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Barbe MF, Chen FL, Loomis RH, Harris MY, Kim BM, Xie K, Hilliard BA, McGonagle ER, Bailey TD, Gares RP, Van Der Bas M, Kalicharan BA, Holt-Bright L, Stone LS, Hodges PW, Klyne DM. Characterization of pain-related behaviors in a rat model of acute-to-chronic low back pain: single vs. multi-level disc injury. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1394017. [PMID: 38770243 PMCID: PMC11102983 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1394017] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain is the most common type of chronic pain. We examined pain-related behaviors across 18 weeks in rats that received injury to one or two lumbar intervertebral discs (IVD) to determine if multi-level disc injuries enhance/prolong pain. Methods Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley adult female rats were used: 8 received disc puncture (DP) of one lumbar IVD (L5/6, DP-1); 8 received DP of two lumbar IVDs (L4/5 & L5/6, DP-2); 8 underwent sham surgery. Results DP-2 rats showed local (low back) sensitivity to pressure at 6- and 12-weeks post-injury, and remote sensitivity to pressure (upper thighs) at 12- and 18-weeks and touch (hind paws) at 6, 12 and 18-weeks. DP-1 rats showed local and remote pressure sensitivity at 12-weeks only (and no tactile sensitivity), relative to Sham DP rats. Both DP groups showed reduced distance traveled during gait testing over multiple weeks, compared to pre-injury; only DP-2 rats showed reduced distance relative to Sham DP rats at 12-weeks. DP-2 rats displayed reduced positive interactions with a novel adult female rat at 3-weeks and hesitation and freezing during gait assays from 6-weeks onwards. At study end (18-weeks), radiological and histological analyses revealed reduced disc height and degeneration of punctured IVDs. Serum BDNF and TNFα levels were higher at 18-weeks in DP-2 rats, relative to Sham DP rats, and levels correlated positively with remote sensitivity in hind paws (tactile) and thighs (pressure). Discussion Thus, multi-level disc injuries resulted in earlier, prolonged and greater discomfort locally and remotely, than single-level disc injury. BDNF and TNFα may have contributing roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F. Barbe
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Frank Liu Chen
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Regina H. Loomis
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michele Y. Harris
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brandon M. Kim
- Medical Doctor Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kevin Xie
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brendan A. Hilliard
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. McGonagle
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Taylor D. Bailey
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ryan P. Gares
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Megan Van Der Bas
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Betsy A. Kalicharan
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lewis Holt-Bright
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laura S. Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul W. Hodges
- NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David M. Klyne
- NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Zou X, Zhang X, Han S, Wei L, Zheng Z, Wang Y, Xin J, Zhang S. Pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of matrix metalloproteinases in intervertebral disc degeneration: A comprehensive review. Biochimie 2023; 214:27-48. [PMID: 37268183 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is a common disorder that affects the spine and is a major cause of lower back pain (LBP). The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the structural foundation of the biomechanical properties of IVD, and its degradation is the main pathological characteristic of IDD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of endopeptidases that play an important role in the degradation and remodeling of the ECM. Several recent studies have shown that the expression and activity of many MMP subgroups are significantly upregulated in degenerated IVD tissue. This upregulation of MMPs results in an imbalance of ECM anabolism and catabolism, leading to the degradation of the ECM and the development of IDD. Therefore, the regulation of MMP expression is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IDD. Recent research has focused on identifying the mechanisms by which MMPs cause ECM degradation and promote IDD, as well as on developing therapies that target MMPs. In summary, MMP dysregulation is a crucial factor in the development of IDD, and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved is needed to develop effective biological therapies that target MMPs to treat IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Zou
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xingmin Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Song Han
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jingguo Xin
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Shaokun Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Diwan AD, Melrose J. Intervertebral disc degeneration and how it leads to low back pain. JOR Spine 2022; 6:e1231. [PMID: 36994466 PMCID: PMC10041390 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to evaluate data generated by animal models of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration published in the last decade and show how this has made invaluable contributions to the identification of molecular events occurring in and contributing to pain generation. IVD degeneration and associated spinal pain is a complex multifactorial process, its complexity poses difficulties in the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic target to focus on of many potential candidates in the formulation of strategies to alleviate pain perception and to effect disc repair and regeneration and the prevention of associated neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Nerve ingrowth and increased numbers of nociceptors and mechanoreceptors in the degenerate IVD are mechanically stimulated in the biomechanically incompetent abnormally loaded degenerate IVD leading to increased generation of low back pain. Maintenance of a healthy IVD is, thus, an important preventative measure that warrants further investigation to preclude the generation of low back pain. Recent studies with growth and differentiation factor 6 in IVD puncture and multi-level IVD degeneration models and a rat xenograft radiculopathy pain model have shown it has considerable potential in the prevention of further deterioration in degenerate IVDs, has regenerative properties that promote recovery of normal IVD architectural functional organization and inhibits the generation of inflammatory mediators that lead to disc degeneration and the generation of low back pain. Human clinical trials are warranted and eagerly anticipated with this compound to assess its efficacy in the treatment of IVD degeneration and the prevention of the generation of low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish D. Diwan
