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Gurgul AA, Najjar Y, Chee A, An H, Che CT, Park TJ, Warpeha KM. Phenylpropanoid-enriched broccoli seedling extract can reduce inflammatory markers and pain behavior. J Transl Med 2023; 21:922. [PMID: 38115032 PMCID: PMC10731810 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04777-1] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a worldwide problem requiring an effective, affordable, non-addictive therapy. Using the edible plant broccoli, a growth protocol was developed to induce a concentrated combinatorial of potential anti-inflammatories in seedlings. METHODS A growth method was utilized to produce a phenylpropanoid-rich broccoli sprout extract, referred to as Original Extract (OE). OE was concentrated and then resuspended for study of the effects on inflammation events. A rabbit disc model of inflammation and degeneration, and, a mouse model of pain behavior were used for in vivo and in vitro tests. To address aspects of mammalian metabolic processing, the OE was treated with the S9 liver microsome fraction derived from mouse, for use in a mouse in vivo study. Analytical chemistry was performed to identify major chemical species. Continuous variables were analyzed with a number of methods including ANOVA, and two-tailed t tests, as appropriate. RESULTS In a rabbit spine (disc) injury model, inflammatory markers were reduced, and levels of regenerative markers were increased as a result of OE treatment, both in vivo and in vitro. In a mouse pain behavioral model, after treatment with S9 liver microsome fraction, the resultant extract significantly reduced early and late pain behavior in response to a pain stimulus. The OE itself reduced pain behavior in the mouse pain model, but did not achieve the level of significance observed for S9-treated extract. Analytical chemistry undertaken on the extract constituents revealed identities of the chemical species in OE, and how S9 liver microsome fraction treatment altered species identities and proportions. CONCLUSIONS In vitro and in vivo results indicate that the OE, and S9-treated OE broccoli extracts are worthwhile materials to develop a non-opiate inflammation and pain-reducing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra A Gurgul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yahya Najjar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 900 S Ashland Ave, M/C 567, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Ana Chee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Howard An
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chun-Tao Che
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas J Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 900 S Ashland Ave, M/C 567, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Katherine M Warpeha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 900 S Ashland Ave, M/C 567, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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2
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Peng X, Zhang C, Gao JW, Wang F, Bao JP, Zhou ZM, Sun R, Ji HY, Vlf C, Wu XT. A20 ameliorates disc degeneration by suppressing mTOR/BNIP3 axis-mediated mitophagy. Genes Genomics 2022; 45:657-671. [PMID: 36583816 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathological mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an unanswered question that we are committed to exploring. A20 is an anti-inflammatory protein of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and plays a protective role in intervertebral disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which A20 attenuates disc degeneration. METHODS The proteins of interest were measured by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA assay, and immunohistochemical technique to conduct related experiments. Immunofluorescence assays and mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) were used to assess mitophagy and mitochondrial fitness, respectively. RESULTS Here, we demonstrated that A20 promoted mitophagy, attenuated pyroptosis, and inhibited the degradation of the extracellular matrix, consequently significantly ameliorating disc degeneration. Mechanistically, A20 reduces pyroptosis and further suppresses cellular mTOR activity. On the one hand, A20-induced mTOR inhibition triggers BNIP3-mediated mitophagy to ensure mitochondrial fitness under LPS stimulation, as a result of mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS. On the other hand, A20-induced mTOR inhibition reduces the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of Mitochondrial ROS. CONCLUSION The study revealed that A20 promotes BNIP3-mediated mitophagy by suppressing mTOR pathway activation against LPS-induced pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Wei Gao
