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Elmounedi N, Keskes H. Establishment of intervertebral disc degeneration models; A review of the currently used models. J Orthop 2024; 56:50-56. [PMID: 38784950 PMCID: PMC11109335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the frequent causes of low back pain is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which is followed by discogenic pain. Some significant risk factors that have been linked to the onset and progression of IDD include age, mechanical imbalance, changes in nutrition and inflammation. According to recent studies, five types of animal models are established for producing IDD: the spontaneous models, the puncture models, the biomechanical models, the chemical models and the hybrid models. These models are crucial in studying and understanding IDD's natural history and identifying potential treatment targets for IDD. In our study, we'll talk about the technical aspects of these models, the time between model establishment and the apparition of observable degradation, and their potential in various research. Each animal model should be compared to the human natural IDD pathogenesis to guide future research efforts in this area. By improving knowledge and appropriate application of various animal models, we seek to raise awareness of this illness and further translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najah Elmounedi
- Cell Therapy and Experimental Surgery of Musculoskeletal System LR18SP1 Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hassib Keskes
- Cell Therapy and Experimental Surgery of Musculoskeletal System LR18SP1 Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, CHU Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
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2
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Niemeyer F, Galbusera F, Beukers M, Jonas R, Tao Y, Fusellier M, Tryfonidou MA, Neidlinger‐Wilke C, Kienle A, Wilke H. Automatic grading of intervertebral disc degeneration in lumbar dog spines. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1326. [PMID: 38633660 PMCID: PMC11022603 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration is frequent in dogs and can be associated with symptoms and functional impairments. The degree of disc degeneration can be assessed on T2-weighted MRI scans using the Pfirrmann classification scheme, which was developed for the human spine. However, it could also be used to quantify the effectiveness of disc regeneration therapies. We developed and tested a deep learning tool able to automatically score the degree of disc degeneration in dog spines, starting from an existing model designed to process images of human patients. Methods MRI midsagittal scans of 5991 lumbar discs of dog patients were collected and manually evaluated with the Pfirrmann scheme and a modified scheme with transitional grades. A deep learning model was trained to classify the disc images based on the two schemes and tested by comparing its performance with the model processing human images. Results The determination of the Pfirrmann grade showed sensitivities higher than 83% for all degeneration grades, except for grade 5, which is rare in dog spines, and high specificities. In comparison, the correspondent human model had slightly higher sensitivities, on average 90% versus 85% for the canine model. The modified scheme with the fractional grades did not show significant advantages with respect to the original Pfirrmann grades. Conclusions The novel tool was able to accurately and reliably score the severity of disc degeneration in dogs, although with a performance inferior than that of the human model. The tool has potential in the clinical management of disc degeneration in canine patients as well as in longitudinal studies evaluating regenerative therapies in dogs used as animal models of human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Niemeyer
- Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma ResearchUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
- SpineServ GmbH & Co. KGUlmGermany
| | - Fabio Galbusera
- Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma ResearchUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
- SpineServ GmbH & Co. KGUlmGermany
- Head Research Group Spine, Spine CenterSchulthess ClinicZürichSwitzerland
| | - Martijn Beukers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - René Jonas
- Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma ResearchUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
| | | | - Marion Fusellier
- Maitre de Conférences Imagerie Médicale, INSERM UMRS1229, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton RMeS Team STEPSchool of Dental SurgeryNantesFrance
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Neidlinger‐Wilke
- Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma ResearchUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
- SpineServ GmbH & Co. KGUlmGermany
| | | | - Hans‐Joachim Wilke
- Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma ResearchUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
- SpineServ GmbH & Co. KGUlmGermany
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Peng B, Li Q, Chen J, Wang Z. Research on the role and mechanism of IL-17 in intervertebral disc degeneration. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111992. [PMID: 38569428 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111992] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the primary causes of low back pain (LBP), which seriously affects patients' quality of life. In recent years, interleukin (IL)-17 has been shown to be highly expressed in the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues and serum of patients with IDD, and IL-17A has been shown to promote IDD through multiple pathways. We first searched databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science using the search terms "IL-17 or interleukin 17″ and "intervertebral discs". The search period ranged from the inception of the databases to December 2023. A total of 24 articles were selected after full-text screening. The main conclusion of the clinical studies was that IL-17A levels are significantly increased in the IVD tissues and serum of IDD patients. The results from the in vitro studies indicated that IL-17A can activate signaling pathways such as the NF-κB and MAPK pathways; promote inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix degradation, and angiogenesis; and inhibit autophagy in nucleus pulposus cells. The main finding of the in vivo experiments was that puncture of animal IVDs resulted in elevated levels of IL-17A within the IVD, thereby inducing IDD. Clinical studies, in vitro experiments, and in vivo experiments confirmed that IL-17A is closely related to IDD. Therefore, drugs that target IL-17A may be novel treatments for IDD, providing a new theoretical basis for IDD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Peng
- Liuyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liuyang City, Hunan Province, China; Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Li
- Liuyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liuyang City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jiangping Chen
- Liuyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liuyang City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhexiang Wang
- Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrative Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
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4
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Novais EJ, Narayanan R, Canseco JA, van de Wetering K, Kepler CK, Hilibrand AS, Vaccaro AR, Risbud MV. A new perspective on intervertebral disc calcification-from bench to bedside. Bone Res 2024; 12:3. [PMID: 38253615 PMCID: PMC10803356 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Disc degeneration primarily contributes to chronic low back and neck pain. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand the spectrum of disc degeneration phenotypes such as fibrosis, ectopic calcification, herniation, or mixed phenotypes. Amongst these phenotypes, disc calcification is the least studied. Ectopic calcification, by definition, is the pathological mineralization of soft tissues, widely studied in the context of conditions that afflict vasculature, skin, and cartilage. Clinically, disc calcification is associated with poor surgical outcomes and back pain refractory to conservative treatment. It is frequently seen as a consequence of disc aging and progressive degeneration but exhibits unique molecular and morphological characteristics: hypertrophic chondrocyte-like cell differentiation; TNAP, ENPP1, and ANK upregulation; cell death; altered Pi and PPi homeostasis; and local inflammation. Recent studies in mouse models have provided a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this phenotype. It is essential to recognize that the presentation and nature of mineralization differ between AF, NP, and EP compartments. Moreover, the combination of anatomic location, genetics, and environmental stressors, such as aging or trauma, govern the predisposition to calcification. Lastly, the systemic regulation of calcium and Pi metabolism is less important than the local activity of PPi modulated by the ANK-ENPP1 axis, along with disc cell death and differentiation status. While there is limited understanding of this phenotype, understanding the molecular pathways governing local intervertebral disc calcification may lead to developing disease-modifying drugs and better clinical management of degeneration-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel J Novais
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Litoral Alentejano, Orthopedic Department, Santiago do Cacém, Portugal
| | - Rajkishen Narayanan
- Rothman Orthopedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jose A Canseco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Rothman Orthopedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Koen van de Wetering
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher K Kepler
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Rothman Orthopedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alan S Hilibrand
- Rothman Orthopedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Rothman Orthopedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Lazaro-Pacheco D, Mohseni M, Rudd S, Cooper-White J, Holsgrove TP. The role of biomechanical factors in models of intervertebral disc degeneration across multiple length scales. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:021501. [PMID: 37180733 PMCID: PMC10168717 DOI: 10.1063/5.0137698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability, producing a substantial socio-economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a primary cause of lower back pain, and while regenerative therapies aimed at full functional recovery of the disc have been developed in recent years, no commercially available, approved devices or therapies for the regeneration of the IVD currently exist. In the development of these new approaches, numerous models for mechanical stimulation and preclinical assessment, including in vitro cell studies using microfluidics, ex vivo organ studies coupled with bioreactors and mechanical testing rigs, and in vivo testing in a variety of large and small animals, have emerged. These approaches have provided different capabilities, certainly improving the preclinical evaluation of these regenerative therapies, but challenges within the research environment, and compromises relating to non-representative mechanical stimulation and unrealistic test conditions, remain to be resolved. In this review, insights into the ideal characteristics of a disc model for the testing of IVD regenerative approaches are first assessed. Key learnings from in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro IVD models under mechanical loading stimulation to date are presented alongside the merits and limitations of each model based on the physiological resemblance to the human IVD environment (biological and mechanical) as well as the possible feedback and output measurements for each approach. When moving from simplified in vitro models to ex vivo and in vivo approaches, the complexity increases resulting in less controllable models but providing a better representation of the physiological environment. Although cost, time, and ethical constraints are dependent on each approach, they escalate with the model complexity. These constraints are discussed and weighted as part of the characteristics of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lazaro-Pacheco
- Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Mohseni
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel Rudd
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Timothy Patrick Holsgrove
- Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom
