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Tang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang M. A Chitosan Scaffold Supports the Enhanced and Prolonged Differentiation of HiPSCs into Nucleus Pulposus-like Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:28263-28275. [PMID: 38788694 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a progressive condition and stands as one of the primary causes of low back pain. Cell therapy that uses nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds great promise as a treatment for IDD. However, the conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures oversimplify cell-cell interactions, leading to suboptimal differentiation efficiency and potential loss of phenotype. While three-dimensional (3D) culture systems like Matrigel improve hiPSC differentiation efficiency, they are limited by animal-derived materials for translation, poorly defined composition, short-term degradation, and high cost. In this study, we introduce a new 3D scaffold fabricated using medical-grade chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation. The scaffold features a highly interconnected porous structure, near-neutral surface charge, and exceptional degradation stability, benefiting iPSC adhesion and proliferation. This scaffold remarkably enhances the differentiation efficiency and allows uninterrupted differentiation for up to 25 days without subculturing. Notably, cells differentiated on the chitosan scaffold exhibited increased cell survival rates and upregulated gene expression associated with extracellular matrix secretion under a chemically defined condition mimicking the challenging microenvironment of intervertebral discs. These characteristics qualify the chitosan scaffold-cell construct for direct implantation, serving as both a structural support and a cellular source for enhanced stem cell therapy for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhang Tang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Li J, Li H, Chen Y, Bei D, Huang B, Gan K, Sang P, Liu J, Shan Z, Chen J, Zhao F, Chen B. Induction of cervical disc degeneration and discogenic pain by low concentration Propionibacterium acnes infection: an in vivo animal study. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:41. [PMID: 38297365 PMCID: PMC10829385 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03269-x] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc degeneration and discogenic neck pain induced by a low concentration of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes-L) is investigated to explore the possible mechanisms of cervical discogenic pain. METHODS Cervical IVD degeneration and discitis was induced in 8-week-old male rats in C3-C6 IVDs through the anterior intervertebral puncture with intradiscal injections of low and high concentrations of P. acnes (P. acnes-L, n = 20 and P. acnes-H, n = 15) or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, n = 15), compared to control (injection with PBS, n = 20). The structural changes in the cervical IVD using micro-CT, histological evaluation, and gene expression assays after MRI scans at 2 and 6 weeks post-modeling. The P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration model was assessed for cervical spine MRI, histological degeneration, pain-like behaviors (guarding behavior and forepaw von Frey), nerve fiber growth in the IVD endplate region, and DRG TNF-α and CGRP. RESULTS IVD injection with P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration with decreased IVD height and MRI T2 values. IVD injection with P. acnes-H and S. aureus both lead to discitis-like changes on T2-weighted MRI, trabecular bone remodeling on micro-CT, and osseous fusion after damage in the cartilage endplate adjacent to the injected IVD. Eventually, rats in the P. acnes-L group exhibited significant nociceptive hypersensitivity, nerve fiber ingrowth was observed in the IVD endplate region, inflammatory activity in the DRG was significantly increased compared to the control group, and the expression of the pain neurotransmitter CGRP was significantly upregulated. CONCLUSION P. acnes-L was validated to induce cervical IVD degeneration and discogenic pain phenotype, while P. acnes-H induced was identified to resemble septic discitis comparable to those caused by S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, 1111 Jiangnan Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315040, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yilei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dikai Bei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, 1111 Jiangnan Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315040, China
| | - Bao Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaifeng Gan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, 1111 Jiangnan Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315040, China
| | - Peiming Sang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, 1111 Jiangnan Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315040, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi Shan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengdong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration, Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Binhui Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, 1111 Jiangnan Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315040, China.