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun-Ping Bao
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhou
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hang-Yu Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cabral Vlf
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Wu
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Contrast-enhanced microCT evaluation of degeneration following partial and full width injuries to the mouse lumbar intervertebral disc. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15555. [PMID: 36114343 PMCID: PMC9481554 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A targeted injury to the mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) is often used to recapitulate the degenerative cascade of the human pathology. Since injuries can vary in magnitude and localization, it is critical to examine the effects of different injuries on IVD degeneration. We thus evaluated the degenerative progression resulting from either a partial- or full-width injury to the mouse lumbar IVD using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography and histological analyses. A lateral-retroperitoneal surgical approach was used to access the lumbar IVD, and the injuries to the IVD were produced by either incising one side of the annulus fibrosus or puncturing both sides of the annulus fibrosus. Female C57BL/6J mice of 3–4 months age were used in this study. They were divided into three groups to undergo partial-width, full-width, or sham injuries. The L5/6 and L6/S1 lumbar IVDs were surgically exposed, and then the L6/S1 IVDs were injured using either a surgical scalpel (partial-width) or a 33G needle (full-width), with the L5/6 serving as an internal control. These animals recovered and then euthanized at either 2-, 4-, or 8-weeks after surgery for evaluation. The IVDs were assessed for degeneration using contrast-enhanced microCT (CEµCT) and histological analysis. The high-resolution 3D CEµCT evaluation of the IVD confirmed that the respective injuries were localized within one side of the annulus fibrosus or spanned the full width of the IVD. The full-width injury caused significant deteriorations in the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrous and at the interfaces after 2 weeks, which was sustained through the 8 weeks, while the partial width injury caused localized disruptions that remained limited to the annulus fibrosus. The use of CEµCT revealed distinct IVD degeneration profiles resulting from partial- and full-width injuries. The partial width injury may serve as an alternative model for IVD degeneration resulting from localized annulus fibrosus injuries.
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4
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Comparisons between needle puncture and chondroitinase ABC to induce intervertebral disc degeneration in rabbits. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2022; 31:2788-2800. [PMID: 35739423 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the effect of needle puncture and chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) injection on inducing intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) in rabbits. METHODS Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Briefly, the rabbits were divided into four groups. In the annulus fibrosis (AF) needle puncture group, a 16-G needle was used to puncture the L5-6 and L6-7 IVDs, while in the sham group, these IVDs were not punctured. In the ChABC group, 30 μL 0.5 Unit/mL ChABC was injected into L5-6 and L6-7 IVDs using a 26-G needle, while in the vehicle group, these IVDs were injected with 30 μL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). X-ray and MRI scans were performed at the 4th, 12th and 16th weeks postoperatively. Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses were performed at the 16th week postoperatively. RESULTS Both needle puncture and ChABC successfully established IVDD in rabbits at 4th, 12th and 16th weeks, confirmed by X-ray and MRI scan. The progression of IVDD went in a time-dependent manner. The IVDD in the ChABC group was less severe than in the needle puncture group throughout the study. Aggrecan and type II collagen significantly decreased, while tumor necrosis factor-α and superoxide dismutase 2 increased in the needle puncture and ChABC groups, compared with the sham and PBS groups. CONCLUSIONS Both AF needle puncture and ChABC injection can successfully induce IVDD in rabbits. Compared with ChABC injection, AF needle puncture can induce more severe IVDD.