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Zhu P, Kong F, Wu X, Dong Z, Du J, Mao Y, Zhou H, Liu Y, Mao H, Gu Y, Yang H, Geng D. A Minimally Invasive Annulus Fibrosus Needle Puncture Model of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Rats. World Neurosurg 2023; 169:e1-e8. [PMID: 36283650 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The needle puncture model in rats has been accepted as an ordinary model to induce intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the model primarily penetrated the whole intervertebral disc, resulting in injury to the nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF). The intention of this research was to explore a minimally invasive approach through needle puncture of the AF percutaneously in rats. METHODS Twenty SD rats underwent puncture at Co8/9 via a 20 G percutaneous needle. The needle was slowly advanced perpendicular to the tail skin to penetrate the whole AF without damaging the NP limited by a hand-made sheath. The X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging T2 relaxation was evaluated at 1, 2, and 3 weeks to assess the disc height index and signal changes. Histological and immunohistochemical staining of the IVD were obtained under a light microscope. RESULTS X-rays showed that the disc height had progressively narrowed to 49% of baseline 3 weeks after injury. magnetic resonance imaging evaluation demonstrated that the mean T2-weighted signal intensity at 3 weeks was 43% of that in the uninjured control group at the Co8/9 level. Histological staining demonstrated disorganized lamellae in the AF and decreased proteoglycan content and cellularity within the NP in the injured discs. CONCLUSIONS The present research demonstrates a reliable and convenient approach to induce an AF tear in rats through percutaneous needle puncture. This model reduces harm to the experimental animals significantly while imitating the progressive degeneration process. More importantly, the model confirmed that AF damage alone could lead to IVDD and provided a research method for AF degeneration in IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fanchen Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiexing Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhongchen Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Du
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yubo Mao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yijie Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiqin Mao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ye Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, First People's Hospital of Changshu City, Changshu, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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7
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Zhang L, Du G, Teng B, Shi X, He X, Li N, Chen Y, Xu R. Vascular anatomy-based localization of intervertebral discs assisting needle puncture for constructing a mouse model of mechanical injury-induced lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 634:196-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Tang SN, Bonilla AF, Chahine NO, Colbath AC, Easley JT, Grad S, Haglund L, Le Maitre CL, Leung V, McCoy AM, Purmessur D, Tang SY, Zeiter S, Smith LJ. Controversies in spine research: Organ culture versus in vivo models for studies of the intervertebral disc. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1235. [PMID: 36601369 PMCID: PMC9799089 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1235] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of low back pain, the leading cause of disability worldwide. Appropriate preclinical models for intervertebral disc research are essential to achieving a better understanding of underlying pathophysiology and for the development, evaluation, and translation of more effective treatments. To this end, in vivo animal and ex vivo organ culture models are both widely used by spine researchers; however, the relative strengths and weaknesses of these two approaches are a source of ongoing controversy. In this article, members from the Spine and Preclinical Models Sections of the Orthopedic Research Society, including experts in both basic and translational spine research, present contrasting arguments in support of in vivo animal models versus ex vivo organ culture models for studies of the disc, supported by a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. The objective is to provide a deeper understanding of the respective advantages and limitations of these approaches, and advance the field toward a consensus with respect to appropriate model selection and implementation. We conclude that complementary use of several model types and leveraging the unique advantages of each is likely to result in the highest impact research in most instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Nadeen O. Chahine
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Aimee C. Colbath
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | | | | | - Victor Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Annette M. McCoy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical MedicineUniversity of IllinoisUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Simon Y. Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St LouisSt LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Lachlan J. Smith
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and NeurosurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA,Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterCorporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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He S, Zhang Y, Zhou Z, Shao X, Chen K, Dai S, Liang T, Qian Z, Luo Z. Similarity and difference between aging and puncture-induced intervertebral disc degeneration. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:2565-2575. [PMID: 35072275 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to investigate the changes in micromorphology and mechanical properties of intervertebral discs degeneration induced by aging and puncture. Normal group (NG), 2 weeks post-puncture degeneration group (PDG) and aging degeneration group (ADG) each included 10 rats. Plain film, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological testing were utilized to assess intervertebral disc degeneration. Atomic force microscope was utilized to analyze the microstructure and elastic modulus of the intervertebral disc, while immunohistochemistry was employed to assess alterations in the cell matrix using collagen I, collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The results showed that the disc height ratio between PDG and ADG decreased. In the PDG and ADG group, histological scores both increased, the gray value of the T2 signal decreased, the proportion of MMP-3 and TNF-positive cells in intervertebral disc tissues was higher (p < 0.05) and the IOD values of COL-2 lower in intervertebral disc tissues (p < 0.05). The elastic modulus of PDG and ADG annulus fibers (AF) increased compared to the NG (p < 0.05); when compared to PDG, the elastic modulus of ADG AF decreased (p < 0.05). The elastic modulus of PDG and ADG collagen increased in the nucleus pulposus (NP, p < 0.05); ADG had a greater AF diameter than NG and PDG (p < 0.05). The results indicated that ADG fiber diameter thickens, and chronic inflammation indicators rise; PDG suffers from severe extracellular matrix loss. The degeneration of the ADG and PDG intervertebral discs is different. The results provide foundation for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjun He
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Danyang Hospital of Nantong University, The People's Hospital of Danyang, Danyang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yijian Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangzhe Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kangwu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shouqian Dai
