-Cosamalón J, Vega-Álvarez JA. Inflammation in the intervertebral disc herniation. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2021; 32:21-35. [PMID: 32169419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucir.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Up until fairly recently, it was thought that sciatic pain in the lumbar herniated disc was caused by compression on the nerve root. However, the lumbar herniated disc shows mixed pictures which are difficult to explain by simple mechanical compromise. In recent years various immunology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology studies have shown that the herniated tissue is not an inert material, but rather it Is biologically very active with the capability of expressing a series of inflammatory mediators: cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleuquin-8 and tumor necrosis factor being the ones which stand out. The inflammation is not only induced by the chemical irritation of the bioactive substances released by the nucleus pulposus but also by an autoimmune response against itself. Thus, in addition to the mechanical factor, the biomechanical mediation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of sciatic pain and of radiculopathy. Through a review of a wide range of literature, we researched the cellular molecular mediators involved in this inflammatory process around the lumbar herniated disc and its involvement in sciatic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Cosamalón-Gan
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, España
| | - Tatiana Cosamalón-Gan
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, España
| | | | | | | | - José Antonio Vega-Álvarez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, España
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18
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Wang YH, Li Y, Wang JN, Zhao QX, Jin J, Wen S, Wang SC, Sun T. Maresin 1 Attenuates Radicular Pain Through the Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Induced Pyroptosis via NF-κB Signaling. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:831. [PMID: 32982664 PMCID: PMC7479972 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The exposure of the nucleus pulposus (NP) causes an immune and inflammatory response, which is intrinsically linked to the pathogenesis of radicular pain. As a newly discovered pro-resolving lipid mediator, maresin 1 (MaR1) could exert powerful inflammatory resolution, neuroprotection, and analgesic activities. In the present research, the analgesic effect of MaR1 was observed. Then, the potential mechanism by which MaR1 attenuated radicular pain was also analyzed in a rat model. Methods Intrathecal administration of MaR1 (10 or 100 ng) was successively performed in a rat with non-compressive lumbar disk herniation for three postoperative days. Mechanical and thermal thresholds were determined to assess pain-related behavior from days 1 to 7 (n = 8/group). On day 7, the tissues of spinal dorsal horns from different groups were gathered to evaluate expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α), the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis indicators (GSDMD, ASC, NLRP3, and Caspase-1), together with NF-κB/p65 activation (n = 6/group). TUNEL and PI staining were performed to further examine the process of pyroptosis. Results After intrathecal administration in the rat model, MaR1 exhibited potent analgesic effect dose-dependently. MaR1 significantly prompted the resolution of the increased inflammatory cytokine levels, reversed the up-regulated expression of the inflammasome and pyroptosis indicators, and reduced the cell death and the positive activation of NF-κB/p65 resulting from the NP application on the L5 dorsal root ganglion. Conclusion This study indicated that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis played a significant role in the inflammatory reaction of radicular pain. Also, MaR1 could effectively down-regulate the inflammatory response and attenuate pain by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis via NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun-Nan Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-Xiang Zhao
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuang Wen
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Cong Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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19
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Sun Z, Liu B, Luo ZJ. The Immune Privilege of the Intervertebral Disc: Implications for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Treatment. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:685-692. [PMID: 32210719 PMCID: PMC7085207 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.42238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest avascular organ of the body. It is composed of three parts: the nucleus pulposus (NP), the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the cartilaginous endplate (CEP). The central NP is surrounded by the AF and sandwiched by the two CEPs ever since its formation. This unique structure isolates the NP from the immune system of the host. Additionally, molecular factors expressed in IVD have been shown inhibitive effect on immune cells and cytokines infiltration. Therefore, the IVD has been identified as an immune privilege organ. The steady state of immune privilege is fundamental to the homeostasis of the IVD. The AF and the CEP, along with the immunosuppressive molecular factors are defined as the blood-NP barrier (BNB), which establishes a strong barrier to isolate the NP from the host immune system. When the BNB is damaged, the auto-immune response of the NP occurs with various downstream cascade reactions. This effect plays an important role in the whole process of IVD degeneration and related complications, such as herniation, sciatica and spontaneous herniated NP regression. Taken together, an enhanced understanding of the immune privilege of the IVD could provide new targets for the treatment of symptomatic IVD disease. However, the underlying mechanism above is still not fully clarified. Accordingly, the current study will extensively review and discuss studies regarding the immune privilege of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Sun
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo-Jing Luo
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
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Viswanathan VK, Shetty AP, Rajasekaran S. Modic changes - An evidence-based, narrative review on its patho-physiology, clinical significance and role in chronic low back pain. J Clin Orthop Trauma 2020; 11:761-769. [PMID: 32879563 PMCID: PMC7452231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lumbar degenerative spinal ailments are the most important causes for chronic low back pain. Modic changes (MC) are vertebral bone marrow signal intensity changes seen on MRI, commonly in association with degenerative disc disease (DDD). Despite being widely studied, majority of issues concerning MC are still controversial. The current narrative, evidence-based review comprehensively discusses the various aspects related to MC. LITERATURE SEARCH An elaborate search was made using keywords "Modic changes", "lumbar Modic changes", "Modic changes in lumbar spine", and "vertebral Endplate Spinal Changes", on pubmed and google (scholar.google.com) databases on the 3rd of March 2020. We identified crucial questions regarding Modic changes and included relevant articles pertaining to these topics for this narrative review. RESULTS The initial search using the keywords "Modic changes", "lumbar Modic changes", "Modic changes in lumbar spine", and "vertebral Endplate Spinal Changes" on pubmed yielded a total of 568, 412, 394 and 216 articles on "pubmed" database, respectively. A similar search using the aforementioned keywords yielded a total of 3650, 3548, 3726 and 21570 articles on "google scholar" database. The initial screening involved exclusion of duplicate articles, articles unrelated to MC, animal or other non-clinical studies, and articles in non-English literature based on abstracts or the titles of articles. This initial screening resulted in the identification of 405 articles. Full manuscripts were obtained for all these selected articles and thoroughly scrutinised at the second stage of article selection. All articles not concerning Modic changes, not pertaining to concerned questions, articles concerning other degenerative phenomena, articles discussing cervical or thoracic MC, case reports or animal studies, articles in non-English language and duplicate articles were excluded. Review articles, randomised controlled trials and level 1 studies were given preference. Overall, 69 articles were included in this review. CONCLUSION Modic change (MC) is a dynamic phenomenon and its true etiology is still not definitely known. Disc/end plate injury, occult discitis and autoimmune reactions seem to trigger an inflammatory cascade, which leads to their development. Male sex, older age, diabetes mellitus, genetic factors, smoking, obesity, spinal deformities, higher occupational loads and DDD are known risk factors. There is no conclusive evidence on the causative role of MC in chronic low back pain (LBP) or any influence on the long term outcome in patients with LBP or lumbar disc herniations (LDH). Patients with MC have been reported to have less satisfactory outcome following conservative treatment or discectomy, although the evidence is still unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ajoy Prasad Shetty
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, India,Corresponding author.