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5
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Liang H, Liu Z, Wang Y, Wang D, Tian J. Transcription factor EB mediates oxidative stress-induced intervertebral disc degeneration via the NF-κB signaling pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1385. [PMID: 34733937 PMCID: PMC8506563 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background It is well known that the intervertebral disc is aggravated by a significant increase in the number of senescent cells, and oxidative stress (OS) is related to the deterioration of this tissue. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) can protect cells from OS. Accordingly, we investigated whether TFEB can prevent OS in human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Methods First, TFEB expression was investigated in human NP tissue samples with different degrees of degeneration. NP cells were treated with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The expression of collagen 2, aggrecan, and P65 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. We overexpressed and knocked out the TFEB gene to detect the expression of collagen 2, aggrecan, and P65. Results We found that the expression of TFEB decreased stepwise as the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) increased. When the NP cells were treated with H2O2, the expression of TFEB, collagen 2, and aggrecan decreased gradually as H2O2 concentration increased. In addition, the expression of collagen2 and aggrecan increased following TFEB overexpression. However, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) decreased in NP cells after TFEB overexpression. We also found that the previously low cell viability increased and the high level of apoptosis decreased. Conclusions This study suggests that OS is associated with the development of IDD. TFEB mediates OS-induced IDD via the NF-κB signaling pathway. The TFEB gene can potentially be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Liang
- Clinical Medical College, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Fuyang Fifth People's Hospital, Fuyang, China
| | - Yunhao Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Deguo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Wang Y, Wu Y, Deng M, Kong Q. Establishment of a Rabbit Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model by Percutaneous Posterolateral Puncturing of Lumbar Discs Under Local Anesthesia. World Neurosurg 2021; 154:e830-e837. [PMID: 34403799 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An anterior approach is applied to establish the majority of rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) models in current studies. However, for research on disc repair via biomaterial implantation and tissue engineering, this traditional model establishment method has many shortcomings, such as the risk of general anesthesia, unnecessary tissue damage, and the influence of scar formation on the visual field for secondary implantation surgery. The aim of this study was to report a modified method of establishing an IDD model by applying percutaneous posterolateral puncturing for rabbit lumbar disc surgery under local anesthesia. METHODS We built a rabbit model of IDD by percutaneous posterolateral annulus fibrosus puncturing (AFP) (with or without nucleus pulposus aspiration [NPA]) under local anesthesia. Then, we analyzed the outcome after 12 weeks via magnetic resonance images, disc height changes, and disc histologic grades determined from morphologic observation and histologic analyses (hematoxylin and eosin and safranin-O staining and type II collagen expression analysis). RESULTS The IDD model was successfully built based on both AFP and AFP/NPA, as demonstrated by the results of magnetic resonance imaging index, morphologic, and histologic analyses. Both methods can successfully produce an IDD model after 12 weeks. However, we found that the addition of NPA significantly enhanced the modeling results. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that percutaneous posterolateral AFP/NPA of rabbit lumbar discs under local anesthesia is a minimally invasive, safe and reproducible method of establishing an IDD model. The posterolateral surgical approach is especially suitable for disc regeneration studies that require secondary biomaterial implantation via an anterior approach after the IDD model is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Joint Research Institute of Altitude Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mingyan Deng
- WestChina-California Research Center for Predictive Intervention Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingquan Kong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Joint Research Institute of Altitude Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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7
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Wang Y, Kang J, Guo X, Zhu D, Liu M, Yang L, Zhang G, Kang X. Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Models for Pathophysiology and Regenerative Therapy -Benefits and Limitations. J INVEST SURG 2021; 35:935-952. [PMID: 34309468 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2021.1953640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aim:This review summarized the recent intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) models and described their advantages and potential disadvantages, aiming to provide an overview for the current condition of IDD model establishment and new ideas for new strategies development of the treatment and prevention of IDD.Methods:The database of PubMed was searched up to May 2021 with the following search terms: nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, cartilage endplate, intervertebral disc(IVD), intervertebral disc degeneration, animal model, organ culture, bioreactor, inflammatory reaction, mechanical stress, pathophysiology, epidemiology. Any IDD model-related articles were collected and summarized.Results:The best IDD model should have the features of repeatability, measurability and controllability. There are a lot of aspects to be considered in the selection of animals. Mice, rats and rabbits are low-cost and easy to access. However, their IVD size and shape are more different from human anatomy than