1
|
Hu S, Zhu M, Xing H, Xue Y, Li J, Wang Z, Zhu Z, Fang M, Li Z, Xu J, He Y, Zhang N. Thread-structural microneedles loaded with engineered exosomes for annulus fibrosus repair by regulating mitophagy recovery and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Bioact Mater 2024; 37:1-13. [PMID: 38515611 PMCID: PMC10951295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.006] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is among the most grave public health concerns worldwide and the major clinical manifestation of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The destruction of annulus fibrosus (AF) is the primary cause of IVDD. A sustainable and stable treatment system for IVDD is lacking because of the special organizational structure and low nutrient supply of AF. We here found that IVDD results in the impaired mitochondrial function of AF tissue, and mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) plays a protective role in this process. We therefore reported a thread-structural microneedle (T-MN) matching the ring structure of AF. Based on the adsorption effect of laminin, our T-MN could load with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes to envelope the regulating mitophagy microRNA (miRNA 378), named as T-MN@EXO@miR-378. In general, we offered in situ locking in the defect site of AF to prevent nucleus pulposus leakage and promoted AF repair. The design of the thread structure was aimed at bionically matching the layered AF structure, thereby providing stronger adhesion. The T-MN@EXO@miR-378 effectively attached to AF and slowly released therapeutic engineered exosomes, and prevented IVDD progression by restoring mitophagy, promoting AF cell proliferation and migration, and inhibiting the pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix. This functional system can be used as an excellent tool for sustained drug release and has a certain prospect in substituting the conventional treatment of IVDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Meng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Xing
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yucheng Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Zhou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, PR China
| | - Miaojie Fang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Zilong Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Jianbin Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, PR China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Feng Y, Su L, Liu L, Chen Z, Ji Y, Hu Y, Zheng D, Chen Z, Lei C, Xu H, Han Y, Shen H. Accurate Spatio-Temporal Delivery of Nitric Oxide Facilitates the Programmable Repair of Avascular Dense Connective Tissues Injury. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303740. [PMID: 38413194 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303740] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Avascular dense connective tissues (e.g., the annulus fibrosus (AF) rupture, the meniscus tear, and tendons and ligaments injury) repair remains a challenge due to the "biological barrier" that hinders traditional drug permeation and limits self-healing of the injured tissue. Here, accurate delivery of nitric oxide (NO) to penetrate the "AF biological barrier" is achieved thereby enabling programmable AF repair. NO-loaded BioMOFs are synthesized and mixed in a modified polyvinyl alcohol and PCL-composited electrospun fiber membrane with excellent reactive oxygen species-responsive capability (LN@PM). The results show that LN@PM could respond to the high oxidative stress environment at the injured tissue and realize continuous and substantial NO release. Based on low molecular weight and lipophilicity, NO could penetrate through the "biological barrier" for accurate AF drug delivery. Moreover, the dynamic characteristics of the LN@PM reaction can be matched with the pathological microenvironment to initiate programmable tissue repair including sequential remodeling microenvironment, reprogramming the immune environment, and finally promoting tissue regeneration. This tailored programmable treatment strategy that matches the pathological repair process significantly repairs AF, ultimately alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration. This study highlights a promising approach for avascular dense connective tissue treatment through intelligent NO release, effectively overcoming "AF biological barriers" and programmable treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Lefeng Su
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, P. R. China
| | - Lei Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, P. R. China
| | - Zhanyi Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Yucheng Ji
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Hu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Changbin Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, P. R. China
| | - He Xu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, P. R. China
| | - Yingchao Han
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Hongxing Shen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schol J, Tamagawa S, Volleman TNE, Ishijima M, Sakai D. A comprehensive review of cell transplantation and platelet-rich plasma therapy for the treatment of disc degeneration-related back and neck pain: A systematic evidence-based analysis. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1348. [PMID: 38919468 PMCID: PMC11196836 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) and neck pain predominate as the primary causes of disability. Cell- and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products are potential therapies with clinical trials and reviews promoting their efficacy. Nonetheless, they frequently disregard the clinical significance of reported improvements. In this systematic review, the effectuated improvements in pain, disability, quality of life (QoL), and radiographic images are comprehensively described and scored on their clinical significance. An electronic database literature search was conducted on July 2023 for in-human assessment of cell or PRP products to alleviate discogenic pain. Papers were screened on quantitative pain, disability, QoL, radiographic improvements, and safety outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed through MINORS and Cochrane Source of Bias tools. Reported outcomes were obtained, calculated, and assessed to meet minimal clinically important difference (MCID) standards. From 7623 screened papers, a total of 80 articles met the eligibility criteria, presenting 68 specific studies. These presented at least 1974 treated patients. Overall, cell/PRP injections could alleviate pain and disability, resulting in MCID for pain and disability in up to a 2-year follow-up, similar to those observed in patients undergoing spinal fusion. Included trials predominantly presented high levels of bias, involved heterogeneous study designs, and only a minimal number of randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, a clear clinically significant impact was observed for cell- and PRP-treated cohorts with overall good safety profiles. These results highlight a strong therapeutic potential but also underline the need for future cost-effectiveness assessments to determine the benefits of cell/PRP treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryTokai University School of MedicineIseharaJapan
- Tokai University Center of Regenerative MedicineIseharaJapan
| | - Shota Tamagawa
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryTokai University School of MedicineIseharaJapan
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor OrganJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | | | - Muneaki Ishijima
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor OrganJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryTokai University School of MedicineIseharaJapan
- Tokai University Center of Regenerative MedicineIseharaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cherif H, Li L, Snuggs J, Li X, Sammon C, Li J, Beckman L, Haglund L, Le Maitre CL. Injectable hydrogel induces regeneration of naturally degenerate human intervertebral discs in a loaded organ culture model. Acta Biomater 2024; 176:201-220. [PMID: 38160855 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.041] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain resulting from disc degeneration is a leading cause of disability worldwide. However, to date few therapies target the cause and fail to repair the intervertebral disc (IVD). This study investigates the ability of an injectable hydrogel (NPgel), to inhibit catabolic protein expression and promote matrix expression in human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells within a tissue explant culture model isolated from degenerate discs. Furthermore, the injection capacity of NPgel into naturally degenerate whole human discs, effects on mechanical function, and resistance to extrusion during loading were investigated. Finally, the induction of potential regenerative effects in a physiologically loaded human organ culture system was investigated following injection of NPgel with or without bone marrow progenitor cells. Injection of NPgel into naturally degenerate human IVDs increased disc height and Young's modulus, and was retained during extrusion testing. Injection into cadaveric discs followed by culture under physiological loading increased MRI signal intensity, restored natural biomechanical properties and showed evidence of increased anabolism and decreased catabolism with tissue integration observed. These results provide essential proof of concept data supporting the use of NPgel as an injectable therapy for disc regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Low back pain resulting from disc degeneration is a leading cause of disability worldwide. However, to date few therapies target the cause and fail to repair the intervertebral disc. This study investigated the potential regenerative properties of an injectable hydrogel system (NPgel) within human tissue samples. To mimic the human in vivo conditions and the unique IVD niche, a dynamically loaded intact human disc culture system was utilised. NPgel improved the biomechanical properties, increased MRI intensity and decreased degree of degeneration. Furthermore, NPgel induced matrix production and decreased catabolic factors by the native cells of the disc. This manuscript provides evidence for the potential use of NPgel as a regenerative biomaterial for intervertebral disc degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hosni Cherif
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Li Li
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Joseph Snuggs
- Oncology and Metabolism Department, Medical School, & INSIGNEO Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Christopher Sammon
- Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lorne Beckman
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada; Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, QC H4A 0A9, Canada
| | - Christine L Le Maitre
- Oncology and Metabolism Department, Medical School, & INSIGNEO Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li S, Du J, Huang Y, Gao S, Zhao Z, Chang Z, Zhang X, He B. From hyperglycemia to intervertebral disc damage: exploring diabetic-induced disc degeneration. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355503. [PMID: 38444852 PMCID: PMC10912372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of lumbar disc herniation has gradually increased in recent years, and most patients have symptoms of low back pain and nerve compression, which brings a heavy burden to patients and society alike. Although the causes of disc herniation are complex, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is considered to be the most common factor. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is composed of the upper and lower cartilage endplates, nucleus pulposus, and annulus fibrosus. Aging, abnormal mechanical stress load, and metabolic disorders can exacerbate the progression of IDD. Among them, high glucose and high-fat diets (HFD) can lead to fat accumulation, abnormal glucose metabolism, and inflammation, which are considered important factors affecting the homeostasis of IDD. Diabetes and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation- can lead to various adverse effects on the IVD, including cell senescence, apoptosis, pyroptosis, proliferation, and Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. While current research provides a fundamental basis for the treatment of high glucose-induced IDD patients. further exploration into the mechanisms of abnormal glucose metabolism affecting IDD and in the development of targeted drugs will provide the foundation for the effective treatment of these patients. We aimed to systematically review studies regarding the effects of hyperglycemia on the progress of IDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Medical College, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinpeng Du
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yunfei Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shenglong Gao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Medical College, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhen Chang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuefang Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - BaoRong He
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Youyidong Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Spine Bionic Treatment, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang S, Jing S, Wang S, Jia F. From drugs to biomaterials: a review of emerging therapeutic strategies for intervertebral disc inflammation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1303645. [PMID: 38352058 PMCID: PMC10861683 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1303645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (LBP) is an increasingly prevalent issue, especially among aging populations. A major underlying cause of LBP is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), often triggered by intervertebral disc (IVD) inflammation. Inflammation of the IVD is divided into Septic and Aseptic inflammation. Conservative therapy and surgical treatment often fail to address the root cause of IDD. Recent advances in the treatment of IVD infection and inflammation range from antibiotics and small-molecule drugs to cellular therapies, biological agents, and innovative biomaterials. This review sheds light on the complex mechanisms of IVD inflammation and physiological and biochemical processes of IDD. Furthermore, it provides an overview of recent research developments in this area, intending to identify novel therapeutic targets and guide future clinical strategies for effectively treating IVD-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shaoze Jing
- Department of Orthopedics, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shanxi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fajing Jia
- Department of General Practice, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu X, Tian X, Yang C, Ling F, Liu H, Zhu X, Pei M, Yang H, Liu T, Xu Y, He F. Melatonin-loaded self-healing hydrogel targets mitochondrial energy metabolism and promotes annulus fibrosus regeneration. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100811. [PMID: 37810753 PMCID: PMC10550778 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100811] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation is a major cause of chronic low back pain and disability. The current nucleus pulposus (NP) discectomy effectively relieves pain symptoms, but the annulus fibrosus (AF) defects are left unrepaired. Tissue engineering approaches show promise in treating AF injury and IVD degeneration; however, the presence of an inflammatory milieu at the injury site hinders the mitochondrial energy metabolism of AF cells, resulting in a lack of AF regeneration. In this study, we fabricated a dynamic self-healing hydrogel loaded with melatonin (an endocrine hormone well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) and investigate whether melatonin-loaded hydrogel could promote AF defect repair by rescuing the matrix synthesis and energy metabolism of AF cells. The protective effects of melatonin on matrix components (e.g. type I and II collagen and aggrecan) in AF cells were observed in the presence of interleukin (IL)-1β. Additionally, melatonin was found to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor signaling pathway, thereby safeguarding the mitochondrial function of AF cells from IL-1β, as evidenced by the increased level of adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and respiratory chain factor expression. The incorporation of melatonin into a self-healing hydrogel based on thiolated gelatin and β-cyclodextrin was proposed as a means of promoting AF regeneration. The successful implantation of melatonin-loaded hydrogel has been shown to facilitate in situ regeneration of AF tissue, thereby impeding IVD degeneration by preserving the hydration of nucleus pulposus in a rat box-cut IVD defect model. These findings offer compelling evidence that the development of a melatonin-loaded dynamic self-healing hydrogel can promote the mitochondrial functions of AF cells and represents a promising strategy for IVD regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiayu Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Chunju Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Feng Ling
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
- Department of Orthopaedics,the Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xuesong Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Ming Pei
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Fan He
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopaedic Institute, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| |
Collapse
|