| | - S. Rajasekaran
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, India,Department of Orthopedics, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, India
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Hanaei S, Abdollahzade S, Sadr M, Mirbolouk MH, Fattahi E, Khoshnevisan A, Rezaei N. The role of interleukin 4 and IL-4RA in intervertebral disc degeneration: investigation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes and a systematic review & meta-analysis of IL-4 expression level. Br J Neurosurg 2019; 34:66-71. [PMID: 32141366 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2019.1698010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a multifactorial disease that is sensitive to the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 4 (IL-4) in IVDD.Methods: Genomic DNA of peripheral mononuclear cells of 76 IVDD patients and 140 healthy controls were investigated for three SNPs of IL-4 (rs2243248 (-1098G/T), rs2243250 (-590 C/T), rs2070874 (-33 C/T)) and 1 SNP of IL-4RA (rs180275, +1902 A/G) through PCR-SSP method.Results: The 'C' allele frequency of IL-4 rs2243250 was 104 in 76 patients, while it was 149 in 140 controls (OR = 2, p = .001); also this SNP was significantly associated with post-operative pain reduction. The 'C' allele of IL-4 rs2070874 (130 in 76 patients, and 200 in 140 controls, OR = 2.66), and the 'CC' genotype were more frequent among patients (OR = 3.98, p < .001) than controls. 'TTT' haplotype was more common in controls (OR = 0.36, p < .001) and 'TCC' was also more common in patients (OR = 1.75, p = .012). A meta-analysis of previous studies found significantly higher IL-4 levels in disc tissues of IVDD patients, which was not similarly found in blood samples.Conclusion: The immune system plays an important role in IVDD. The extent and progress of the disease vary significantly with IL-4 level. Meanwhile, the rs2070874 and rs2243250 SNPs of IL-4 were significantly associated with IVDD in Iranian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hanaei
- Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Abdollahzade
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Rajayi Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadr
- Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ehsan Fattahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Khoshnevisan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xu C, Zhang M, Li K, Ni M, Bai Y, Zhang J, Song X, Wang J. CD24 hiCD38 hi B regulatory cells from patients with end plate inflammation presented reduced functional potency. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 70:295-301. [PMID: 30851710 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Problem due to disc degeneration is frequently found in the aging population. However, severe pain and accompanying end plate inflammation is only found in a small subset of patients, who can be of a younger age than most people with severe disc degeneration, with no apparent cause. We hypothesized that deficiencies in B regulatory (Breg) cells might contribute to the aberrant inflammation in these patients. However, we found that the frequency of CD24hiCD38hi Breg cells was significantly higher in patients than in controls. To investigate Breg function, CD24hiCD38hi Breg cells were stimulated via CD40L/αIg and via Staphylococcus aureus Cowan. Interestingly, the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 was significantly lower in patients than in controls. The expression of PD-L1 was comparable between patient CD24hiCD38hi Bregs and control CD24hiCD38hi Bregs. Control CD24hiCD38hi Bregs, but not patient CD24hiCD38hi Bregs, could suppress the expression of TBX21 and RORC2 in stimulated CD4+ T cells, in a manner that was dependent on IL-10 and PD-L1. The expression of FOXP3, on the other hand, was dependent on TGF-β. In addition, PD-L1 reduced the viability of CD4+ T cells. Together, we demonstrated that the patients with end plate inflammation did not present a reduction in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi Breg frequency, but presented a reduction in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi Breg function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengping Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiyan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunpeng Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Cunha C, Silva AJ, Pereira P, Vaz R, Gonçalves RM, Barbosa MA. The inflammatory response in the regression of lumbar disc herniation. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:251. [PMID: 30400975 PMCID: PMC6235196 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is highly associated with inflammation in the context of low back pain. Currently, inflammation is associated with adverse symptoms related to the stimulation of nerve fibers that may lead to pain. However, inflammation has also been indicated as the main factor responsible for LDH regression. This apparent controversy places inflammation as a good prognostic indicator of spontaneous regression of LDH. This review addresses the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in LDH regression, including matrix remodeling and neovascularization, in the scope of the clinical decision on conservative versus surgical intervention. Based on the evidence, a special focus on the inflammatory response in the LDH context is given, particularly in the monocyte/macrophage role. The phenomenon of spontaneous regression of LDH, extensively reported in the literature, is therefore analyzed here under the perspective of the modulatory role of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Cunha
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana J. Silva
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Neurosciences Center, CUF Porto Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Vaz
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Neurosciences Center, CUF Porto Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel M. Gonçalves
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário A. Barbosa
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Wang J, Sun W, Bond A, Xu C, Li K, Ren D, Song X, Tan F, Jiao K, Ni M, Zhang J, Bai Y, Wang M. A Positive Feedback Loop Between Th17 Cells and Dendritic Cells in Patients with Endplate Inflammation. Immunol Invest 2018; 48:39-51. [PMID: 30015522 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2018.1496097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endplate inflammation remains a difficult disease to treat, in part due to its unclear pathology. Previous experiments showed that patients with idiopathic inflammation presented a systemic upregulation of Th17 cells. Here, we investigated how this change might affect the inflammatory environment in endplate inflammation. METHODS Peripheral blood was obtained from patients and healthy controls, and Th17 cells were examined. RESULTS Th17 cells significantly increased the differentiation of CD11c+ and DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells (DCs) from circulating monocytes in the absence of exogenous stimulation as well as in the presence of LPS stimulation. Th17 cells also increased CD80 and CD86 expression by DCs. Importantly, although Th17 cells from both healthy controls and patients with endplate inflammation could induce CD11c, DC-SIGN, CD80, and CD86 expression, Th17 cells from patients with endplate inflammation showed significantly more potent capacity. Both contact-dependent and IL-17-dependent mechanisms were employed by Th17 cells, since blocking cell-to-cell contact significantly inhibited Th17-mediated differentiation of CD11c+ DCs, and neutralization of IL-17 reduced the expression of CD80 and CD86. Strikingly, DCs following incubation with Th17 cells, but not the DCs derived directly from monocytes without Th17 cells, could significantly promote the expression of IL-17 from naive CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that Th17 cells from patients with endplate inflammation could potently induce the differentiation and activation of DCs that preferentially promoted IL-17 response in a positive feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Wanju Sun