pigs, cattle, sheep and goats. Organ culture models and animal models are two options in model establishment for IDD. The IVD organ culture model can put the studying variables into the controllable system for transitional research. Unlike the animal model, the organ culture model can only be used to evaluate the short-term effects and it is not applicable in simulating the complex process of IDD. Similarly, the animal models induced by different methods also have their advantages and disadvantages. For studying the mechanism of IDD and the corresponding treatment and prevention strategies, the selection of model should be individualized based on the purpose of each study.Conclusions:Various models have different characteristics and scope of application due to their different rationales and methods of construction. Currently, there is no experimental model that can perfectly mimic the degenerative process of human IVD. Personalized selection of appropriate model based on study purpose and experimental designing can enhance the possibility to obtain reliable and real results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidian Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jihe Kang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Guo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Daxue Zhu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mingqiang Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Liang Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Guangzhi Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, P.R. China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for The Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Gansu, P.R. China
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8
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Wang Y, Chen J, Ge J, Yan Q, Wu C, Yu H, Yang H, Zou J. Puncture Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model: A Standard on Rabbit. J HARD TISSUE BIOL 2020. [DOI: 10.2485/jhtb.29.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Jun Ge
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Cenhao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
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9
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Elevated expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha regulated catabolic factors during intervertebral disc degeneration. Life Sci 2019; 232:116565. [PMID: 31251999 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HEADINGS AIMS The present study determined whether nucleus pulposus (NP) cells express hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha (HIF-2α) and assessed its role in regulating the expression of catabolic factors during intervertebral disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human degenerated NP tissues were acquired to examine the HIF-2α expression levels using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and Real-time PCR. Human NP cells were cultivated under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, and the HIF-2α expression was determined. Then, human NP cells were treated with HIF-2α plasmids, HIF-2α siRNA, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) to evaluate the role of HIF-2α in regulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and aggrecanase expression. An in vivo rabbit disc degeneration model was established to demonstrate that HIF-2α plays a critical role in disc degeneration. KEY FINDINGS We found that HIF-2α had a markedly elevated expression in human degenerated discs in the Grade III stage. HIF-2α protein and gene transcript levels in vitro were relatively higher under hypoxic conditions. The expression of MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 was decreased significantly in HIF-2α silencing condition, while the over-expression resulted in significantly increased levels of MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4. When cytokine TNF-α was added, HIF-2α was induced by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The in vivo experiments showed that the HIF-2α controlled the catabolic factors MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 that regulated the collagen II and aggrecan metabolism in disc degeneration. SIGNIFICANCE HIF-2α is a catabolic regulator in disc degeneration and directly controls the catabolic genes. The suppression of HIF-2α expression leads to decelerates extracellular matrix degradation that might represent a therapeutic target for the degenerative disc.
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10
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Zhang C, Wang F, Xie Z, Chen L, Sinkemani A, Yu H, Wang K, Mao L, Wu X. Dysregulation of YAP by the Hippo pathway is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration, cell contact inhibition, and cell senescence. Oncotarget 2017; 9:2175-2192. [PMID: 29416763 PMCID: PMC5788631 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair and regeneration, and in the treatment of degenerative diseases, by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis in mammals. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the major causes of low back pain, a widespread issue associated with a heavy economic burden. However, the mechanism underlying how the Hippo pathway regulates IDD is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Hippo pathway is involved in natural IDD. Activation and dephosphorylation of yes-associated protein (YAP) were observed in younger rat discs, and decreased gradually with age. Surprisingly, Hippo pathway suppression was accompanied by overexpression of YAP, caused by acute disc injury, suggesting a limited ability for self-repair in IDD. We also demonstrated that YAP is inhibited by cell-to-cell contact via the Hippo pathway in vitro. Phosphorylation by large tumor suppressor kinases 1/2 (LATS1/2) led to cytoplasmic translocation and inactivation of YAP. YAP dephosphorylation was mainly localized in the nucleus and regulated by the Hippo pathway, whereas YAP dephosphorylation occurred in the cytoplasm and was associated with nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) senescence. Moreover, NPCs were transfected with shYAP and it accelerates the premature senescence of cells by interfered Hippo pathway through YAP. Therefore, our results indicate that the Hippo pathway plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of intervertebral discs and controlling NPC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyang Xie
