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Ma Z, Li DX, Lan X, Bubelenyi A, Vyhlidal M, Kunze M, Sommerfeldt M, Adesida AB. Short-term response of primary human meniscus cells to simulated microgravity. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:342. [PMID: 38907358 PMCID: PMC11191296 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical unloading of the knee articular cartilage results in cartilage matrix atrophy, signifying the osteoarthritic-inductive potential of mechanical unloading. In contrast, mechanical loading stimulates cartilage matrix production. However, little is known about the response of meniscal fibrocartilage, a major mechanical load-bearing tissue of the knee joint, and its functional matrix-forming fibrochondrocytes to mechanical unloading events. METHODS In this study, primary meniscus fibrochondrocytes isolated from the inner avascular region of human menisci from both male and female donors were seeded into porous collagen scaffolds to generate 3D meniscus models. These models were subjected to both normal gravity and mechanical unloading via simulated microgravity (SMG) for 7 days, with samples collected at various time points during the culture. RESULTS RNA sequencing unveiled significant transcriptome changes during the 7-day SMG culture, including the notable upregulation of key osteoarthritis markers such as COL10A1, MMP13, and SPP1, along with pathways related to inflammation and calcification. Crucially, sex-specific variations in transcriptional responses were observed. Meniscus models derived from female donors exhibited heightened cell proliferation activities, with the JUN protein involved in several potentially osteoarthritis-related signaling pathways. In contrast, meniscus models from male donors primarily regulated extracellular matrix components and matrix remodeling enzymes. CONCLUSION These findings advance our understanding of sex disparities in knee osteoarthritis by developing a novel in vitro model using cell-seeded meniscus constructs and simulated microgravity, revealing significant sex-specific molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Ma
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - David Xinzheyang Li
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, AB, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Xiaoyi Lan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Adam Bubelenyi
- Faculty of Science, AB, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Margaret Vyhlidal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Melanie Kunze
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mark Sommerfeldt
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Adetola B Adesida
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
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Rosenberg JL, Schaible E, Bostrom A, Lazar AA, Graham JL, Stanhope KL, Ritchie RO, Alliston TN, Lotz JC, Havel PJ, Acevedo C, Fields AJ. Type 2 diabetes impairs annulus fibrosus fiber deformation and rotation under disc compression in the University of California Davis type 2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rat model. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad363. [PMID: 38094616 PMCID: PMC10718642 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the biomechanical behavior of the intervertebral disc is crucial for studying disease mechanisms and developing tissue engineering strategies for managing disc degeneration. We used synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering to investigate how changes to collagen behavior contribute to alterations in the disc's ability to resist compression. Coccygeal motion segments from 6-month-old lean Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 7 ) and diabetic obese University of California Davis type 2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rats ( n = 6 , diabetic for 68 ± 7 days) were compressed during simultaneous synchrotron scanning to measure collagen strain at the nanoscale (beamline 7.3.3 of the Advanced Light Source). After compression, the annulus fibrosus was assayed for nonenzymatic cross-links. In discs from lean rats, resistance to compression involved two main energy-dissipation mechanisms at the nanoscale: (1) rotation of the two groups of collagen fibrils forming the annulus fibrosus and (2) straightening (uncrimping) and stretching of the collagen fibrils. In discs from diabetic rats, both mechanisms were significantly impaired. Specifically, diabetes reduced fibril rotation by 31% and reduced collagen fibril strain by 30% (compared to lean discs). The stiffening of collagen fibrils in the discs from diabetic rats was consistent with a 31% higher concentration of nonenzymatic cross-links and with evidence of earlier onset plastic deformations such as fibril sliding and fibril-matrix delamination. These findings suggest that fibril reorientation, stretching, and straightening are key deformation mechanisms that facilitate whole-disc compression, and that type 2 diabetes impairs these efficient and low-energy elastic deformation mechanisms, thereby altering whole-disc behavior and inducing the earlier onset of plastic deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Rosenberg
- Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Eric Schaible
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alan Bostrom
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ann A Lazar
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - James L Graham
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kimber L Stanhope
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Robert O Ritchie
- Materials Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Tamara N Alliston
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Peter J Havel
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Claire Acevedo
- Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Aaron J Fields