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Allen Bond
- b DICAT Biomedical Computation Centre , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Chengpin Xu
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Kai Li
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Donglin Ren
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Xin Song
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Fang Tan
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Kun Jiao
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Ming Ni
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Jun Zhang
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Yunpeng Bai
- a Department of Orthopedics , Pudong New Area People's Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Mingfei Wang
- c Department of Orthopedics , Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Shanghai , China
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Dudli S, Liebenberg E, Magnitsky S, Lu B, Lauricella M, Lotz JC. Modic type 1 change is an autoimmune response that requires a proinflammatory milieu provided by the 'Modic disc'. Spine J 2018; 18:831-844. [PMID: 29253635 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Modic changes (MCs) are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of inflammatory and fibrotic vertebral bone marrow lesions that associate with adjacent disc degeneration and end plate damage. Although MC etiology is uncertain, historical data suggest a linkage to an autoimmune response of bone marrow triggered by the nucleus pulposus (NP). PURPOSE The aim of this study was to test whether bone marrow has an autoimmune response to NP cells that is amplified by an inflammatory milieu and ultimately leads to MC development in vivo. We hypothesized that an inflammatory co-stimulus is required for bone marrow/NP crosstalk to stimulate MC. STUDY DESIGN This is an in-vitro cell co-culture study plus in-vivo experiments in rat caudal vertebrae. METHODS In in-vitro study, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) and NP cells (NPCs) from rats were co-cultured with and without interleukin (IL)-1α stimulation. Cell viability (n=3) of BMNCs and NPCs and gene expression (n=7) were analyzed. In in-vivo study, proinflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and control disc nucleus surrogates (NP micromass pellets) were generated in vitro from rat NPCs and implanted into rat tail vertebrae, and the response was compared with sham surgery (n=12 each). Tissue changes were investigated with T1w and T2w MRI (7T), histology, and immunohistochemistry (tumor necrosis factor, CD3) 1 (n=6) and 2 weeks (n=6) after implantation. RESULTS BMNC/NPC co-culture significantly increased lymphocyte viability (42%-69%, p<.05) and reduced NPC viability (96%-88%, p<.001), indicating immunogenicity of NPC. However, IL-1α was required to cause significant transcriptional upregulation of IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A. Therefore, an inflammatory activation is required to amplify the immune response. Immunogenicity of the NP was corroborated in vivo by CD3 cell accumulation around LPS and control disc surrogates at Day 7. However, only the LPS disc surrogate group demonstrated infiltration of CD3 cells at Day 14. Furthermore, end plate defects (p<.05, LPS: n=4/6, Ctrl: n=0/6, sham: n=0/6) and MC1-like MRI changes (T2w hyperintensity, p<.05) were only seen with LPS disc surrogates. CONCLUSIONS NPCs are immunogenic but cannot trigger MC without an additional proinflammatory stimulus. Our data suggest that MC requires end plate defects that allow marrow/NPC co-mingling plus an adjacent inflammatory "MC disc" that can amplify the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dudli
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Lengghalde 5, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ellen Liebenberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sergey Magnitsky
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, 185 Berry St, Suite 350, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
| | - Bochao Lu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael Lauricella
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Dudli S, Fields AJ, Samartzis D, Karppinen J, Lotz JC. Pathobiology of Modic changes. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2016; 25:3723-3734. [PMID: 26914098 PMCID: PMC5477843 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-016-4459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low back pain (LBP) is the most disabling condition worldwide. Although LBP relates to different spinal pathologies, vertebral bone marrow lesions visualized as Modic changes on MRI have a high specificity for discogenic LBP. This review summarizes the pathobiology of Modic changes and suggests a disease model. METHODS Non-systematic literature review. RESULTS Chemical and mechanical stimulation of nociceptors adjacent to damaged endplates are likely a source of pain. Modic changes are adjacent to a degenerated intervertebral disc and have three generally interconvertible types suggesting that the different Modic change types represent different stages of the same pathological process, which is characterized by inflammation, high bone turnover, and fibrosis. A disease model is suggested where disc/endplate damage and the persistence of an inflammatory stimulus (i.e., occult discitis or autoimmune response against disc material) create predisposing conditions. The risk to develop Modic changes likely depends on the inflammatory potential of the disc and the capacity of the bone marrow to respond to it. Bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritic knee joints share many characteristics with Modic changes adjacent to degenerated discs and suggest that damage-associated molecular patterns and marrow fat metabolism are important pathogenetic factors. There is no consensus on the ideal therapy. Non-surgical treatment approaches including intradiscal steroid injections, anti-TNF-α antibody, antibiotics, and bisphosphonates have some demonstrated efficacy in mostly non-replicated clinical studies in reducing Modic changes in the short term, but with unknown long-term benefits. New diagnostic tools and animal models are required to improve painful Modic change identification and classification, and to clarify the pathogenesis. CONCLUSION Modic changes are likely to be more than just a coincidental imaging finding in LBP patients and rather represent an underlying pathology that should be a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dudli
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA.