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Crump KB, Alminnawi A, Bermudez‐Lekerika P, Compte R, Gualdi F, McSweeney T, Muñoz‐Moya E, Nüesch A, Geris L, Dudli S, Karppinen J, Noailly J, Le Maitre C, Gantenbein B. Cartilaginous endplates: A comprehensive review on a neglected structure in intervertebral disc research. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1294. [PMID: 38156054 PMCID: PMC10751983 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The cartilaginous endplates (CEP) are key components of the intervertebral disc (IVD) necessary for sustaining the nutrition of the disc while distributing mechanical loads and preventing the disc from bulging into the adjacent vertebral body. The size, shape, and composition of the CEP are essential in maintaining its function, and degeneration of the CEP is considered a contributor to early IVD degeneration. In addition, the CEP is implicated in Modic changes, which are often associated with low back pain. This review aims to tackle the current knowledge of the CEP regarding its structure, composition, permeability, and mechanical role in a healthy disc, how they change with degeneration, and how they connect to IVD degeneration and low back pain. Additionally, the authors suggest a standardized naming convention regarding the CEP and bony endplate and suggest avoiding the term vertebral endplate. Currently, there is limited data on the CEP itself as reported data is often a combination of CEP and bony endplate, or the CEP is considered as articular cartilage. However, it is clear the CEP is a unique tissue type that differs from articular cartilage, bony endplate, and other IVD tissues. Thus, future research should investigate the CEP separately to fully understand its role in healthy and degenerated IVDs. Further, most IVD regeneration therapies in development failed to address, or even considered the CEP, despite its key role in nutrition and mechanical stability within the IVD. Thus, the CEP should be considered and potentially targeted for future sustainable treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B. Crump
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, InselspitalBern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Ahmad Alminnawi
- GIGA In Silico MedicineUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Biomechanics Research Unit, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Paola Bermudez‐Lekerika
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, InselspitalBern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Roger Compte
- Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologySt. Thomas' Hospital, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Francesco Gualdi
- Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Terence McSweeney
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and TechnologyUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Estefano Muñoz‐Moya
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication TechnologiesUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Andrea Nüesch
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population HealthUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Liesbet Geris
- GIGA In Silico MedicineUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Biomechanics Research Unit, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Center of Experimental RheumatologyDepartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and RheumatologyBalgrist University Hospital, Balgrist Campus, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jaro Karppinen
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and TechnologyUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
- Finnish Institute of Occupational HealthOuluFinland
- Rehabilitation Services of South Karelia Social and Health Care DistrictLappeenrantaFinland
| | - Jérôme Noailly
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication TechnologiesUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Christine Le Maitre
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population HealthUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, InselspitalBern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
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Luo Z, Wei Z, Zhang G, Chen H, Li L, Kang X. Achilles' Heel-The Significance of Maintaining Microenvironmental Homeostasis in the Nucleus Pulposus for Intervertebral Discs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16592. [PMID: 38068915 PMCID: PMC10706299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316592] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of intracellular and extracellular environments as well as the aberrant expression of ion channels on the cell membrane are intricately linked to a diverse array of degenerative disorders, including intervertebral disc degeneration. This condition is a significant contributor to low back pain, which poses a substantial burden on both personal quality of life and societal economics. Changes in the number and function of ion channels can disrupt the water and ion balance both inside and outside cells, thereby impacting the physiological functions of tissues and organs. Therefore, maintaining ion homeostasis and stable expression of ion channels within the cellular microenvironment may prove beneficial in the treatment of disc degeneration. Aquaporin (AQP), calcium ion channels, and acid-sensitive ion channels (ASIC) play crucial roles in regulating water, calcium ions, and hydrogen ions levels. These channels have significant effects on physiological and pathological processes such as cellular aging, inflammatory response, stromal decomposition, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and accumulation of cell metabolites. Additionally, Piezo 1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4), tension response enhancer binding protein (TonEBP), potassium ions, zinc ions, and tungsten all play a role in the process of intervertebral disc degeneration. This review endeavors to elucidate alterations in the microenvironment of the nucleus pulposus during intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), with a view to offer novel insights and approaches for exploring therapeutic interventions against disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbin Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (G.Z.); (H.C.); (L.L.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Ziyan Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (G.Z.); (H.C.); (L.L.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guangzhi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (G.Z.); (H.C.); (L.L.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Haiwei Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (G.Z.); (H.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (G.Z.); (H.C.); (L.L.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Z.L.); (Z.W.); (G.Z.); (H.C.); (L.L.)