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory Kolling Institute, Sydney University Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Sydney Area Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering The University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Sun K, Jiang J, Wang Y, Sun X, Zhu J, Xu X, Sun J, Shi J. The role of nerve fibers and their neurotransmitters in regulating intervertebral disc degeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101733. [PMID: 36113765 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has been the major contributor to chronic lower back pain (LBP). Abnormal apoptosis, senescence, and pyroptosis of IVD cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and infiltration of immune cells are the major molecular alternations during IVDD. Changes at tissue level frequently occur at advanced IVD tissue. Ectopic ingrowth of nerves within inner annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue has been considered as the primary cause for LBP. Innervation at IVD tissue mainly included sensory and sympathetic nerves, and many markers for these two types of nerves have been detected since 1940. In fact, in osteoarthritis (OA), beyond pain transmission, the direct regulation of neuropeptides on functions of chondrocytes have attracted researchers' great attention recently. Many physical and pathological similarities between joint and IVD have shed us the light on the neurogenic mechanism involved in IVDD. Here, an overview of the advances in the nervous system within IVD tissue will be performed, with a discussion on in the role of nerve fibers and their neurotransmitters in regulating IVDD. We hope this review can attract more research interest to address neuromodulation and IVDD itself, which will enhance our understanding of the contribution of neuromodulation to the structural changes within IVD tissue and inflammatory responses and will help identify novel therapeutic targets and enable the effective treatment of IVDD disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqiang Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China; Department of Orthopedics, Naval Medical Center of PLA, China
| | - Jialin Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jingchuan Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Jiangang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China.
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Peschl V, Seitz T, Sommer J, Thasler W, Bosserhoff A, Hellerbrand C. Bone morphogenetic protein 13 in hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1544-1552. [PMID: 35442524 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis can be considered as a deregulated wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury. Bone morphogenetic protein 13 (BMP13) has been described to promote bone and tendon repair. In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression and function of BMP13 in hepatic fibrosis. We found increased BMP13 expression during the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which is known as the key event of hepatic fibrosis. Fitting to this, BMP13 was elevated in murine models of hepatic fibrosis, and immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of BMP13 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker for activated HSC, in cirrhotic human liver tissue. BMP13 depletion in activated human HSC reduced the phosphorylation of smad1/5/9 and the expression of the transcription factor inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1), a known BMP target gene and profibrogenic factor. Furthermore, BMP13-depletion led to reduced proliferation and downregulation of collagen I α1 (COL1A1) and α-SMA, and, interestingly, also reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). Conversely, stimulation with recombinant BMP13 induced the phosphorylation of smad1/5/9 and ERK, as well as the proliferation and the expression of ID1, COL1A1, and α-SMA in HSCs. These stimulatory effects were inhibited by dorsomorphin 1, a small-molecule inhibitor of the BMP-type I receptors activin receptor-like kinase-2 and -3, which are both expressed by HSC. In summary, these data indicate increased BMP13 expression in hepatic fibrosis as a profibrogenic factor. Thus, this soluble growth factor might have the potential as a new fibrosis marker and antifibrogenic therapeutic target in patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Peschl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Judith Sommer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
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Protective Effects of Growth Differentiation Factor-6 on the Intervertebral Disc: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071174. [PMID: 35406739 PMCID: PMC8998060 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factors (GDFs) regulate homeostasis by amplifying extracellular matrix anabolism and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the intervertebral disc (IVD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of GDF-6 on human IVD nucleus pulposus (NP) cells using a three-dimensional culturing system in vitro and on rat tail IVD tissues using a puncture model in vivo. In vitro, Western blotting showed decreased GDF-6 expression with age and degeneration severity in surgically collected human IVD tissues (n = 12). Then, in moderately degenerated human IVD NP cells treated with GDF-6 (100 ng/mL), immunofluorescence demonstrated an increased expression of matrix components including aggrecan and type II collagen. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis also presented GDF-6-induced downregulation of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.014) and interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.016) gene expression stimulated by IL-1β (10 ng/mL). Furthermore, in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, Western blotting displayed GDF-6-induced suppression of p38 phosphorylation (p = 0.041) under IL-1β stimulation. In vivo, intradiscal co-administration of GDF-6 and atelocollagen was effective in alleviating rat tail IVD annular puncture-induced radiologic height loss (p = 0.005), histomorphological degeneration (p < 0.001), matrix metabolism (aggrecan, p < 0.001; type II collagen, p = 0.001), and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, p < 0.001; IL-6, p < 0.001). Consequently, GDF-6 could be a therapeutic growth factor for degenerative IVD disease.