| | - Aaron J Fields
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
| | - Dino Samartzis
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jaro Karppinen
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1164, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
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Han C, Wang T, Jiang HQ, Ma JX, Tian P, Zang JC, Ma XL. An Animal Model of Modic Changes by Embedding Autogenous Nucleus Pulposus inside Subchondral Bone of Lumbar Vertebrae. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35102. [PMID: 27713567 PMCID: PMC5054372 DOI: 10.1038/srep35102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of Modic changes (MCs) in animal model was vital for research of MCs. Fifty-four rabbits were divided into a sham group, a muscle embedment group (ME group) and nucleus pulposus (NP) embedment group (NPE group). In the NPE group, the discs were exposed by the lumbar anterolateral surgical approach. A needle was used to puncture the L5 vertebral body close to the endplate. NP was extracted by a syringe from L1/2 intervertebral discs and then injected into the drilled hole of subchondral bone. The muscle embedment group and sham group had the same procedure and drill method as the NP embedment group. Some pieces of muscle were put into the hole in the ME group, but nothing was put into the hole in the sham group. After the operation, MRI scan and molecular biology tests were applied. The signal changes were found in the NPE group; while the sham group and the ME group showed no significant signal change. Histological observation confirmed that there was abnormal tissue proliferation in imbed site. High expression of IL-4, IL-17 and IFN-γ were detected in the NPE group. The embedment of NP into subchondral bone can create an animal model of MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Han
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
| | - Hong-Qiang Jiang
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
| | - Jian-Xiong Ma
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
| | - Peng Tian
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
| | - Jia-Cheng Zang
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
| | - Xin-Long Ma
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefangnan Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City 300211, PR China
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Hansen BB, Hansen P, Carrino JA, Fournier G, Rasti Z, Boesen M. Imaging in mechanical back pain: Anything new? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2016; 30:766-785. [DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and memory T cells infiltrate true sequestrations stronger than subligamentous sequestrations: evidence from flow cytometric analysis of disc infiltrates. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2016; 25:1417-1427. [PMID: 26906170 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-015-4325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Herniated nucleus pulposus has been considered to induce an adaptive immune response. Antigen recognition by antigen-presenting-cells (APCs) represents an important step within manifestation of an adaptive immune response. Macrophages have been assumed to function as APC, while importance of plasmacytoid dendritic cells for initiation of an immune response directed towards herniated nucleus pulposus has never been examined. The aim of the present study was to assess importance of plasmacytoid dendritic cells for initiation of immune response directed towards herniated discs. METHODS Fifteen patients with true sequestrations and three patients with subligamentous sequestrations underwent surgery after their neurological examinations. Disc material was harvested, weighted and digested for 90 min. Separated single cells were counted, stained for plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD123(+)CD4(+)), macrophages (CD14(+)CD11c(+)) and memory T cells (CD4(+)CD45RO(+)) and analysed by flow cytometry. Both patient groups were compared in cell proportions. Furthermore, patients with true sequestrations (TRUE patients) were subdivided into subgroups based on severity of muscle weakness and results in straight leg raising (SLR) test. Subgroups were compared in cell proportions. RESULTS Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and memory T cells infiltrated true sequestrations stronger than the subligamentous sequestration and plasmacytoid dendritic cells predominated over macrophages in true sequestrations. Highest proportions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells were detected in infiltrates of patients having true sequestrations, severe muscle weakness and negative result in SLR test. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study indicate that plasmacytoid dendritic cells are involved in initiation of an immune response directed towards herniated nucleus pulposus, while macrophages may reinforce the manifested immune response and mediate disc resorption.