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
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Ling Z, Crane J, Hu H, Chen Y, Wan M, Ni S, Demehri S, Mohajer B, Peng X, Zou X, Cao X. Parathyroid hormone treatment partially reverses endplate remodeling and attenuates low back pain in animal models of spine degeneration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg8982. [PMID: 37967203 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg8982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting quality of life, with no disease-modifying therapy. During aging and spinal degeneration, the balance between the normal endplate (EP) bilayers of cartilage and bone shifts to more bone. The aged/degenerated bony EP has increased porosity because of osteoclastic remodeling activity and may be a source of LBP due to aberrant sensory innervation within the pores. We used two mouse models of spinal degeneration to show that parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment induced osteogenesis and angiogenesis and reduced the porosity of bony EPs. PTH increased the cartilaginous volume and improved the mechanical properties of EPs, which was accompanied by a reduction of the inflammatory factors cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2. PTH treatment furthermore partially reversed the innervation of porous EPs and reversed LBP-related behaviors. Conditional knockout of PTH 1 receptors in the nucleus pulposus (NP) did not abolish the treatment effects of PTH, suggesting that the NP is not the primary source of LBP in our mouse models. Last, we showed that aged rhesus macaques with spontaneous spinal degeneration also had decreased EP porosity and sensory innervation when treated with PTH, demonstrating a similar mechanism of PTH action on EP sclerosis between mice and macaques. In summary, our results suggest that PTH treatment could partially reverse EP restructuring during spinal regeneration and support further investigation into this potentially disease-modifying treatment strategy for LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Ling
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51008, P. R. China
| | - Janet Crane
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hao Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51008, P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51008, P. R. China
| | - Mei Wan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shadpour Demehri
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bahram Mohajer
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xinsheng Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51008, P. R. China
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51008, P. R. China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Oxidative Stress and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Pathophysiology, Signaling Pathway, and Therapy. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1984742. [PMID: 36262281 PMCID: PMC9576411 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1984742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), characterized as decreased proteoglycan content, ossification of endplate, and decreased intervertebral height, is one of the major reasons of low back pain, which seriously affects the quality of life and also brings heavy economic burden. However, the mechanisms leading to IDD and its therapeutic targets have not been fully elucidated. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between oxidation and antioxidant systems, between too many products of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the insufficient scavenging function. Excessive ROS can damage cell lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, which has been proved to be related to the development of a variety of diseases. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported that oxidative stress is involved in the pathological process of IDD. Excessive ROS can accelerate the IDD process via inducing the pathological activities, such as inflammation, apoptosis, and senescence. In this review, we focused on pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced IDD. Moreover, the present review also summarized the possible ideas for the future therapy strategies of oxidative stress-related IDD.
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Chen R, Tan Y, Li Y, Huang J, Kuang L, Ni Z, Lan H, Long R, Xie Y, Chen H, Luo X, Chen L, Tang Y, Zhou S. Exogenous Indian hedgehog antagonist damages intervertebral discs homeostasis in adult mice. J Orthop Translat 2022; 36:164-176. [PMID: 36263384 PMCID: PMC9550854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vismodegib, as an exogenous Indian hedgehog (Ihh) antagonist, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the clinical treatment of patients with basal cell carcinoma, and previous observations implicate the potential therapeutic of vismodegib in osteoarthritis treatment. However, there is no direct evidence for the role of Ihh signaling in intervertebral discs (IVDs) homeostasis of adult mice. The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of systemic administration of Smoothened inhibitor (SMOi) - vismodegib on IVDs homeostasis during the adult stage. Methods The expression of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1), the downstream targeting gene of Ihh signaling, in IVDs of adult mice after receiving systemic administration of SMOi was examined by immunohistochemistry. The pathological changes of vertebral bodies after SMOi treatment were evaluated by X-ray and micro-CT. The effects of SMOi on homeostasis of IVDs including cartilaginous endplates (CEP), growth plates (GP) and annulus fibrous (AF) were evaluated by histological analysis. The expressions of Aggrecan, Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), in IVDs were also investigated by immunohistochemistry. Changes in chondrocyte apoptosis and proliferation in IVDs were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and analyzing the expression of the cell proliferation antigen Ki-67. Results Systemic administration of SMOi significantly decreased the expression of Gli1 in IVDs that