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Arjun Sinkemani
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haomin Yu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Mao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaotao Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Schwan S, Ludtka C, Wiesner I, Baerthel A, Friedmann A, Göhre F. Percutaneous posterolateral approach for the simulation of a far-lateral disc herniation in an ovine model. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2017; 27:222-230. [PMID: 29080003 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5362-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This work describes a minimally invasive damage model for ovine lumbar discs via partial nucleotomy using a posterolateral approach. METHODS Two cadavers were dissected to analyze the percutaneous corridor. Subsequently, 28 ovine had their annulus fibrosus punctured via awl penetration under fluoroscopic control and nucleus pulposus tissue removed via rongeur. Efficacy was assessed by animal morbidity, ease of access to T12-S1 disc spaces, and production of a mechanical injury as verified by discography, radiography, and histology. RESULTS T12-S1 were accessible with minimal nerve damage morbidity. Scar tissue sealed the disc puncture site in all animals within 6 weeks, withstanding 1 MP of intradiscal pressure. Partial nucleotomy led to a significant reduction in intervertebral disk height and an increased histological degeneration score. CONCLUSION Inducing a reproducible injury pattern of disc degeneration required minimal time, effort, and equipment. The posterolateral approach allows operation on several discs within a single surgery and multiple animal surgeries within a single day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schwan
- Translational Centre of Regenerative Medicine TRM, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Walter-Hülse-Str. 1, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Christopher Ludtka
- Translational Centre of Regenerative Medicine TRM, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Walter-Hülse-Str. 1, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Ingo Wiesner
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, BG-Klinik Bergmannstrost, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andre Baerthel
- Translational Centre of Regenerative Medicine TRM, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Friedmann
- Translational Centre of Regenerative Medicine TRM, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Walter-Hülse-Str. 1, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Felix Göhre
- Translational Centre of Regenerative Medicine TRM, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, BG-Klinik Bergmannstrost, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Jin L, Balian G, Li XJ. Animal models for disc degeneration-an update. Histol Histopathol 2017; 33:543-554. [PMID: 28580566 DOI: 10.14670/hh-11-910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is considered a major cause of back pain that places a heavy burden on society, both because of its effect on the physiology of individuals and its consequences on the world economy. During the past few decades, research findings in the pre-clinical setting have led to a significant increase in the understanding of intervertebral disc degeneration, although many aspects of the disease remain unclear. The goal of this review is to summarize existing animal models for disc degeneration studies and the difficulties that are associated with the use of such models. A firm understanding of the cellular and molecular events that ensue as a result of injuries, as well as environmental factors, could be instrumental in the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Gary Balian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xudong Joshua Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Preclinical animal study. OBJECTIVE Determine the in vivo effects of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) delivered in a thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (TMHA) hydrogel on intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA IVD degeneration is a worldwide health concern and remains without an effective treatment. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated the potential of PDGF-BB, a primary component of platelet-rich plasma, as a therapy for IVD degeneration. Our hypotheses were that treatment of injured IVDs with PDGF would inhibit degeneration and that administration of PDGF in a TMHA hydrogel would improve its efficacy. METHODS IVD degeneration was induced using the rabbit annular puncture model. Four weeks after injury, IVDs were treated with either PDGF-BB or PDGF-BB delivered within a TMHA hydrogel. The efficacy of treatment was determined using x-ray, MRI, histology, and biomechanical testing. RESULTS At 4 weeks after treatment, cell apoptosis and deposition of matrix containing type III collagen a1 (Col3a1) was demonstrated in both the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, while this was inhibited by PDGF. At 8 weeks after treatment, disc area and MRI indices of injured IVDs treated with PDGF were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those treated with the TMHA alone. Similarly, degenerative scores for saline- and TMHA-treated IVDs demonstrated significantly more degeneration (P < 0.05) than PDGF-treated IVDs at 8 weeks. Biomechanical assessments found fewer indicators of degeneration in PDGF-TMHA-treated IVDs at both 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment, compared to saline-, TMHA-, and PDGF-only-treated IVDs. Both PDGF- and PDGF-TMHA-treated IVDs also demonstrated a significant increase (P < 0.05) in compressive strength to failure, compared with controls at 8 weeks post-treatment. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that PDGF-BB significantly decreases disc degeneration and when delivered in a TMHA gel scaffold, helps prevent both apoptosis and Col3 matrix production, while maintaining disc structure and biomechanical function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA.