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonglai Qian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zongping Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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10
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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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11
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Zhu D, Miao Z, Dong M, Lin J, Wang Y, Tian N, Luo P, Lin Y, Wu Y, Chen M. Development of a Novel Rat Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model by Surgical Multifidus Resection-Induced Instability. World Neurosurg 2022; 165:e357-e364. [PMID: 35724886 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.06.051] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether surgical resection of multifidus in rats could generate a reliable model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). METHODS Instability of the lumbar spine in Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by multifidus resection. Longissimus changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Specific protein and mRNA changes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) were quantified by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Bone alterations were assessed using X-ray imaging, and disc changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Fat infiltration and increased tumor necrosis factor-α expression in the longissimus were detected following surgery. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot results demonstrated that the inflammation and catabolism in the NP were increased after the surgical intervention. Moreover, X-ray imaging showed that the disc height had decreased and bone spurs had formed at the vertebral rims. Histological analyses further revealed degeneration of the annulus fibrosus, endplate, and NP. Furthermore, in contrast to the sham group, the collagen II expression was reduced, while matrix metalloproteinase-13 was increased in the surgery group. CONCLUSIONS Surgical resection of the multifidus in rats resulted in a reproducible IVDD model. Because the present procedure does not impart direct injury to the intervertebral disc, it can better imitate the pathological states in humans. Therefore, our rat multifidus resection model might help us further understand the intrinsic pathophysiology of IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingchao Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Miao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingwei Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Naifeng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yaosen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Mochuan Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's, Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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12
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Bermudez-Lekerika P, Crump KB, Tseranidou S, Nüesch A, Kanelis E, Alminnawi A, Baumgartner L, Muñoz-Moya E, Compte R, Gualdi F, Alexopoulos LG, Geris L, Wuertz-Kozak K, Le Maitre CL, Noailly J, Gantenbein B. Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Intervertebral Disc Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:924692. [PMID: 35846355 PMCID: PMC9277224 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.924692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a highly prevalent, chronic, and costly medical condition predominantly triggered by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). IDD is often caused by structural and biochemical changes in intervertebral discs (IVD) that prompt a pathologic shift from an anabolic to catabolic state, affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) production, enzyme generation, cytokine and chemokine production, neurotrophic and angiogenic factor production. The IVD is an immune-privileged organ. However, during degeneration immune cells and inflammatory factors can infiltrate through defects in the cartilage endplate and annulus fibrosus fissures, further accelerating the catabolic environment. Remarkably, though, catabolic ECM disruption also occurs in the absence of immune cell infiltration, largely due to native disc cell production of catabolic enzymes and cytokines. An unbalanced metabolism could be induced by many different factors, including a harsh microenvironment, biomechanical cues, genetics, and infection. The complex, multifactorial nature of IDD brings the challenge of identifying key factors which initiate the degenerative cascade, eventually leading to back pain. These factors are often investigated through methods including animal models, 3D cell culture, bioreactors, and computational models. However, the crosstalk between the IVD, immune system, and shifted metabolism is frequently misconstrued, often with the assumption that the presence of cytokines and chemokines is synonymous to inflammation or an immune response, which is not true for the intact disc. Therefore, this review will tackle immunomodulatory and IVD cell roles in IDD, clarifying the differences between cellular involvements and implications for therapeutic development and assessing models used to explore inflammatory or catabolic IVD environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bermudez-Lekerika
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katherine B Crump
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Andrea Nüesch
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Exarchos Kanelis
- ProtATonce Ltd., Athens, Greece.,School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Ahmad Alminnawi
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Roger Compte
- Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Gualdi
- Institut Hospital Del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- ProtATonce Ltd., Athens, Greece.,School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Liesbet Geris
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Biomechanics Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States.,Spine Center, Schön Klinik München Harlaching Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Private Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, Germany
| | - Christine L Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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13
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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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14