indicating effective inhibition of Ihh signaling. Bone mass of vertebral bodies was diminished after SMOi treatment. Moreover, IVDs degeneration (IDD) like defects including CEP sclerosis, degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) and fissure within AF, as well as narrowed or fused GP and loss bone mass of vertebral bodies was observed in SMOi-treated mice. The severity of IDD was time-dependent with the administration of SMOi treatment after 2-8 weeks. The expressions of Aggrecan, MMP13 and Runx2 in IVDs of mice receiving SMOi treatment were significantly decreased. In addition, chondrocyte apoptosis was significantly enhanced, while chondrocyte proliferation was significantly inhibited. Conclusions Our study propose that systemic administration of vismodegib damages IVDs homeostasis via inhibition of Ihh signaling in adult mice. The clinical application of Ihh signaling antagonists such as vismodegib should be careful considering these side adverse. The Translational Potential of this Article Vismodegib as an exogenous antagonist of Ihh signaling has been approved by the FDA for the clinical treatment of patients with basal cell carcinoma. However, it is still unknown whether vismodegib will has adverse effects on the patient or animal model of IVDs cartilage homeostasis. Based on our study, systemic administration of vismodegib damages IVDs homeostasis via inhibition of Ihh signaling in adult mice and special attention should be paid to the clinical application of vismodegib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- War Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Tan
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- War Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Junlan Huang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Kuang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhong Ni
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Lan
- Department of Orthopedics, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Long
- Department of Emergence Medicine, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangli Xie
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangang Chen
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Luo
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Tang
- War Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China,Department of Emergence Medicine, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China,Corresponding author.
| | - Siru Zhou
- War Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 40038, People's Republic of China,Corresponding author.
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Wu R, Li H, Sun C, Liu J, Chen D, Yu H, Huang Z, Lin S, Chen Y, Zheng Q. Exosome-based strategy for degenerative disease in orthopedics: Recent progress and perspectives. J Orthop Translat 2022; 36:8-17. [PMID: 35891923 PMCID: PMC9283806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degenerative diseases in orthopaedics have become a significant global public health issue with the aging of the population worldwide. The traditional medical interventions, including physical therapy, pharmacological therapy and even surgery, hardly work to modify degenerative progression. Stem cell-based therapy is widely accepted to treat degenerative orthopaedic disease effectively but possesses several limitations, such as the need for strict monitoring of production and storage and the potential risks of tumorigenicity and immune rejection in clinical translation. Furthermore, the ethical issues surrounding the acquisition of embryonic stem cells are also broadly concerned. Exosome-based therapy has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years and is regarded as an ideal alternative to stem cell-based therapy, offering a promise to achieve 'cell-free' tissue regeneration. METHODS Traditionally, the native exosomes extracted from stem cells are directly injected into the injured site to promote tissue regeneration. Recently, several modified exosome-based strategies were developed to overcome the limitations of native exosomes, which include mainly exogenous molecule loading and exosome delivery through scaffolds. In this paper, a systematic review of the exosome-based strategy for degenerative disease in orthopaedics is presented. RESULTS Treatment strategies based on the native exosomes are effective but with several disadvantages such as rapid diffusion and insufficient and fluctuating functional contents. The modified exosome-based strategies can better match the requirements of the regeneration in some complex healing processes. CONCLUSION Exosome-based strategies hold promise to manage degenerative disease in orthopaedics prior to patients reaching the advanced stage of disease in the future. The timely summary and highlights offered herein could provide a research perspective to promote the development of exosome-based therapy, facilitating the clinical translation of exosomes in orthopaedics. TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE Exosome-based therapy is superior in anti-senescence and anti-inflammatory effects and possesses lower risks of tumorigenicity and immune rejection relative to stem cell-based therapy. Exosome-based therapy is regarded as an ideal alternative to stem cell-based therapy, offering a promise to achieve 'cell-free' tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjie Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Haotao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chuanwei Sun
- Department of Burn and Wound Repair Surgery and Research Department of Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Rehabilitation Center, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Duanyong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zena Huang
- Department of General Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sien Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Yuanfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
- Research Department of Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
- Corresponding author.Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Qiujian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China.