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Marfia G, Guarnaccia L, Navone SE, Ampollini A, Balsamo M, Benelli F, Gaudino C, Garzia E, Fratocchi C, Di Murro C, Ligarotti GK, Campanella C, Landolfi A, Perelli P, Locatelli M, Ciniglio Appiani G. Microgravity and the intervertebral disc: The impact of space conditions on the biomechanics of the spine. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1124991. [PMID: 36998982 PMCID: PMC10043412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1124991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental conditions to which astronauts and other military pilots are subjected represent a unique example for understanding and studying the biomechanical events that regulate the functioning of the human body. In particular, microgravity has shown a significant impact on various biological systems, such as the cardiovascular system, immune system, endocrine system, and, last but not least, musculoskeletal system. Among the potential risks of flying, low back pain (LBP) has a high incidence among astronauts and military pilots, and it is often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration events. The mechanisms of degeneration determine the loss of structural and functional integrity and are accompanied by the aberrant production of pro-inflammatory mediators that exacerbate the degenerative environment, contributing to the onset of pain. In the present work, the mechanisms of disc degeneration, the conditions of microgravity, and their association have been discussed in order to identify possible molecular mechanisms underlying disc degeneration and the related clinical manifestations in order to develop a model of prevention to maintain health and performance of air- and space-travelers. The focus on microgravity also allows the development of new proofs of concept with potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marfia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Marfia,
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Elena Navone
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Ampollini
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Balsamo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Benelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Gaudino
- Department of Neuroradiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Garzia
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Fratocchi
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Di Murro
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Campanella
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “Aldo Di Loreto”, Aeronautica Militare, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Locatelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical-Surgical Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Breen A, Carvil P, Green DA, Russomano T, Breen A. Effects of a microgravity SkinSuit on lumbar geometry and kinematics. 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 2023; 32:839-847. [PMID: 36645514 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07454-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Astronauts returning from long ISS missions have demonstrated an increased incidence of lumbar disc herniation accompanied by biomechanical and morphological changes associated with spine elongation. This research describes a ground-based study of the effects of an axial compression countermeasure Mk VI SkinSuit designed to reload the spine and reduce these changes before return to terrestrial gravity. METHODS Twenty healthy male volunteers aged 21-36 without back pain participated. Each lay overnight on a Hyper Buoyancy Flotation (HBF) bed for 12 h on two occasions 6 weeks apart. On the second occasion participants donned a Mk VI SkinSuit designed to axially load the spine at 0.2 Gz during the last 4 h of flotation. Immediately after each exposure, participants received recumbent MRI and flexion-extension quantitative fluoroscopy scans of their lumbar spines, measuring differences between spine geometry and intervertebral kinematics with and without the SkinSuit. This was followed by the same procedure whilst weight bearing. Paired comparisons were performed for all measurements. RESULTS Following Mk VI SkinSuit use, participants evidenced more flexion RoM at L3-4 (p = 0.01) and L4-5 (p = 0.003), more translation at L3-4 (p = 0.02), lower dynamic disc height at L5-S1 (p = 0.002), lower lumbar spine length (p = 0.01) and greater lordosis (p = 0.0001) than without the Mk VI SkinSuit. Disc cross-sectional area and volume were not significantly affected. CONCLUSION The MkVI SkinSuit restores lumbar mobility and lordosis following 4 h of wearing during hyper buoyancy flotation in a healthy control population and may be an effective countermeasure for post space flight lumbar disc herniation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Breen
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Philip Carvil
- Centre of Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - David Andrew Green
- Centre of Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK.,Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany.,KBRwyle, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thais Russomano
- CEMA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz (Edifício Comum ao Hospital de Santa Maria), 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alan Breen
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
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Transcriptomic response of bioengineered human cartilage to parabolic flight microgravity is sex-dependent. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:5. [PMID: 36658138 PMCID: PMC9852254 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00255-6] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and simulated spaceflight microgravity induced osteoarthritic-like alterations at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels in the articular and meniscal cartilages of rodents. But little is known about the effect of spaceflight or simulated spaceflight microgravity on the transcriptome of tissue-engineered cartilage developed from human cells. In this study, we investigate the effect of simulated spaceflight microgravity facilitated by parabolic flights on tissue-engineered cartilage developed from in vitro chondrogenesis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells obtained from age-matched female and male donors. The successful induction of cartilage-like tissue was confirmed by the expression of well-demonstrated chondrogenic markers. Our bulk transcriptome data via RNA sequencing demonstrated that parabolic flight altered mostly fundamental biological processes, and the modulation of the transcriptome profile showed sex-dependent differences. The secretome profile analysis revealed that two genes (WNT7B and WNT9A) from the Wnt-signaling pathway, which is implicated in osteoarthritis development, were only up-regulated for female donors. The results of this study showed that the engineered cartilage tissues responded to microgravity in a sex-dependent manner, and the reported data offers a strong foundation to further explore the underlying mechanisms.
