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Schol J, Ambrosio L, Tamagawa S, Joyce K, Ruiz-Fernández C, Nomura A, Sakai D. Enzymatic chemonucleolysis for lumbar disc herniation-an assessment of historical and contemporary efficacy and safety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12846. [PMID: 38834631 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62792-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is often managed surgically. Enzymatic chemonucleolysis emerged as a non-surgical alternative. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of chemonucleolytic enzymes for LDH. The primary objective is to evaluate efficacy through "treatment success" (i.e., pain reduction) and severe adverse events (SAEs) rates. Additionally, differences in efficacy and safety trends among chemonucleolytic enzymes are explored. Following our PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42023451546) and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted up to July 18, 2023. Inclusion criteria involved human LDH treatment with enzymatic chemonucleolysis reagents, assessing pain alleviation, imaging changes, and reporting on SAEs, with focus on allergic reactions. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Source of Bias and MINORS tools. Meta-analysis utilized odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 62 included studies (12,368 patients), chemonucleolysis demonstrated an 79% treatment success rate and significantly outperformed placebo controls (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.41-4.65) and scored similar to surgical interventions (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.20-2.10). SAEs occurred in 1.4% of cases, with slightly higher rates in chymopapain cohorts. No significant differences in "proceeding to surgery" rates were observed between chemonucleolysis and control cohorts. Limitations include dated and heterogeneous studies, emphasizing the need for higher-quality trials. Further optimization through careful patient selection and advances in therapy implementation may further enhance outcomes. The observed benefits call for wider clinical exploration and adoption. No funding was received for this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Luca Ambrosio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Shota Tamagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor Organ, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kieran Joyce
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Clara Ruiz-Fernández
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Akira Nomura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.
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Lorio MP, Tate JL, Myers TJ, Block JE, Beall DP. Perspective on Intradiscal Therapies for Lumbar Discogenic Pain: State of the Science, Knowledge Gaps, and Imperatives for Clinical Adoption. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1171-1182. [PMID: 38524692 PMCID: PMC10959304 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s441180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Specific clinical diagnostic criteria have established a consensus for defining patients with lumbar discogenic pain. However, if conservative medical management fails, these patients have few treatment options short of surgery involving discectomy often coupled with fusion or arthroplasty. There is a rapidly-emerging research effort to fill this treatment gap with intradiscal therapies that can be delivered minimally-invasively via fluoroscopically guided injection without altering the normal anatomy of the affected vertebral motion segment. Viable candidate products to date have included mesenchymal stromal cells, platelet-rich plasma, nucleus pulposus structural allograft, and other cell-based compositions. The objective of these products is to repair, supplement, and restore the damaged intervertebral disc as well as retard further degeneration. In doing so, the intervention is meant to eliminate the source of discogenic pain and avoid surgery. Methodologically rigorous studies are rare, however, and based on the best clinical evidence, the safety as well as the magnitude and duration of clinical efficacy remain difficult to estimate. Further, we summarize the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) guidance regarding the interpretation of the minimal manipulation and homologous use criteria, which is central to designating these products as a tissue or as a drug/device/biologic. We also provide perspectives on the core evidence and knowledge gaps associated with intradiscal therapies, propose imperatives for evaluating effectiveness of these treatments and highlight several new technologies on the horizon.