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Tang SN, Walter BA, Heimann MK, Gantt CC, Khan SN, Kokiko-Cochran ON, Askwith CC, Purmessur D. In vivo Mouse Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Models and Their Utility as Translational Models of Clinical Discogenic Back Pain: A Comparative Review. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:894651. [PMID: 35812017 PMCID: PMC9261914 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.894651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and studies have demonstrated intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration as a major risk factor. While many in vitro models have been developed and used to study IVD pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies, the etiology of IVD degeneration is a complex multifactorial process involving crosstalk of nearby tissues and systemic effects. Thus, the use of appropriate in vivo models is necessary to fully understand the associated molecular, structural, and functional changes and how they relate to pain. Mouse models have been widely adopted due to accessibility and ease of genetic manipulation compared to other animal models. Despite their small size, mice lumbar discs demonstrate significant similarities to the human IVD in terms of geometry, structure, and mechanical properties. While several different mouse models of IVD degeneration exist, greater standardization of the methods for inducing degeneration and the development of a consistent set of output measurements could allow mouse models to become a stronger tool for clinical translation. This article reviews current mouse models of IVD degeneration in the context of clinical translation and highlights a critical set of output measurements for studying disease pathology or screening regenerative therapies with an emphasis on pain phenotyping. First, we summarized and categorized these models into genetic, age-related, and mechanically induced. Then, the outcome parameters assessed in these models are compared including, molecular, cellular, functional/structural, and pain assessments for both evoked and spontaneous pain. These comparisons highlight a set of potential key parameters that can be used to validate the model and inform its utility to screen potential therapies for IVD degeneration and their translation to the human condition. As treatment of symptomatic pain is important, this review provides an emphasis on critical pain-like behavior assessments in mice and explores current behavioral assessments relevant to discogenic back pain. Overall, the specific research question was determined to be essential to identify the relevant model with histological staining, imaging, extracellular matrix composition, mechanics, and pain as critical parameters for assessing degeneration and regenerative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mary K. Heimann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Connor C. Gantt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Safdar N. Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Olga N. Kokiko-Cochran
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Candice C. Askwith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Devina Purmessur ;
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15
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Hedlund J, Ekström L, Thoreson O. Porcine Functional Spine Unit in orthopedic research, a systematic scoping review of the methodology. J Exp Orthop 2022; 9:54. [PMID: 35678892 PMCID: PMC9184692 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-022-00488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic scoping review of previous in vitro spine studies that used pig functional spinal units (FSU) as a model to gain an understanding of how different experimental methods are presented in the literature. Research guidelines are often used to achieve high quality in methods, results, and reports, but no research guidelines are available regarding in vitro biomechanical spinal studies. Methods A systematic scoping review approach and protocol was used for the study with a systematic search in several data bases combined with an extra author search. The articles were examined in multiple stages by two different authors in a blinded manner. Data was extracted from the included articles and inserted into a previously crafted matrix with multiple variables. The data was analyzed to evaluate study methods and quality and included 70 studies. Results The results display that there is a lack of consensus regarding how the material, methods and results are presented. Load type, duration and magnitude were heterogeneous among the studies, but sixty-seven studies (96%) did include compressive load or tension in the testing protocol. Conclusions This study concludes that an improvement of reported data in the present field of research is needed. A protocol, modified from the ARRIVE guidelines, regarding enhanced report-structure, that would enable comparison between studies and improve the method quality is presented in the current study. There is also a clear need for a validated quality-assessment template for experimental animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Hedlund
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Ekström
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Olof Thoreson
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Research and Development Primary Health Care, R&D Centre Gothenburg and Södra Bohuslän, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Fan Y, Zhao L, Lai Y, Lu K, Huang J. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated loss of function of β-catenin attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:387-396. [PMID: 35505959 PMCID: PMC9035381 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a very common medical condition causing pain and disability, and it cannot be reversed by available treatment options. Here we report that targeting β-catenin, a pivotal factor associated with disc degeneration, ameliorates disc degeneration in a mouse model of disc injury. Degenerative changes in the disc in response to disc injury include decompression of nucleus pulposus (NP), replacement of notochordal cells in the NP by chondrocyte-like cells, and disorganization of annulus fibrosus (AF). Importantly, downregulation of β-catenin through intradiscal injection of CRISPR-Cas9-expressing adeno-associated virus significantly mitigated all these pathological changes, by preserving notochordal cells and attenuating chondro-osteogenesis in the NP, as well as maintaining the AF structure. Moreover, β-catenin loss-of-function decelerated the rapid induction of catabolic reactions in disc matrix and attenuated pain-related neural events during disc degeneration. Thus, our data demonstrate that targeting β-catenin in disc cells through CRISPR-Cas9 has multifaceted therapeutic effects on disc degeneration, and we suggest that β-catenin plays a fundamental role in the remodeling and degenerative processes of the disc. In addition, this study proposes that CRISPR-Cas9 is a useful tool for identifying new drug targets and developing therapeutic strategies for disc degeneration.