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Ma Z, Li DX, Kunze M, Mulet-Sierra A, Westover L, Adesida AB. Engineered Human Meniscus in Modeling Sex Differences of Knee Osteoarthritis in Vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:823679. [PMID: 35284415 PMCID: PMC8904202 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.823679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) primarily affects mechanical load-bearing joints. The knee joint is the most impacted by OA. Knee OA (KOA) occurs in almost all demographic groups, but the prevalence and severity are disproportionately higher in females. The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis and progression of KOA is unknown. The molecular basis of biological sex matters of KOA is not fully understood. Mechanical stimulation plays a vital role in modulating OA-related responses of load-bearing tissues. Mechanical unloading by simulated microgravity (SMG) induced OA-like gene expression in engineered cartilage, while mechanical loading by cyclic hydrostatic pressure (CHP), on the other hand, exerted a pro-chondrogenic effect. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mechanical loading and unloading via CHP and SMG, respectively, on the OA-related profile changes of engineered meniscus tissues and explore biological sex-related differences.Methods: Tissue-engineered menisci were made from female and male meniscus fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) under static conditions of normal gravity in chondrogenic media and subjected to SMG and CHP culture. Constructs were assayed via histology, immunofluorescence, GAG/DNA assays, RNA sequencing, and testing of mechanical properties.Results: The mRNA expression of ACAN and COL2A1, was upregulated by CHP but downregulated by SMG. COL10A1, a marker for chondrocyte hypertrophy, was downregulated by CHP compared to SMG. Furthermore, CHP increased GAG/DNA levels and wet weight in both female and male donors, but only significantly in females. From the transcriptomics, CHP and SMG significantly modulated genes related to the ossification, regulation of ossification, extracellular matrix, and angiogenesis Gene Ontology (GO) terms. A clear difference in fold-change magnitude and direction was seen between the two treatments for many of the genes. Furthermore, differences in fold-change magnitudes were seen between male and female donors within each treatment. SMG and CHP also significantly modulated genes in OA-related KEGG pathways, such as mineral absorption, Wnt signalling pathway, and HIF-1 signalling pathway.Conclusion: Engineered menisci responded to CHP and SMG in a sex-dependent manner. SMG may induce an OA-like profile, while CHP promotes chondrogenesis. The combination of SMG and CHP could serve as a model to study the early molecular events of KOA and potential drug-targetable pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Ma
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Research and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David Xinzheyang Li
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Research and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Melanie Kunze
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Research and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aillette Mulet-Sierra
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Research and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lindsey Westover
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Adetola B. Adesida
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Research and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Adetola B. Adesida,
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Lazzari ZT, Aria KM, Menger R. Neurosurgery and spinal adaptations in spaceflight: A literature review. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 207:106755. [PMID: 34126454 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spaceflight places astronauts in multiple environments capable of inducing pathological changes. Alterations in the spine have a significant impact on astronauts' health during and after spaceflight. Low back pain is an established and common intra-flight complaint. Intervertebral disc herniation occurs at higher rates in this population and poses significant morbidity. Morphological changes within intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies, and spinal postural muscles affect overall spine function and astronaut performance. There remains a paucity of research related to spaceflight-induced pathologies, and currently available reviews concern the central nervous system broadly while lacking emphasis on spinal function. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to review and summarize available data regarding changes in spinal health with exposure to spaceflight, especially focusing on effects of microgravity. The authors also present promising diagnostic and treatment approaches wherein the neurosurgeon could positively impact astronauts' health and post-flight outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Articles included in this review were identified via search engine using MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review, Google Scholar, and references within other relevant articles. Search criteria included "spine and spaceflight", "vertebral column and spaceflight", "vertebral disc and spaceflight", and "muscle atrophy and spaceflight", with results limited to articles written in English from 1961 to 2020. References of selected articles were included as appropriate. RESULTS Fifty-six articles were included in this review. Compositional changes at the intervertebral discs, vertebral bone, and paraspinal muscles contribute to undesirable effects on astronaut spinal function in space and contribute to post-flight pathologies. Risk of intervertebral disc herniation increases, especially during post-flight recovery. Vertebral bone degeneration in microgravity may increase risk for herniation and fracture. Paraspinal muscle atrophy contributes to low back pain, poorer spine health, and reduced stability. CONCLUSION Anatomical changes in microgravity contribute to the development of spinal pathologies. Microgravity impacts sensory neurovestibular function, neuromuscular output, genetic expression, among other systems. Future developments in imaging and therapeutic interventions may better analyze these changes and offer targeted therapeutic interventions to decrease the burden of pain and other diseases of the spine in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin M Aria
- University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, USA.
| | - Richard Menger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA; Department of Political Science, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA.
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Zhang S, Wang K, Zhu R, Jiang C, Niu W. Penguin Suit and Fetal Position Finite Element Model to Prevent Low Back Pain in Spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2021; 92:312-318. [PMID: 33875063 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5740.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of different interventions on astronauts lumbar intervertebral discs in a microgravity environment during spaceflight and in a gravity environment when the astronaut returns.METHODS: A finite element model of the L4L5 lumbar segment was developed with eight loading schemes representing different interventions. The loading schemes included no intervention, wearing a penguin suit, sleeping in a fetal position, wearing a penguin suit combined with sleeping in the fetal position, reclining for 4 or 16 h/d, and maintaining upright posture for 4 or 16 h/d.RESULTS: Without intervention, the microgravity environment led to increased central pore pressure, radial displacement, and water content in the lumbar intervertebral disc. Wearing a penguin suit combined with sleeping in the fetal position can reduce disc pore pressure, axial stress, radial displacement, and water content to 0.156 MPa, 11.50 kPa, 0.538 mm, and 1.390%, respectively. When astronauts return to the gravity environment, staying upright for 4 h can reduce the pore pressure, axial stress, radial displacement, and water content of the intervertebral disc to 0.222 MPa, 10.72 kPa, 0.373 mm, and 0.219%, respectively.CONCLUSION: This study showed that wearing a penguin suit and sleeping in the fetal position both have the potential to protect the lumbar intervertebral disc from the negative effects caused by microgravity. Remaining in the upright posture for 4 h per day may help squeeze out the water in the intervertebral disc safely when astronauts return to the gravity environment.Zhang S, Wang K, Zhu R, Jiang C, Niu W. Penguin suit and fetal position finite element model to prevent low back pain in spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(5):312318.
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The effects of simulated +Gz and microgravity on intervertebral disc degeneration in rabbits. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16608. [PMID: 31719640 PMCID: PMC6851093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that +Gz (hypergravity/positive acceleration) and microgravity can both aggravate intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Due to +Gz and microgravity, many pilots develop IVDD. However, the lack of animal models of IVDD under conditions of simulated +Gz and microgravity has hampered research on the onset and prevention of IVDD. Rabbits were randomly allotted to a control group, microgravity group, +Gz group, or mixed (+Gz + microgravity) group. A tail-suspension model was utilized to simulate a microgravity environment and an animal centrifuge to mimic +Gz conditions. After exposure to the above conditions for 4, 8, and 24 weeks, the body weights (BW) of animals in the control group gradually increased over time, while those of animals in the microgravity and mixed groups both decreased (p < 0.001). As compared with the control group, the proteoglycan content of animals in the other three groups was significantly reduced (F = 192.83, p < 0.001). The imageological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes to the L6-S1 intervertebral disc samples suggests that the effects of +Gz and microgravity can aggravate IVDD over time. The mixed effects of +Gz and microgravity had the greatest effect on degeneration and +Gz had a particularly greater effect than microgravity.