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Xin L, Zhang C, Zhong F, Fan S, Wang W, Wang Z. Minimal invasive annulotomy for induction of disc degeneration and implantation of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) plugs for annular repair in a rabbit model. Eur J Med Res 2016; 21:7. [PMID: 26924131 PMCID: PMC4770696 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-016-0202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rabbit disc model is useful for the study of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and experimental therapeutic interventions. The annulotomy-induced disc models present several drawbacks, particularly an excessive disruption of disc integrity and a rapidly disc degeneration; therefore, this study sought to establish a minimal invasive annulotomy for induction of disc degeneration model, combined to annulus repair using implantation of a PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) plug. Methods New Zealand white rabbits (n = 24) received annular injuries in three discs (L3/4, L4/5 and L5/6). The experimental discs were randomly assigned to four groups: (a) annular defect with a 1.8 mm diameter mini-trephine; (b) annular puncture by 16G needle; (c) annular defect with a PLGA plug implanted by press-fit fashion; (d) uninjured L2/3 disc served as control. Postsurgical x-ray, MRI examination, and real-time PCR analysis were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months. Gross morphology and histology were evaluated at postoperative 6 months. Results Radiographic examinations showed a slow, progressive disc space narrowing and a significant degree of disc degeneration on MRI grade in the injured discs at 6 months in all rabbits. Histological examinations and aggrecan, Col1A1, Col2A1 and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3 mRNA expression confirmed the disc degeneration, supporting the imaging results. The PLGA implantation reduced the marked loss of T2-weighted signal intensity seen at MRI in the injured discs and slowly decreased the disc height index (DHI) over the follow-up period. HE/Safranin O staining showed that annular defect was replaced by regenerated connective tissue with significant loss of proteoglycan content. Conclusions The minimally invasive approach for the creation of annular defects by an appropriately sized mini-Trephine is a suitable option for the study of disc degeneration in a rabbit model. Implantation of a suitable PLGA plug induced a successful repair of the annulus fibrosus within the degenerated disc, and retarded the degenerative process in the annular injury model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xin
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Chun Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fuhua Zhong
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Orthopedics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shunwu Fan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Department of Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhenbin Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Spine Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, China.
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15
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Allogeneic Articular Chondrocyte Transplantation Downregulates Interleukin 8 Gene Expression in the Degenerating Rabbit Intervertebral Disk In Vivo. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2015; 94:530-8. [PMID: 25133623 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether repopulating the degenerating intervertebral disk (IVD) with articular chondrocytes will decrease inflammation in the degenerating rabbit IVD. DESIGN This was a biologic study in a rabbit IVD-injury model in vivo. Dual cell tracking methods (infrared dye labeling and adenovirus transduction) were used to demonstrate the viability of allogeneic articular chondrocytes injected into degenerating rabbit IVDs. Interleukin 8 gene expression was determined via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Infiltrating inflammatory cells (macrophages, T cells, or neutrophils) were examined with immunohistochemistry. The IVDs were also examined by routine histology. RESULTS Articular chondrocytes labeled with infrared dye were detected in the degenerating IVDs at both 2 and 8 wks after injection. At the 2-wk time point, interleukin 8 gene expression was comparable in IVDs injected with chondrocytes and in intact disks as control (P = 0.647), whereas its expression in IVDs injected with saline increased 50-fold (P = 0.028). Transgene expression of red fluorescent protein, β-galactosidase, and human bone morphogenetic protein 7 diminished at 8 wks after injection. IVDs injected with chondrocytes overexpressing human bone morphogenetic protein 7 did not show lower interleukin 8 gene expression or improved histology. Macrophages were consistently detected by immunohistochemistry in the cartilage formed around the needle insertion sites in both the saline and chondrocyte groups, whereas neither T cells nor neutrophils were detected. CONCLUSIONS Allogeneic rabbit articular chondrocyte survived in the degenerating rabbit IVDs for at least 8 wks. Cell treatment resulted in reduced IVD inflammation but did not significantly improve IVD structure.