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7
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Lu S, Lin CW. Lentivirus-mediated transfer of gene encoding fibroblast growth factor-18 inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:856. [PMID: 34178129 PMCID: PMC8220657 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10288] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF-18) is a well-characterized anabolic growth factor involved in cartilage homeostasis. However, the effect of FGF-18 on intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has not been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FGF-18 in the process of rabbit IVD degeneration. In vitro, primary nucleus pulposus cells (NPs) were cultured and transfected with a lentivirus. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used to induce apoptosis in NPs on the second passage, while overexpression of FGF-18 in NPs attenuated TBHP-induced apoptosis. A rabbit annular puncture model was generated to induce IVD degeneration in vivo. The discs were injected with an FGF-18-overexpression lentivirus or a negative control lentivirus. In the sham group, the discs were exposed and not punctured. Disc degeneration was evaluated using H&E staining and a histological grading system. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of the extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5). Nucleus pulposus apoptosis was detected via western blotting, immunohistochemical methods and TUNEL staining. Histologic examination showed that disc degeneration was attenuated after FGF-18 overexpression treatment. At 8 weeks after surgery, the expression of MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5 in the annular puncture groups was higher compared with in the sham group. FGF-18 treatment inhibited the expression of MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5 at the mRNA level. Western blot assays indicated that the expression level of Bax was significantly reduced in the FGF-18 groups, and that the expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly increased compared with those in the control group. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the FGF-18 group exhibited a lower percentage of cleaved caspase 3-positive NPs. Quantification of the TUNEL staining demonstrated that the FGF-18 group had fewer apoptotic NPs than the control group. These findings indicated that FGF-18 could delay IVD degeneration by inhibiting the apoptosis of NPs and the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Lu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Chao-Wei Lin
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Lyu FJ, Cui H, Pan H, MC Cheung K, Cao X, Iatridis JC, Zheng Z. Painful intervertebral disc degeneration and inflammation: from laboratory evidence to clinical interventions. Bone Res 2021; 9:7. [PMID: 33514693 PMCID: PMC7846842 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-020-00125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP), as a leading cause of disability, is a common musculoskeletal disorder that results in major social and economic burdens. Recent research has identified inflammation and related signaling pathways as important factors in the onset and progression of disc degeneration, a significant contributor to LBP. Inflammatory mediators also play an indispensable role in discogenic LBP. The suppression of LBP is a primary goal of clinical practice but has not received enough attention in disc research studies. Here, an overview of the advances in inflammation-related pain in disc degeneration is provided, with a discussion on the role of inflammation in IVD degeneration and pain induction. Puncture models, mechanical models, and spontaneous models as the main animal models to study painful disc degeneration are discussed, and the underlying signaling pathways are summarized. Furthermore, potential drug candidates, either under laboratory investigation or undergoing clinical trials, to suppress discogenic LBP by eliminating inflammation are explored. We hope to attract more research interest to address inflammation and pain in IDD and contribute to promoting more translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Juan Lyu
- grid.79703.3a0000 0004 1764 3838School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haowen Cui
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hehai Pan
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XBreast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kenneth MC Cheung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Xu Cao
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - James C. Iatridis
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Zhaomin Zheng
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XPain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Hodgkinson T, Gilbert HTJ, Pandya T, Diwan AD, Hoyland JA, Richardson SM. Regenerative Response of Degenerate Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells to GDF6 Stimulation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7143. [PMID: 32992671 PMCID: PMC7582366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor (GDF) family members have been implicated in the development and maintenance of healthy nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, making them promising therapeutic candidates for treatment of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and associated back pain. GDF6 has been shown to promote discogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, but its effect on NP cells remains largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate GDF6 signalling in adult human NP cells derived from degenerate tissue and determine the signal transduction pathways critical for GDF6-mediated phenotypic changes and tissue homeostatic mechanisms. This study demonstrates maintained expression of GDF6 receptors in human NP and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells across a range of degeneration grades at gene and protein level. We observed an anabolic response in NP cells treated with recombinant GDF6 (increased expression of matrix and NP-phenotypic markers; increased glycosaminoglycan production; no change in catabolic enzyme expression), and identified the signalling pathways involved in these responses (SMAD1/5/8 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, validated by blocking studies). These findings suggest that GDF6 promotes a healthy disc tissue phenotype in degenerate NP cells through SMAD-dependent and -independent (ERK1/2) mechanisms, which is important for development of GDF6 therapeutic strategies for treatment of degenerate discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hodgkinson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (T.H.); (H.T.J.G.); (T.P.); (J.A.H.)
| | - Hamish T. J. Gilbert
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (T.H.); (H.T.J.G.); (T.P.); (J.A.H.)
| | - Tej Pandya
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (T.H.); (H.T.J.G.); (T.P.); (J.A.H.)
| | - Ashish D. Diwan
- St George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia;
| | - Judith A. Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (T.H.); (H.T.J.G.); (T.P.); (J.A.H.)
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Stephen M. Richardson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (T.H.); (H.T.J.G.); (T.P.); (J.A.H.)
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