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Franco-Obregón A, Cambria E, Greutert H, Wernas T, Hitzl W, Egli M, Sekiguchi M, Boos N, Hausmann O, Ferguson SJ, Kobayashi H, Wuertz-Kozak K. TRPC6 in simulated microgravity of intervertebral disc cells. 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 2018; 27:2621-2630. [PMID: 29968164 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-018-5688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prolonged bed rest and microgravity in space cause intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels are implicated in mechanosensing of several tissues, but are poorly explored in IVDs. METHODS Primary human IVD cells from surgical biopsies composed of both annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus (passage 1-2) were exposed to simulated microgravity and to the TRPC channel inhibitor SKF-96365 (SKF) for up to 5 days. Proliferative capacity, cell cycle distribution, senescence and TRPC channel expression were analyzed. RESULTS Both simulated microgravity and TRPC channel antagonism reduced the proliferative capacity of IVD cells and induced senescence. While significant changes in cell cycle distributions (reduction in G1 and accumulation in G2/M) were observed upon SKF treatment, the effect was small upon 3 days of simulated microgravity. Finally, downregulation of TRPC6 was shown under simulated microgravity. CONCLUSIONS Simulated microgravity and TRPC channel inhibition both led to reduced proliferation and increased senescence. Furthermore, simulated microgravity reduced TRPC6 expression. IVD cell senescence and mechanotransduction may hence potentially be regulated by TRPC6 expression. This study thus reveals promising targets for future studies. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Franco-Obregón
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- BioIonic Currents Electromagnetic Pulsing Systems Laboratory, BICEPS, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elena Cambria
- Institute for Biomechanics, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helen Greutert
- Institute for Biomechanics, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timon Wernas
- School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Hitzl
- Research Office (Biostatistics), Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marcel Egli
- School of Engineering and Architecture, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Miho Sekiguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Norbert Boos
- Prodorso Center for Spinal Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Hausmann
- Neuro- and Spine Center, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Stephen J Ferguson
- Institute for Biomechanics, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Institute for Biomechanics, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Institute for Biomechanics, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Spine Center, Schön Klinik München Harlaching, 81547, Munich, Germany.
- Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Department of Health Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
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Bailey JF, Miller SL, Khieu K, O’Neill CW, Healey RM, Coughlin DG, Sayson JV, Chang DG, Hargens AR, Lotz JC. From the international space station to the clinic: how prolonged unloading may disrupt lumbar spine stability. Spine J 2018; 18:7-14. [PMID: 28962911 PMCID: PMC6339989 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.08.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Prolonged microgravity exposure is associated with localized low back pain and an elevated risk of post-flight disc herniation. Although the mechanisms by which microgravity impairs the spine are unclear, they should be foundational for developing in-flight countermeasures for maintaining astronaut spine health. Because human spine anatomy has adapted to upright posture on Earth, observations of how spaceflight affects the spine should also provide new and potentially important information on spine biomechanics that benefit the general population. PURPOSE This study compares quantitative measures of lumbar spine anatomy, health, and biomechanics in astronauts before and after 6 months of microgravity exposure on board the International Space Station (ISS). STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective longitudinal study. SAMPLE Six astronaut crewmember volunteers from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with 6-month missions aboard the ISS comprised our study sample. OUTCOME MEASURES For multifidus and erector spinae at L3-L4, measures include cross-sectional area (CSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA), and FCSA/CSA. Other measures include supine lumbar lordosis (L1-S1), active (standing) and passive (lying) flexion-extension range of motion (FE ROM) for each lumbar disc segment, disc water content from T2-weighted intensity, Pfirrmann grade, vertebral end plate pathology, and subject-reported incidence of chronic low back pain or disc injuries at 1-year follow-up. METHODS 3T magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic fluoroscopy of the lumbar spine were collected for each subject at two time points: approximately 30 days before launch (pre-flight) and 