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Tilotta V, Vadalà G, Ambrosio L, Di Giacomo G, Cicione C, Russo F, Darinskas A, Papalia R, Denaro V. Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote nucleus pulposus cell anabolism in an in vitro 3D alginate-bead culture model. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1274. [PMID: 38222813 PMCID: PMC10782051 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intradiscal transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has emerged as a promising therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the hostile microenvironment of the intervertebral disc (IVD) may compromise the survival of implanted cells. Interestingly, studies reported that paracrine factors, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSCs, may regenerate the IVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wharton's Jelly MSC (WJ-MSC)-derived EVs on human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs) using an in vitro 3D alginate-bead culture model. Methods After EV isolation and characterization, hNPCs isolated from surgical specimens were encapsulated in alginate beads and treated with 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL WJ-MSC-EVs. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by flow cytometry and live/dead staining. Nitrite and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was evaluated through Griess and 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue assays. hNPCs in alginate beads were paraffin-embedded and stained for histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue) to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Gene expression levels of catabolic (MMP1, MMP13, ADAMTS5, IL6, NOS2), anabolic (ACAN), and hNPC marker (SOX9, KRT19) genes were analyzed through qPCR. Collagen type I and type II content was assessed with Western blot analysis. Results Treatment with WJ-MSC-EVs resulted in an increase in cell content and a decrease in cell death in degenerated hNPCs. Nitrite production was drastically reduced by EV treatment compared to the control. Furthermore, proteoglycan content was enhanced and confirmed by Alcian blue histological staining. EV stimulation attenuated ECM degradation and inflammation by suppressing catabolic and inflammatory gene expression levels. Additionally, NPC phenotypic marker genes were also maintained by the EV treatment. Conclusions WJ-MSC-derived EVs ameliorated hNPC growth and viability, and attenuated ECM degradation and oxidative stress, offering new opportunities for IVD regeneration as an attractive alternative strategy to cell therapy, which may be jeopardized by the harsh microenvironment of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Tilotta
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
| | - Gianluca Vadalà
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryFondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Luca Ambrosio
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryFondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Giuseppina Di Giacomo
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
| | - Claudia Cicione
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
| | - Fabrizio Russo
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryFondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Adas Darinskas
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Cancer InstituteVilniusLithuania
- JSC Innovita Research, Tissue BankVilniusLithuania
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversità Campus Bio‐Medico di RomaRomeItaly
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryFondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryFondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
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Soma H, Sakai D, Nakamura Y, Tamagawa S, Warita T, Schol J, Matsushita E, Naiki M, Sato M, Watanabe M. Recombinant Laminin-511 Fragment (iMatrix-511) Coating Supports Maintenance of Human Nucleus Pulposus Progenitor Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16713. [PMID: 38069038 PMCID: PMC10706138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiopoietin-1 receptor (Tie2) marks specific nucleus pulposus (NP) progenitor cells, shows a rapid decline during aging and intervertebral disc degeneration, and has thus sparked interest in its utilization as a regenerative agent against disc degeneration. However, the challenge of maintaining and expanding these progenitor cells in vitro has been a significant hurdle. In this study, we investigated the potential of laminin-511 to sustain Tie2+ NP progenitor cells in vitro. We isolated cells from human NP tissue (n = 5) and cultured them for 6 days on either standard (Non-coat) or iMatrix-511 (laminin-511 product)-coated (Lami-coat) dishes. We assessed these cells for their proliferative capacity, activation of Erk1/2 and Akt pathways, as well as the expression of cell surface markers such as Tie2, GD2, and CD24. To gauge their regenerative potential, we examined their extracellular matrix (ECM) production capacity (intracellular type II collagen (Col2) and proteoglycans (PG)) and their ability to form spherical colonies within methylcellulose hydrogels. Lami-coat significantly enhanced cell proliferation rates and increased Tie2 expression, resulting in a 7.9-fold increase in Tie2-expressing cell yields. Moreover, the overall proportion of cells positive for Tie2 also increased 2.7-fold. Notably, the Col2 positivity rate was significantly higher on laminin-coated plates (Non-coat: 10.24% (±1.7%) versus Lami-coat: 26.2% (±7.5%), p = 0.010), and the ability to form spherical colonies also showed a significant improvement (Non-coat: 40.7 (±8.8)/1000 cells versus Lami-coat: 70.53 (±18.0)/1000 cells, p = 0.016). These findings demonstrate that Lami-coat enhances the potential of NP cells, as indicated by improved colony formation and proliferative characteristics. This highlights the potential of laminin-coating in maintaining the NP progenitor cell phenotype in culture, thereby supporting their translation into prospective clinical cell-transplantation products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazuki Soma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
- TUNZ Pharma Corporation, Osaka 541-0046, Japan;
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
| | - Shota Tamagawa
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor Organ, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Takayuki Warita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
- TUNZ Pharma Corporation, Osaka 541-0046, Japan;
| | - Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Erika Matsushita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
| | | | - Masato Sato
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (H.S.); (Y.N.); (T.W.); (J.S.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (M.W.)
- Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
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McDonnell EE, Wilson N, Barcellona MN, Ní Néill T, Bagnall J, Brama PAJ, Cunniffe GM, Darwish SL, Butler JS, Buckley CT. Preclinical to clinical translation for intervertebral disc repair: Effects of species-specific scale, metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates on cell-based regeneration. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1279. [PMID: 37780829 PMCID: PMC10540833 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A significant hurdle for potential cell-based therapies is the subsequent survival and regenerative capacity of implanted cells. While many exciting developments have demonstrated promise preclinically, cell-based therapies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration fail to translate equivalent clinical efficacy. Aims This work aims to ascertain the clinical relevance of both a small and large animal model by experimentally investigating and comparing these animal models to human from the perspective of anatomical scale and their cellular metabolic and regenerative potential. Materials and Methods First, this work experimentally investigated species-specific geometrical scale, native cell density, nutrient metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates for rat, goat, and human disc cells in a 3D microspheroid configuration. Second, these parameters were employed in silico to elucidate species-specific nutrient microenvironments and predict differences in temporal regeneration between animal models. Results This work presents in silico models which correlate favorably to preclinical literature in terms of the capabilities of animal regeneration and predict that compromised nutrition is not a significant challenge in small animal discs. On the contrary, it highlights a very fine clinical balance between an adequate cell dose for sufficient repair, through de novo matrix deposition, without exacerbating the human microenvironmental niche. Discussion Overall, this work aims to provide a path towards understanding the effect of cell injection number on the nutrient microenvironment and the "time to regeneration" between preclinical animal models and the large human IVD. While these findings help to explain failed translation of promising preclinical data and the limited results emerging from clinical trials at present, they also enable the research field and clinicians to manage expectations on cell-based regeneration. Conclusion Ultimately, this work provides a platform to inform the design of clinical trials, and as computing power and software capabilities increase in the future, it is conceivable that generation of patient-specific models could be used for patient assessment, as well as pre- and intraoperative planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. McDonnell
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Niamh Wilson
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Marcos N. Barcellona
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Tara Ní Néill
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Jessica Bagnall
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Pieter A. J. Brama
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Gráinne M. Cunniffe
- National Spinal Injuries UnitMater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Stacey L. Darwish
- National Spinal Injuries UnitMater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- National Orthopaedic HospitalDublinIreland
- St Vincent's University HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Joseph S. Butler
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- National Spinal Injuries UnitMater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Conor T. Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative MedicineRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandDublinIreland
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Samanta A, Lufkin T, Kraus P. Intervertebral disc degeneration-Current therapeutic options and challenges. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1156749. [PMID: 37483952 PMCID: PMC10359191 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1156749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a normal part of aging. Due to the spine's declining function and the development of pain, it may affect one's physical health, mental health, and socioeconomic status. Most of the intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) therapies today focus on the symptoms of low back pain rather than the underlying etiology or mechanical function of the disc. The deteriorated disc is typically not restored by conservative or surgical therapies that largely focus on correcting symptoms and structural abnormalities. To enhance the clinical outcome and the quality of life of a patient, several therapeutic modalities have been created. In this review, we discuss genetic and environmental causes of IVDD and describe promising modern endogenous and exogenous therapeutic approaches including their applicability and relevance to the degeneration process.
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