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Kim DW, Chun HJ, Lee SK. Percutaneous Needle Puncture Technique to Create a Rabbit Model with Traumatic Degenerative Disk Disease. World Neurosurg 2015; 84:438-45. [PMID: 25886720 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have been conducted to identify the pathogenesis of and manage disk degeneration. To further this research, reliable animal models of disk degeneration are required. In the present study, a percutaneous technique is used to create a rabbit model of degenerative disk disease, and the reproducibility and efficacy of this technique is reported. METHODS Ten mature male New Zealand white rabbits were included in the present study. The intervertebral disk was injured by a percutaneous technique at the L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 levels. The center of the disk was identified by C-arm guidance. A 19-gauge spinal needle with a 10-mL syringe was inserted into the center of the disk, and negative pressure was applied. Radiographs including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2 and lateral x-rays were collected at 1, 4, 9, 15, and 20 weeks. Degeneration was examined using histology at 24 weeks. RESULTS Narrowed disk height was not observed until 4 weeks after injury, and a significant change was observed at 9 weeks compared with the control L1-L2 level (P < 0.05). MRI revealed disk degeneration beginning at 9 weeks and full degeneration at 15 weeks. Injured intervertebral disks had higher degeneration, seen using MRI, than uninjured control disks. Disk degeneration was confirmed in all injured levels by histologic examination. Cortical osteophyte formation was not found. CONCLUSIONS Our percutaneous technique provides a suitable rabbit model of degenerative disk disease to test the safety and efficacy of treatments for disk degeneration, such as stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Won Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hanyang University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Joon Chun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sang-Kook Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gumdan Top General Hospital, Incheon, Korea
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17
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Martin JT, Collins CM, Mauck RL, Ikuta K, Elliott DM, Zhang Y, Anderson DG, Vaccaro AR, Albert TJ, Arlet V, Smith HE. Population average T2 MRI maps reveal quantitative regional transformations in the degenerating rabbit intervertebral disc that vary by lumbar level. J Orthop Res 2015; 33:140-8. [PMID: 25273831 PMCID: PMC4426209 DOI: 10.1002/jor.22737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2-weighting is routinely performed to assess intervertebral disc degeneration. Standard clinical evaluations of MR images are qualitative, however, and do not focus on region-specific alterations in the disc. Utilizing a rabbit needle puncture model, T2 mapping was performed on injured discs to develop a quantitative description of the degenerative process following puncture. To do so, an 18G needle was inserted into four discs per rabbit (L3/L4 to L6/L7) and T2 maps were generated pre- and 4 weeks post-injury. Individual T2 maps were normalized to a disc-specific coordinate system and then averaged for pre- and post-injury population composite T2 maps. We also developed a method to automatically segment the nucleus pulposus by fitting the NP region of the T2 maps with modified 2-D and 3-D Gaussian distribution functions. Puncture injury produced alterations in MR signal intensity in a region-specific manner mirroring human degeneration. Population average T2 maps provided a quantitative representation of the injury response, and identified deviations of individual degenerate discs from the pre-injury population. We found that the response to standardized injury was modest at lower lumbar levels, likely as a result of increased disc dimensions. These tools will be valuable for the quantitative characterization of disc degeneration in future clinical and pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Martin
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Robert L. Mauck
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kensuke Ikuta
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Dawn M. Elliott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Yeija Zhang
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - D. Greg Anderson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alexander R. Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Todd J. Albert
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Vincent Arlet
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Harvey E. Smith
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,Corresponding Author: Harvey Smith, M.D., Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, 1 Cupp Pavilion, 51 N 39 Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Phone: 800-789-7366,
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