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9
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Chen B, Zhu R, Hu H, Zhan M, Wang T, Huang F, Wei F, Chai Y, Ling Z, Zou X. Elimination of Senescent Cells by Senolytics Facilitates Bony Endplate Microvessel Formation and Mitigates Disc Degeneration in Aged Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:853688. [PMID: 35874831 PMCID: PMC9304574 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.853688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Senolytics are a class of drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells and ameliorate senescence-associated disease. Studies have demonstrated the accumulation of senescent disc cells and the production of senescence-associated secretory phenotype decrease the number of functional cells in degenerative tissue. It has been determined that clearance of senescent cell by senolytics rejuvenates various cell types in several human organs, including the largest avascular structure, intervertebral disc (IVD). The microvasculature in the marrow space of bony endplate (BEP) are the structural foundation of nutrient exchange in the IVD, but to date, the anti-senescence effects of senolytics on senescent vascular endothelial cells in the endplate subchondral vasculature remains unclear. In this study, the relationships between endothelial cellular senescence in the marrow space of the BEP and IVD degeneration were investigated using the aged mice model. Immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate the protein expression of P16, P21, and EMCN in vascular endothelial cells. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining was used to investigate the senescence of vascular endothelial cells. Meanwhile, the effects of senolytics on cellular senescence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were investigated using a cell culture model. Preliminary results showed that senolytics alleviate endothelial cellular senescence in the marrow space of BEP as evidenced by reduced senescence-associated secretory phenotype. In the aged mice model, we found decreased height of IVD accompanied by vertebral bone mass loss and obvious changes to the endplate subchondral vasculature, which may lead to the decrease in nutrition transport into IVD. These findings may provide evidence that senolytics can eliminate the senescent cells and facilitate microvascular formation in the marrow space of the BEP. Targeting senescent cellular clearance mechanism to increase nutrient supply to the avascular disc suggests a potential treatment value of senolytics for IVD degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runjiu Zhu
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingbin Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingxuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangli Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuxin Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chai
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Chai, ; Zemin Ling,
| | - Zemin Ling
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Chai, ; Zemin Ling,
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Li J, Chen Y, Wu H, Shan Z, Bei D, Gan K, Liu J, Zhang X, Chen B, Chen J, Zhao FD. Different responses of cervical intervertebral disc caused by low and high virulence bacterial infection: a comparative study in rats. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12446-12461. [PMID: 35587595 PMCID: PMC9275948 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2075305] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the outcomes of low- and high-virulence bacterial cervical intervertebral discs (IVDs) infection and its association with cervical IVDs degeneration in rats. A total of 75 clean grade male rats were used to establish the corresponding animal models of low and high virulent bacterial cervical disc infection via an anterior cervical approach, with injection of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) with a 29 G needle to cervical IVDs. Specimens were collected for evaluation of Blood routine (Blood-RT), histological staining, and gene expression assays after a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. There were no statistical differences in all groups in white blood cells (WBC) at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively (P = 0.136). The highest percentage of neutrophils was found in the S. epidermidis group at 2 weeks postoperatively (P = 0.043). MRI and histology showed that at 6 weeks postoperatively, the puncture group and P. acnes group had similar disc degeneration. In the S. epidermidis group, the disc and subchondral bone structure had been destroyed and bony fusion had occurred after the discitis. The upregulation of pro-inflammatory factor expression had the strongest effect of S. epidermidis on the early stage, while the upregulation in the puncture and P. acnes groups was more persistent. P. acnes infection of the cervical IVDs can lead to degenerative changes, whereas S. epidermidis infection leads to the manifestation of septic discitis. The correlation between P. acnes infection and cervical IVDs degeneration found in clinical studies was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yilei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Zhi Shan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dikai Bei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaifeng Gan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuyang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binhui Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng-Dong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Ling Z, Liu Y, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Chen B, Yang J, Zeng B, Gao Y, Jiang C, Huang Y, Zou X, Wang X, Wei F. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Macrophage Involved in the Progression of Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:833420. [PMID: 35295968 PMCID: PMC8918513 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.833420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been considered as the primary pathological mechanism that underlies low back pain. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human IDD is imperative for making strategies to treat IDD-related diseases. Herein, we report the molecular programs, lineage progression patterns, and paths of cellular communications during the progression of IDD using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells from patients with different grades of IDD undergoing discectomy. New subtypes of cells and cell-type-specific gene signatures of the metabolic homeostatic NP cells (Met NPC), adhesive NP cells (Adh NPC), inflammatory response NP cells (IR NPC), endoplasmic reticulum stress NP cells (ERS NPC), fibrocartilaginous NP cells (Fc NPC), and CD70 and CD82+ progenitor NP cells (Pro NPC) were identified. In the late stage of IDD, the IR NPC and Fc NPC account for a large proportion of NPC. Importantly, immune cells including macrophages, T cells, myeloid progenitors, and neutrophils were also identified, and further analysis showed that significant intercellular interaction between macrophages and Pro NPC occurred via MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) and NF-kB signaling pathways during the progression of IDD. In addition, dynamic polarization of macrophage M1 and M2 cell subtypes was found in the progression of IDD, and gene set functional enrichment analysis suggested a significant role of the macrophage polarization in regulating cell metabolism, especially the Pro NPC. Finally, we found that the NP cells in the late degenerative stage were mainly composed of the cell types related to inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) response, and fibrocartilaginous activity. Our results provided new insights into the identification of NP cell populations at single-cell resolution and at the relatively whole-transcriptome scale, accompanied by cellular communications between immune cells and NP cells, and discriminative markers in relation to specific cell subsets. These new findings present clues for effective and functional manipulation of human IDD-related bioremediation and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Ling
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziji Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaming Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baozhu Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulin Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhui Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxin Wei, ; Xiuhui Wang,
| | - Fuxin Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxin Wei, ; Xiuhui Wang,
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12
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Wei Z, Lombardi AF, Lee RR, Wallace M, Masuda K, Chang EY, Du J, Bydder GM, Yang W, Ma YJ. Comprehensive assessment of in vivo lumbar spine intervertebral discs using a 3D adiabatic T 1ρ prepared ultrashort echo time (UTE-Adiab-T 1ρ) pulse sequence. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:269-280. [PMID: 34993077 PMCID: PMC8666733 DOI: 10.21037/qims-21-308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T1ρ has been extensively reported as a sensitive biomarker of biochemical changes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosis of intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, no T1ρ study of cartilaginous endplates (CEPs) has yet been reported because the relatively long echo times (TEs) of conventional clinical T1ρ sequences cannot effectively capture the fast-decaying magnetic resonance signals of CEPs, which have very short T2/T2*s. This can be overcome by using ultrashort echo time (UTE) T1ρ acquisitions. METHODS Seventeen subjects underwent UTE with adiabatic T1ρ preparation (UTE-Adiab-T1ρ) and T2-weighted fast spin echo imaging of their lumbar spines. Each IVD was manually segmented into seven regions (i.e., outer anterior annulus fibrosis, inner anterior annulus fibrosis, outer posterior annulus fibrosis, inner posterior annulus fibrosis, superior CEP, inferior CEP, and NP). T1ρ values of these sub-regions were correlated with IVD modified Pfirrmann grades and subjects' ages. In addition, T1ρ values were compared in subjects with and without low back pain (LBP). RESULTS Correlations of T1ρ values of the outer posterior annulus fibrosis, superior CEP, inferior CEP, and NP with modified Pfirrmann grades were significant (P<0.05) with R values of 0.51, 0.36, 0.38, and -0.94, respectively. Correlations of T1ρ values of the outer anterior annulus fibrosis, outer posterior annulus fibrosis, and NP with ages were significant with R equal to 0.52, 0.71, and -0.76, respectively. T1ρ differences of the outer posterior annulus fibrosis, inferior CEP, and NP between the subjects with and without LBP were significant (P=0.005, 0.020, and 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The UTE-Adiab-T1ρ sequence can quantify T1ρ of whole IVDs including CEPs. This is an advance, and of value for comprehensive assessment of IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wei
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA;,Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Alecio F. Lombardi
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA;,Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roland R. Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark Wallace
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Koichi Masuda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA;,Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Graeme M. Bydder
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wenhui Yang
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Jun Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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13