1 day following 6 months spaceflight on the ISS (post-flight). Outcome measures were compared between time points using paired t tests and regression analyses. RESULTS Supine lumbar lordosis decreased (flattened) by an average of 11% (p=.019). Active FE ROM decreased for the middle three lumbar discs (L2-L3: -22.1%, p=.049; L3-L4: -17.3%, p=.016; L4-L5: -30.3%, p=.004). By contrast, no significant passive FE ROM changes in these discs were observed (p>.05). Disc water content did not differ systematically from pre- to post-flight. Multifidus and erector spinae changed variably between subjects, with five of six subjects experiencing an average decrease 20% for FCSA and 8%-9% for CSA in both muscles. For all subjects, changes in multifidus FCSA strongly correlated with changes in lordosis (r2=0.86, p=.008) and active FE ROM at L4-L5 (r2=0.94, p=.007). Additionally, changes in multifidus FCSA/CSA correlated with changes in lordosis (r2=0.69, p=.03). Although multifidus-associated changes in lordosis and ROM were present among all subjects, only those with severe, pre-flight end plate irregularities (two of six subjects) had post-flight lumbar symptoms (including chronic low back pain or disc herniation). CONCLUSIONS We observed that multifidus atrophy, rather than intervertebral disc swelling, associated strongly with lumbar flattening and increased stiffness. Because these changes have been previously linked with detrimental spine biomechanics and pain in terrestrial populations, when combined with evidence of pre-flight vertebral end plate insufficiency, they may elevate injury risk for astronauts upon return to gravity loading. Our results also have implications for deconditioned spines on Earth. We anticipate that our results will inform new astronaut countermeasures that target the multifidus muscles, and research on the role of muscular stability in relation to chronic low back pain and disc injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie F. Bailey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S1157, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Miller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S1157, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
| | - Kristine Khieu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0863, USA
| | - Conor W. O’Neill
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S1157, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
| | - Robert M. Healey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S1157, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
| | - Dezba G. Coughlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S1157, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA
| | - Jojo V. Sayson
- Ola Grimsby Institute, 8550 United Plaza Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
| | - Douglas G. Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0863, USA
| | - Alan R. Hargens
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0863, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S1157, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0514, USA,Corresponding author. Orthopaedic Bioengineering Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, 11th Floor, S1157, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514, USA. Tel.: 415 476 7881; fax: 415 476 1128. (J.C. Lotz)
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Spaceflight and Neurosurgery: A Comprehensive Review of the Relevant Literature. World Neurosurg 2017; 109:444-448. [PMID: 29061459 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spaceflight and the associated gravitational fluctuations may impact various components of the central nervous system. These include changes in intracranial pressure, the spine, and neurocognitive performance. The implications of altered astronaut performance on critical spaceflight missions are potentially significant. The current body of research on this important topic is extremely limited, and a comprehensive review has not been published. Herein, the authors address this notable gap, as well as the role of the neurosurgeon in optimizing potential diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. METHODS A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, with no time constraints. Significant manuscripts on physiologic changes associated with spaceflight and microgravity were identified and reviewed. Manifestations were separated into 1 of 3 general categories, including changes in intracranial pressure, the spine, and neurocognitive performance. RESULTS A comprehensive literature review yielded 27 studies with direct relevance to the impact of microgravity and spaceflight on nervous system physiology. This included 7 studies related to intracranial pressure fluctuations, 17 related to changes in the spinal column, and 3 related to neurocognitive change. CONCLUSIONS The microgravity environment encountered during spaceflight impacts intracranial physiology. This includes changes in intracranial pressure, the spinal column, and neurocognitive performance. Herein, we present a systematic review of the published literature on this issue. Neurosurgeons should have a key role in the continued study of this important topic, contributing to both diagnostic and therapeutic understanding.
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