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Leukocytes Enhance Inflammatory and Catabolic Degenerative Changes in the Intervertebral Disc After Endplate Fracture In Vitro Without Infiltrating the Disc. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2015; 40:1799-806. [PMID: 26571062 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An established rabbit intervertebral disc (IVD)/endplate explant fracture model was extended with physiologic post-traumatic dynamic loading (PTDL) and coculturing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of PTDL and of cocultured PBMCs on post-traumatic disc degeneration (DD) and to determine whether PTDL facilitates homing of PBMC to fractured IVD/endplates. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA DD is associated with endplate fracture. In vivo studies suggest a key role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of DD. However, the complexity of in vivo systems impedes the investigation of single factors governing the pathogenesis. METHODS Seventy-two IVD/endplate specimens were divided into 4 groups. In group A, endplate fractures were induced with a high-velocity axial load and exposed to PTDL in coculture with PBMCs for 14 days. Group A was compared with 3 control groups, with single-factor removal, in order to assess the relative contribution of PTDL (group B), PBMCs (group C), and endplate fracture (group D) to the biological response of the IVD. Disc gene transcription and serum nitric oxide (NO) serum concentration were measured to investigate differences in anabolism, catabolism, and inflammatory response between the groups. Changes in matrix composition and disc structure were assessed histologically. RESULTS PBMCs did not home to fractured IVDs, with or without PTDL. Group A compared with group D showed an enhanced transcription of anabolic, catabolic, and pro-inflammatory genes during the entire experiment, and an increased NO concentration for the first 3 days. Changes typical for DD were also found in histological sections. Group A compared with group C showed significant increases in catabolic and pro-inflammatory gene transcription after at least 7 days. No differences were found between groups A and B. CONCLUSION Trauma induces degenerative changes; PTDL neither aggravates nor ameliorates this response. Although PBMCs do not infiltrate the disc, they aggravate the degenerative changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Stich S, Stolk M, Girod PP, Thomé C, Sittinger M, Ringe J, Seifert M, Hegewald AA. Regenerative and immunogenic characteristics of cultured nucleus pulposus cells from human cervical intervertebral discs. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126954. [PMID: 25993467 PMCID: PMC4438063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based regenerative approaches have been suggested as primary or adjuvant procedures for the treatment of degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) diseases. Our aim was to evaluate the regenerative and immunogenic properties of mildly and severely degenerated cervical nucleus pulposus (NP) cells with regard to cell isolation, proliferation and differentiation, as well as to cell surface markers and co-cultures with autologous or allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) including changes in their immunogenic properties after 3-dimensional (3D)-culture. Tissue from the NP compartment of 10 patients with mild or severe grades of IVD degeneration was collected. Cells were isolated, expanded with and without basic fibroblast growth factor and cultured in 3D fibrin/poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid transplants for 21 days. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed the expression of characteristic NP markers ACAN, COL1A1 and COL2A1 in 2D- and 3D-culture with degeneration- and culture-dependent differences. In a 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester-based proliferation assay, NP cells in monolayer, regardless of their grade of degeneration, did not provoke a significant proliferation response in T cells, natural killer (NK) cells or B cells, not only with donor PBMC, but also with allogeneic PBMC. In conjunction with low inflammatory cytokine expression, analyzed by Cytometric Bead Array and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), a low immunogenicity can be assumed, facilitating possible therapeutic approaches. In 3D-culture, however, we found elevated immune cell proliferation levels, and there was a general trend to higher responses for NP cells from severely degenerated IVD tissue. This emphasizes the importance of considering the specific immunological alterations when including biomaterials in a therapeutic concept. The overall expression of Fas receptor, found on cultured NP cells, could have disadvantageous implications on their potential therapeutic applications because they could be the targets of cytotoxic T-cell activity acting by Fas ligand-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stich
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meaghan Stolk
- Institute of Medical Immunology and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Pascal Girod
- Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudius Thomé
- Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Sittinger
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Ringe
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Seifert
- Institute of Medical Immunology and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aldemar Andres Hegewald
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Tian P, Li ZJ, Fu X, Ma XL. Role of interleukin-17 in chondrocytes of herniated intervertebral lumbar discs. Exp Ther Med 2015; 10:81-87. [PMID: 26170916 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of lumbosacral radiculopathy. An autoimmune response to a herniated nucleus pulposus (NP) has been suggested to play an important role in the initiation of radiculopathy. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine associated with inflammation and autoimmunity. The presence of IL-17 has been studied in patients with LDH; however, extensive investigation into the expression of IL-17 in different disc pathologies of LDH has not yet been conducted. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of neovascularization and hypertrophic chondrocytes in herniated intervertebral lumbar discs. Fifty-two intervertebral lumbar disc specimens were extracted from 46 patients with LDH and were subsequently classified as either contained or non-contained disc herniation (CDH and NCDH, respectively). The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or toluidine blue, or were immunostained with polyclonal antibodies to IL-17 using the streptavidin-peroxidase method. The neovascular tissue and staining results were graded to establish the histological differences between the two herniation types. The intervertebral discs (IVDs) obtained from patients with NCDH showed significantly more neovascularization and granulation tissue than the discs obtained from patients with CDH (P<0.05). Furthermore, hypertrophic chondrocytes were more abundant in the NCDH specimens than in the CDH specimens (P<0.05). Similarly, the number of IL-17-immunoreactive cells was significantly higher in the NCDH specimens than that in the CDH specimens (P<0.01). In conclusion, local inflammation and autoreactive immune activation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of LDH. These results also suggest a role of chondrocytes in the repair of herniated IVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Long Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China ; Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
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Han C, Ma XL, Wang T, Ma JX, Tian P, Zang JC, Kong JB, Li XD. Low magnitude of tensile stress represses the inflammatory response at intervertebral disc in rats. J Orthop Surg Res 2015; 10:26. [PMID: 25886263 PMCID: PMC4333165 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-015-0159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to determine if the involvement of tensile stress affects the expressions of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17(IL-17), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at intervertebral discs in vivo. Material and method Sixty-four female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, tail-suspended (TS), tail-suspended with needle puncture (TSNP), and single-needle puncture (SNP) groups. A tail-suspension device provides low magnitude of tensile stress (2.45 Newton (N)), and aseptic needle puncture on the tail disc induces inflammatory response. After 4 weeks, the treated discs were harvested for histologic analysis, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result Pathological examination demonstrated that compared to the sham group, the morphologies of nucleus pulposus (NP) and anulus fibrosus (AF) in TS, SNP, and TSNP groups displayed degenerative changes in varying degrees. Results from RT-qPCR showed that IL-17 and iNOS mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in both TSNP and SNP groups than those in the sham groups. Expression of IL-17 and iNOS are not significantly different between the sham and TS groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the SNP group, the mRNA expression of IL-17 and iNOS in the TSNP groups were markedly decreased (P < 0.05). The regulation of IL-1β and IL-17 detected by ELISA was coincident with the qRT-PCR results. Conclusion The results from this study suggested that relatively low magnitude tensile stress might play an essential role in the anti-inflammatory process and the relief of low-back pain (LBP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin City, 300052, PR China. .,Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Xin-Long Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin City, 300052, PR China. .,Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Jian-Xiong Ma
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Peng Tian
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Jia-Cheng Zang
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Jing-Bo Kong
- Tianjin Hospital, No. 406 Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin City, 300211, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Dan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, No.24 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin City, 300192, PR China.