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Hu H, Chen Y, Huang F, Chen B, Zou Z, Tan B, Yi H, Liu C, Wan Y, Ling Z, Zou X. Panax notoginseng saponins attenuate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing the end plate porosity in lumbar spinal instability mice. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1182. [PMID: 35005448 PMCID: PMC8717113 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although painkillers could alleviate some of the symptoms, there are no drugs that really cope with the intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) at present, so it is urgent to find a cure that could prevent or reverse the progression of IDD. During the development of IDD, the cartilaginous end plates (EPs) become hypertrophic and porous by the increase of osteoclast activities, which hinder the penetration of nutrition. The compositional and structural degeneration of the EP may cause both nutritional as well as mechanical impairment to the nucleus pulposus (NP) so that developing drugs that target the degenerating EP may be another option in addition to targeting the NP. In the lumbar spine instability mouse model, we found increased porosity in the cartilaginous EP, accompanied by the decrease in total intervertebral disc volume. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), a traditional Chinese patent drug with anti-osteoclastogenesis effect, could alleviate IDD by inhibiting aberrant osteoclast activation in the porous EP. Further in vitro experiment validated that PNS inhibit the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation, while the transcriptional activation of PAX6 may be involved in the mechanism, which had been defined as an inhibitory transcription factor in osteoclastogenesis. These findings may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Fangli Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Bolin Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhiyuan Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Bizhi Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Hualin Yi
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Chun Liu
- Precision Medicine InstituteSun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Zemin Ling
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and TraumatologySun Yat‐sen University First Affiliated HospitalGuangzhouChina
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14
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Natural Products of Pharmacology and Mechanisms in Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9963677. [PMID: 34394398 PMCID: PMC8357477 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9963677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain (LBP), which severely reduces the quality of life and imposes a heavy financial burden on the families of affected individuals. Current research suggests that IDD is a complex cell-mediated process. Inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mechanical load, telomere shortening, DNA damage, and nutrient deprivation contribute to intervertebral disc cell senescence and changes in matrix metabolism, ultimately causing IDD. Natural products are widespread, structurally diverse, afford unique advantages, and exhibit great potential in terms of IDD treatment. In recent years, increasing numbers of natural ingredients have been shown to inhibit the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells through various modes of action. Here, we review the pharmacological effects of natural products on nucleus pulposus cells and the mechanisms involved. An improved understanding of how natural products target signalling pathways will aid the development of anti-IDD drugs. This review focuses on potential IDD drugs.
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15
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Su Q, Li Y, Feng X, Tan J, Ge H, Cheng B, Zhang Y. Association and histological characteristics of endplate injury and intervertebral disc degeneration in a rat model. Injury 2021; 52:2084-2094. [PMID: 34176634 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to construct a rat caudal vertebral body fracture model and to analyze the association and histological characteristics of vertebral body fracture with endplate injury and adjacent intervertebral disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 144 clean-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into a control, middle vertebral body injury (MI), and endplate injury (EI) groups. A vertebral body fracture with or without endplate injury was developed by either drilling a hole in the middle of a rat caudal vertebral body to create a fracture with an intact endplate or drilling a hole in the vertebral body near the intervertebral disc to create a vertebral body fracture with endplate injury. The histological differences in the adjacent intervertebral discs of vertebral body fractures with or without endplate injury were detected using imaging, non-specific histological staining, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay. RESULTS Imaging results revealed that the EI group showed a significant decrease in intervertebral space height and intervertebral disc T2 signal over time. Non-specific histological staining revealed that in the EI group, the intervertebral disc was degenerative. Immunohistochemistry indicated that Aggrecan and Collagen-II were decreased and inflammatory factors were increased in the EI group. The TUNEL detection found that apoptosis was significantly increased in the EI group as compared with the MI and control groups. CONCLUSION In rat caudal vertebral body fractures, a fracture with endplate injury is more likely to induce or accelerate degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihang Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine. No.301 Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China. No. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yongchao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China. No. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xiaofei Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China. No. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China. No. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Hengan Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine. No.301 Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Biao Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine. No.301 Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. No.1 North Huanhu West Road, Tianjin 300060, China
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