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17
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Constant C, Hom WW, Nehrbass D, Carmel E, Albers CE, Deml MC, Gehweiler D, Lee Y, Hecht A, Grad S, Iatridis JC, Zeiter S. Comparison and optimization of sheep in vivo intervertebral disc injury model. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1198. [PMID: 35783908 PMCID: PMC9238284 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The current standard of care for intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, surgical discectomy, does not repair annulus fibrosus (AF) defects, which is partly due to the lack of effective methods to do so and is why new repair strategies are widely investigated and tested preclinically. There is a need to develop a standardized IVD injury model in large animals to enable comparison and interpretation across preclinical study results. The purpose of this study was to compare in vivo IVD injury models in sheep to determine which annulus fibrosus (AF) defect type combined with partial nucleus pulposus (NP) removal would better mimic degenerative human spinal pathologies. Methods Six skeletally mature sheep were randomly assigned to one of the two observation periods (1 and 3 months) and underwent creation of 3 different AF defect types (slit, cruciate, and box-cut AF defects) in conjunction with 0.1 g NP removal in three lumbar levels using a lateral retroperitoneal surgical approach. The spine was monitored by clinical CT scans pre- and postoperatively, at 2 weeks and euthanasia, and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology after euthanasia to determine the severity of degeneration (disc height loss, Pfirrmann grading, semiquantitative histopathology grading). Results All AF defects led to significant degenerative changes detectable on CT and MR images, produced bulging of disc tissue without disc herniation and led to degenerative and inflammatory histopathological changes. However, AF defects were not equal in terms of disc height loss at 3 months postoperatively; the cruciate and box-cut AF defects showed significantly decreased disc height compared to their preoperative height, with the box-cut defect creating the greatest disc height loss, while the slit AF defect showed restoration of normal preoperative disc height. Conclusions The tested IVD injury models do not all generate comparable disc degeneration but can be considered suitable IVD injury models to investigate new treatments. Results of the current study clearly indicate that slit AF defect should be avoided if disc height is used as one of the main outcomes; additional confirmatory studies may be warranted to generalize this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Warren W. Hom
- Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health SystemNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Eric‐Norman Carmel
- Département de sciences cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheCanada
| | - Christoph E. Albers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & TraumatologyInselspital, University Hospital BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Moritz C. Deml
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & TraumatologyInselspital, University Hospital BernBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Yunsoo Lee
- Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health SystemNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Andrew Hecht
- Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health SystemNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - James C. Iatridis
- Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health SystemNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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18
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Slanted slot was the most resistant to failure of ventral slot techniques tested in rabbit cervical vertebrae. ACTA VET BRNO 2022. [DOI: 10.2754/avb202291010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ventral slot technique is used to relieve neural compression secondary to intervertebral disc degeneration or disease. In the present study, the biomechanical properties of three different ventral surgical procedures in the rabbit C6–C7 vertebral motion unit (VMU) were assessed and compared with the intact C6–C7 VMU. The ventral slot procedure (slanted, full, or mini; n = 8/group) was performed on these cervical vertebrae. Normal spine torsion and flexion values were compared to those of spines subjected to slanted, full, and mini slot surgery. The slanted slot spines were the most stable, maintaining 70% of normal cervical spine strength, compared to 26% with the full slot and 30% with the mini slot. Regarding torsion, slanted slot spines showed 74% stability compared to the normal cervical spine, while the full slot and mini slot spines showed 58% and 62% stability, respectively. Flexion values were lower after all versions of the ventral slot procedure than in the normal spine, with the greatest flexion difference occurring after the full slot procedure (21% of the normal flexion value). The flexion values also differed significantly between the slanted and full spine groups, and all operated spines showing roughly 60% torsion rates compared with normal spines. The slanted slot maintains more stability in rabbit cervical spine than the other procedures. To our knowledge, this was the first study to examine biomechanical failure differences between the distinct versions of this ventral slot procedure.