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Dudli S, Ferguson SJ, Haschtmann D. Severity and pattern of post-traumatic intervertebral disc degeneration depend on the type of injury. Spine J 2014; 14:1256-64. [PMID: 24583791 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.07.488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The burst fracture of a vertebra is the result of a complex loading procedure and is often associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Likewise, the presumed etiologies are (i) the structural perturbation of the IVD/end plate, (ii) the impact of loading energy alone, and (iii) the depressurization of the nucleus pulposus. PURPOSE To describe the pathogenesis of post-traumatic disc degeneration (DD) by comparing the severity and patterns of degeneration with different injury models. STUDY DESIGN New data from an in vitro organ culture study are compared with the previous work on the same model system. METHODS To investigate in detail the contribution of each factor (i-iii) to DD, we extended our previous work to compare three different segmental trauma processes in a rabbit full-organ in vitro model: burst fracture (Group A, etiologies i-iii), equienergetic loading without a fracture (Group B, ii), and endplate puncturing (Group C, iii). DD markers (apoptosis, necrosis, matrix remodeling, inflammation) were monitored up to 28 days posttrauma. Gene transcription data were subjected to principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify and compare pathologic patterns. RESULTS Only Group A showed the full profile of DD: reduced glycosaminoglycan content, increased caspase-3/7 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and elevated messenger RNA of catabolic (matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3, -13) and proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1) genes. In Group B, only catabolic and proinflammatory genes were slightly upregulated. In Group C, LDH but not caspase-3/7 activity was increased. Catabolic and proinflammatory genes were upregulated, although less compared with Group A. Principal component analysis revealed different transcription patterns for Group C. CONCLUSIONS The structural perturbation of the end plate/IVD, but not the loading energy or nuclear depressurization, promotes DD. In addition, end-plate puncturing triggers a different pathogenesis, consistent with a more continuous matrix remodeling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dudli
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Schafmattstrasse 30, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Stephen J Ferguson
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Schafmattstrasse 30, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Haschtmann
- Schulthess Klinik, Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Lengghalde 2, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland
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Di Martino A, Merlini L, Faldini C. Autoimmunity in intervertebral disc herniation: from bench to bedside. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:1461-70. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.834330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Molecular immunotherapy might shed a light on the treatment strategies for disc degeneration and herniation. Med Hypotheses 2013; 81:477-80. [PMID: 23849654 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite surgical discectomy is one of the most effective treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration and lumbar disc herniation, a number of patients still complain of reserved low back pain, sciatica and numbness post-operatively with decreased life quality. Sciatica in patients with disc herniation is not only due to mechanical compression from herniated nucleus pulposus, but chemical and immunity agents. The intervertebral disc is composed of annulus fibrosus in the wedge and gelatinous nucleus pulposus in the centre with cartilage endplate sandwiched. Similar to other immune privilege organs, human intervertebral disc is one of the biggest avascular structures with FasL expression. Moreover, FasL-Fas and TRAIL death pathways might play roles in the machinery of immune privilege of the disc. We found that down-regulated miR-155 promotes Fas-mediated apoptosis in disc degeneration. Furthermore, once exposed to human immune system, nucleus pulposus can activate multiple specific and non-specific immune responses with cellular and fluid immune cells and molecules involved. Taken together, we hypothesize that a combined molecular immunotherapy with local and systemic immunity regulators might shed a novel light on the treatment strategies for disc degeneration and herniation.
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Mercuri JJ, Patnaik S, Dion G, Gill SS, Liao J, Simionescu DT. Regenerative potential of decellularized porcine nucleus pulposus hydrogel scaffolds: stem cell differentiation, matrix remodeling, and biocompatibility studies. Tissue Eng Part A 2013; 19:952-66. [PMID: 23140227 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2012.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue regeneration has been proposed as an early stage interventional therapy to combat intervertebral disc degeneration. We have previously reported on the development and characterization of a novel biomimetic acellular porcine NP (APNP) hydrogel. Herein, we aimed to evaluate this material for use as a suitable scaffold for NP tissue regeneration. Human-adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were cultured for 14 days on APNP hydrogels in chemically defined differentiation media and were analyzed for an NP-cell-like mRNA expression profile, evidence of hydrogel remodeling including hydrogel contraction measurements, extracellular matrix production, and compressive dynamic mechanical properties. The innate capacity of the hydrogel itself to induce stem cell differentiation was also examined via culture in media lacking soluble differentiation factors. Additionally, the in vivo biocompatibility of non-crosslinked and ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide and pentagalloyl glucose crosslinked hydrogels was evaluated in a rat subdermal model. Results indicated that hADSCs expressed putative NP-cell-positive gene transcript markers when cultured on APNP hydrogels. Additionally, glycosaminoglycan and collagen content of hADSC-seeded hydrogels was significantly greater than nonseeded controls and cell-seeded hydrogels exhibited evidence of contraction and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 production. The dynamic mechanical properties of the hADSC-seeded hydrogels increased with time in culture in comparison to noncell-seeded controls and approached values reported for native NP tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis of explants illustrated the presence of mononuclear cells, including macrophages and fibroblasts, as well as blood vessel infiltration and collagen deposition within the implant interstices after 4 weeks of implantation. Taken together, these results suggest that APNP hydrogels, in concert with autologous ADSCs, may serve as a suitable scaffold for NP tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Mercuri
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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Phillips KLE, Chiverton N, Michael ALR, Cole AA, Breakwell LM, Haddock G, Bunning RAD, Cross AK, Le Maitre CL. The cytokine and chemokine expression profile of nucleus pulposus cells: implications for degeneration and regeneration of the intervertebral disc. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R213. [PMID: 24325988 PMCID: PMC3979161 DOI: 10.1186/ar4408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of these studies were to identify the cytokine and chemokine expression profile of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and to determine the relationships between NP cell cytokine and chemokine production and the characteristic tissue changes seen during intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. METHODS Real-time q-PCR cDNA Low Density Array (LDA) was used to investigate the expression of 91 cytokine and chemokine associated genes in NP cells from degenerate human IVDs. Further real-time q-PCR was used to investigate 30 selected cytokine and chemokine associated genes in NP cells from non-degenerate and degenerate IVDs and those from IVDs with immune cell infiltrates (‘infiltrated’). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for four selected cytokines and chemokines to confirm and localize protein expression in human NP tissue samples. RESULTS LDA identified the expression of numerous cytokine and chemokine associated genes including 15 novel cytokines and chemokines. Further q-PCR gene expression studies identified differential expression patterns in NP cells derived from non-degenerate, degenerate and infiltrated IVDs. IHC confirmed NP cells as a source of IL-16, CCL2, CCL7 and CXCL8 and that protein expression of CCL2, CCL7 and CXCL8 increases concordant with histological degenerative tissue changes. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates that NP cells are a source of cytokines and chemokines within the IVD and that these expression patterns are altered in IVD pathology. These findings may be important for the correct assessment of the ‘degenerate niche’ prior to autologous or allogeneic cell transplantation for biological therapy of the degenerate IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L E Phillips
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1WB, UK
| | - Neil Chiverton
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Ashley A Cole
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lee M Breakwell
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gail Haddock
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1WB, UK
| | - Rowena AD Bunning
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1WB, UK
| | - Alison K Cross
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1WB, UK
| | - Christine L Le Maitre
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1WB, UK
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Ma XL, Ma JX, Wang T, Tian P, Han C. Possible role of autoimmune reaction in Modic Type I changes. Med Hypotheses 2011; 76:692-4. [PMID: 21339054 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Revised: 12/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Modic changes (MCs) are common abnormalities in the vertebral endplates and adjacent bone marrow, which are visible on magnetic resonance imaging. They are regarded as having a strong association with the clinical symptom of low back pain (LBP). Nevertheless, the general pathogenesis of MCs is still under discussion. MCs can be divided into three types. Type I MCs represent extensive subchondral bone edema and vascular granulation tissue within the bone marrow of the adjacent endplate. The reasons for the edema and vascularization in Type I MCs, which may be the major mechanism underlying LBP, remain unclear. Chronic repetitive shear forces on the endplates lead to local disruption and microfractures. Following a breach of the outer annulus fibrous, the nucleus pulposus (NP) may enter the vertebral body. We hypothesize that the consequent autoimmune response due to a foreign body may cause and promote the development of edema, vascularization and inflammation, which are characteristic of Type I MCs. The production of cytokines evoked by autoimmunity could therefore be responsible for the significant clinical symptoms of LBP. If this underlying etiological pathway is proven, MCs and the consequent LBP could be treated by novel clinical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Long Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
Sciatica is a symptom rather than a specific diagnosis. Available evidence from basic science and clinical research indicates that both inflammation and compression are important in order for the nerve root to be symptomatic. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a key mediator in animal models, but its exact contribution in human radiculopathy is still a matter of debate. Sciatica is mainly diagnosed by history taking and physical examination. In general, the clinical course of acute sciatica is considered to be favourable. In the first 6-8 weeks, there is consensus that treatment of sciatica should be conservative. We review and comment on the levels of evidence of the efficacy of patient information, advice to stay active, physical therapy analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), epidural corticosteroid injections and transforaminal peri-radicular injections of corticosteroid. There is good evidence that discectomy is effective in the short term. but, in the long term, it is not more effective than prolonged conservative care. Shared decision making with regard to surgery is necessary in the absence of severe progressive neurological symptoms. Although the term sciatica is simple and easy to use, it is, in fact, an archaic and confusing term. For most researchers and clinicians, it refers to a radiculopathy, involving one of the lower extremities, and related to disc herniation (DH). As such, the term 'sciatica' is too restrictive as nerve roots from L1 to L4 may also be involved in the same process. However, even more confusing is the fact that patients, and many clinicians alike, use sciatica to describe any pain arising from the lower back and radiating down to the leg. The majority of the time, this painful sensation is referred pain from the lower back and is neither related to DH nor does it result from nerve-root compression. Although differentiating the radicular pain from the referred pain may be challenging for the clinician, it is of primary importance. This is because the epidemiology, clinical course and, most importantly, therapeutic interventions are different for these two conditions. It should, however, be emphasised that the quality of the available evidence is rather limited due to a considerable heterogeneity in the study populations included in the trials. This makes generalisation of findings across studies, and to routine clinical practice, a challenge. Prevalence estimates of radicular pain related to DH also vary considerably between studies, which is, in part, due to differences in the definitions used. A recent review showed that the prevalence of sciatic symptoms is rather variable, with values ranging from 1.6% to 43%. If stricter definitions of sciatica were used, for example, in terms of pain distribution and/or pain duration, lower prevalence rates were reported. Studies in working populations with physically demanding jobs consistently report higher rates of sciatica compared with studies in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Valat
- Rhumatologie, Université François Rabelais, faculté de médecine de Tours, Tours cedex, 10 boulevard Tonnellé, BP 3223, 37032 Tours cedex, France.