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Lin M, Abd MA, Taing A, Tsai CT, Vrionis FD, Engeberg ED. Robotic Replica of a Human Spine Uses Soft Magnetic Sensor Array to Forecast Intervertebral Loads and Posture after Surgery. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 22:s22010212. [PMID: 35009754 PMCID: PMC8749580 DOI: 10.3390/s22010212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cervical disc implants are conventional surgical treatments for patients with degenerative disc disease, such as cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. However, the surgeon still must determine the candidacy of cervical disc implants mainly from the findings of diagnostic imaging studies, which can sometimes lead to complications and implant failure. To help address these problems, a new approach was developed to enable surgeons to preview the post-operative effects of an artificial disc implant in a patient-specific fashion prior to surgery. To that end, a robotic replica of a person's spine was 3D printed, modified to include an artificial disc implant, and outfitted with a soft magnetic sensor array. The aims of this study are threefold: first, to evaluate the potential of a soft magnetic sensor array to detect the location and amplitude of applied loads; second, to use the soft magnetic sensor array in a 3D printed human spine replica to distinguish between five different robotically actuated postures; and third, to compare the efficacy of four different machine learning algorithms to classify the loads, amplitudes, and postures obtained from the first and second aims. Benchtop experiments showed that the soft magnetic sensor array was capable of precisely detecting the location and amplitude of forces, which were successfully classified by four different machine learning algorithms that were compared for their capabilities: Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Random Forest (RF), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In particular, the RF and ANN algorithms were able to classify locations of loads applied 3.25 mm apart with 98.39% ± 1.50% and 98.05% ± 1.56% accuracies, respectively. Furthermore, the ANN had an accuracy of 94.46% ± 2.84% to classify the location that a 10 g load was applied. The artificial disc-implanted spine replica was subjected to flexion and extension by a robotic arm. Five different postures of the spine were successfully classified with 100% ± 0.0% accuracy with the ANN using the soft magnetic sensor array. All results indicated that the magnetic sensor array has promising potential to generate data prior to invasive surgeries that could be utilized to preoperatively assess the suitability of a particular intervention for specific patients and to potentially assist the postoperative care of people with cervical disc implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Lin
- Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (M.L.); (M.A.A.); (C.-T.T.)
| | - Moaed A. Abd
- Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (M.L.); (M.A.A.); (C.-T.T.)
| | - Alex Taing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA;
| | - Chi-Tay Tsai
- Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (M.L.); (M.A.A.); (C.-T.T.)
| | - Frank D. Vrionis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
- Correspondence: (F.D.V.); (E.D.E.)
| | - Erik D. Engeberg
- Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (M.L.); (M.A.A.); (C.-T.T.)
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
- Correspondence: (F.D.V.); (E.D.E.)
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20
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Lee NN, Salzer E, Bach FC, Bonilla AF, Cook JL, Gazit Z, Grad S, Ito K, Smith LJ, Vernengo A, Wilke H, Engiles JB, Tryfonidou MA. A comprehensive tool box for large animal studies of intervertebral disc degeneration. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1162. [PMID: 34337336 PMCID: PMC8313180 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies involving large animal models aim to recapitulate the clinical situation as much as possible and bridge the gap from benchtop to bedside. To date, studies investigating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and regeneration in large animal models have utilized a wide spectrum of methodologies for outcome evaluation. This paper aims to consolidate available knowledge, expertise, and experience in large animal preclinical models of IVD degeneration to create a comprehensive tool box of anatomical and functional outcomes. Herein, we present a Large Animal IVD Scoring Algorithm based on three scales: macroscopic (gross morphology, imaging, and biomechanics), microscopic (histological, biochemical, and biomolecular analyses), and clinical (neurologic state, mobility, and pain). The proposed algorithm encompasses a stepwise evaluation on all three scales, including spinal pain assessment, and relevant structural and functional components of IVD health and disease. This comprehensive tool box was designed for four commonly used preclinical large animal models (dog, pig, goat, and sheep) in order to facilitate standardization and applicability. Furthermore, it is intended to facilitate comparison across studies while discerning relevant differences between species within the context of outcomes with the goal to enhance veterinary clinical relevance as well. Current major challenges in pre-clinical large animal models for IVD regeneration are highlighted and insights into future directions that may improve the understanding of the underlying pathologies are discussed. As such, the IVD research community can deepen its exploration of the molecular, cellular, structural, and biomechanical changes that occur with IVD degeneration and regeneration, paving the path for clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi N. Lee
- Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative OrthopaedicsUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Elias Salzer
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityColoradoUSA
| | - James L. Cook
- Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative OrthopaedicsUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Zulma Gazit
- Department of SurgeryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Lachlan J. Smith
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Andrea Vernengo
- AO Research Institute DavosDavosSwitzerland
- Department of Chemical EngineeringRowan UniversityGlassboroNew JerseyUSA
| | - Hans‐Joachim Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and BiomechanicsUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
| | - Julie B. Engiles