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Wan J, Zhang XS. Pre-operative blood test for antibody to nucleus pulposus may distinguish types of lumbar disc herniation. Med Hypotheses 2010; 75:464-5. [PMID: 20466491 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The types of lumbar disc herniation not only play a key role in planning therapeutic procedure, but also appear to be connected with prognosis. However, it is difficult to distinguish the types preoperatively. To the best of our knowledge, the intervertebral disc is the largest avascular structure in the human body. Once the nucleus pulposus extrudes from the annulus fibrosus or combining with posterior longitudinal ligament, the immune system recognizes it as a foreign body, which may induce the autoimmune reaction ending with production of auto-antibody, that is so-called antibody to nucleus pulposus. The blood test for antibody to nucleus pulposus is ultimately accurate because the result is not relied upon the patient's complain but specific to herniated nucleus pulposus tissue. If this hypothesis is proved to be correct, it could be possible to improve the accuracy of distinguishing types of lumbar disc herniation just by a pre-operative blood test for antibody to nucleus pulposus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 86# Ren-min Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
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Ma XL, Tian P, Wang T, Ma JX. A study of the relationship between type of lumbar disc herniation, straight leg raising test and peripheral T lymphocytes. Orthop Surg 2010; 2:52-7. [PMID: 22009908 PMCID: PMC6583248 DOI: 10.1111/j.1757-7861.2009.00065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe changes in peripheral T lymphocytes of patients with lumbar disc herniation, and investigate the relationship between the type of herniation, signs and T lymphocyte subsets. METHODS Blood samples from 20 healthy blood donors (control group), and 49 patients (27 male and 22 female) with single-level lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were collected, the latter preoperatively. T lymphocytes subsets were detected by flow cytometer. According to the position of the intervertebral disc observed during surgery, the patients were divided into ruptured disc herniation (RDH) and degenerative disc herniation (DDH) groups. Straight leg raising (SLR) was assessed preoperatively. RESULTS Percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in the RDH group were significantly higher, and of percentage of CD8+ significantly lower, than were those in the control group. Percentages of CD4+ and ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were significantly higher, and percentage of CD8+ significantly lower, in the positive SLR test group than were those in the negative SLR test group. The positive rate of SLR testing was significantly higher in the RDH than in the DDH group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that changes in T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood take place after herniation of the lumbar intervertebral disc. T lymphocyte mediated immune responses may play an important role in the occurrence and development of signs in patients with herniated lumbar intervertebral discs. The SLR test may help to confirm that disc herniation has caused nerve root impairment by mechanical loading or inflammatory stimulus and provide guidance on the choice of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-long Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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Tian P, Ma X, Wang T, Ma J, Yang X. Correlation between radiculalgia and counts of T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with lumbar disc herniation. Orthop Surg 2009; 1:317-21. [PMID: 22009882 PMCID: PMC6583646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1757-7861.2009.00052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation between the degree of radiculalgia and counts of T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with lumbar disc herniation. METHODS Forty-nine patients with lumbar disc herniation (group A) were divided into three subgroups according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores (group A(1): n= 12, VAS 0-4.0; A(2): n= 24, VAS 4.1-7.0; A(3): n= 13, VAS 7.1-10.0. Twenty health blood donors who volunteered to be involved in the study comprised the control group (group B). Peripheral blood counts of various T lymphocyte subsets were measured in each group. RESULTS (i) The counts of CD4+ T and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes were higher in group A than in group B, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were also statistically significant differences between group A and group B in the counts of CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes (P < 0.05); (ii) There was no correlation between the VAS scores and the counts of CD3+ T lymphocytes (r= 0.194, P > 0.05). A strong significant correlation was observed between the VAS scores and counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes (r= 0.542, P < 0.05), CD4+/CD8+ (r= 0.468, P < 0.05), which increased with increasing VAS scores in the three subgroups of group A (P < 0.05). However there was a significant negative linear correlation between CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and pain scores (r=-0.462, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that changes in T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood take place after prolapse of lumbar intervertebral discs. The current results may provide support for involvement of immunologic mechanisms in low back pain secondary to herniation of the lumbar disc. T lymphocytes may play an important role in the development of symptoms in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and
| | - Xin‐long Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and
- Tianjin Orthopaedic Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and
| | - Jian‐xiong Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and
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