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Gullbrand SE, Ashinsky BG, Lai A, Gansau J, Crowley J, Cunha C, Engiles JB, Fusellier M, Muehleman C, Pelletier M, Presciutti S, Schol J, Takeoka Y, Yurube T, Zhang Y, Masuda K, Iatridis JC. Development of a standardized histopathology scoring system for intervertebral disc degeneration and regeneration in rabbit models-An initiative of the ORSspine section. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1147. [PMID: 34337334 PMCID: PMC8313151 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rabbit lumbar spine is a commonly utilized model for studying intervertebral disc degeneration and for the pre-clinical evaluation of regenerative therapies. Histopathology is the foundation for which alterations to disc morphology and cellularity with degeneration, or following repair or treatment are assessed. Despite this, no standardized histology grading scale has yet been established for the spine field for any of the frequently utilized animal models. AIMS The purpose of this study was to establish a new standardized scoring system to assess disc degeneration and regeneration in the rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The scoring system was formulated following a review of the literature and a survey of spine researchers. Validation of the scoring system was carried out using images provided by 4 independent laboratories, which were graded by 12 independent graders of varying experience levels. Reliability testing was performed via the computation of intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for each category and the total score. The scoring system was then further refined based on the results of the ICC analysis and discussions amongst the authors. RESULTS The final general scoring system involves scoring 7 features (nucleus pulposus shape, area, cellularity and matrix condensation, annulus fibrosus/nucleus pulposus border appearance, annulus fibrosus morphology, and endplate sclerosis/thickening) on a 0 (healthy) to 2 (severe degeneration) scale. ICCs demonstrated overall moderate to good agreement across graders. An addendum to the main scoring system is also included for use in studies evaluating regenerative therapeutics, which involves scoring cell cloning and morphology within the nucleus pulposus and inner annulus fibrosus. DISCUSSION Overall, this new scoring system provides an avenue to improve standardization, allow a more accurate comparison between labs and more robust evaluation of pathophysiology and regenerative treatments across the field. CONCLUSION This study developed a histopathology scoring system for degeneration and regeneration in the rabbit model based on reported practice in the literature, a survey of spine researchers, and validation testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Gullbrand
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Beth G. Ashinsky
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alon Lai
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIchan School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jennifer Gansau
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIchan School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - James Crowley
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUNSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Carla Cunha
- i3S ‐ Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, INEB ‐ Instituto de Engenharia BiomédicaPortoPortugal
| | - Julie B. Engiles
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton CenterSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marion Fusellier
- Inserm, UMR 1229, RMeS, Université de Nantes, ONIRISNantesFrance
| | | | - Matthew Pelletier
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUNSWSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Jordy Schol
- Tokai University School of MedicineIseharaJapan
| | | | | | - Yejia Zhang
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIchan School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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22
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Schmitt C, Radetzki F, Stirnweiss A, Mendel T, Ludtka C, Friedmann A, Baerthel A, Brehm W, Milosevic J, Meisel HJ, Goehre F, Schwan S. Long-term pre-clinical evaluation of an injectable chitosan nanocellulose hydrogel with encapsulated adipose-derived stem cells in an ovine model for IVD regeneration. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 15:660-673. [PMID: 33989456 DOI: 10.1002/term.3216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The potential therapeutic benefit of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) encapsulated in an injectable hydrogel for stimulating intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration has been assessed by a number of translational and preclinical studies. However, previous work has been primarily limited to small animal models and short-term outcomes of only a few weeks. Long-term studies in representative large animal models are crucial for translation into clinical success, especially for permanent stabilization of major defects such as disc herniation. An injectable chitosan carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel scaffold loaded with ASCs was evaluated regarding its intraoperative handling, crosslinking kinetics, cell viability, fully-crosslinked viscoelasticity, and long-term therapeutic effects in an ovine model. Three IVDs per animal were damaged in 10 sheep. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was the source for autologous ASCs. Six weeks after IVD damage, two of the damaged IVDs were treated via ASC-loaded hydrogel injection. After 12 months following the implantation, IVD disc height and histological and cellular changes were assessed. This system was reliable and easy to handle intraoperatively. Over 12 months, IVD height was stabilized and degeneration progression significantly mitigated compared to untreated, damaged IVDs. Here we show for the first time in a large animal model that an injectable chitosan carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel system with encapsulated ASCs is able to affect long-term stabilization of an injured IVD and significantly decrease degeneration processes as compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Schmitt
- Halle Wittenberg, Department for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Martin Luther University, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Florian Radetzki
- Halle Wittenberg, Department for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Martin Luther University, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Dessau Municipal Hospital, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Annika Stirnweiss
- Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Mendel
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle gGmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christopher Ludtka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea Friedmann
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andre Baerthel
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Walther Brehm
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Hans Jörg Meisel
- Spinplant GmbH, Halle, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle gGmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Felix Goehre
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle gGmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefan Schwan
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Halle (Saale), Germany
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23
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Baldia M, Mani S, Walter N, Kumar S, Srivastava A, Prabhu K. Development of a Unique Mouse Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Using a Simple Novel Tool. Asian Spine J 2020; 15:415-423. [PMID: 33355845 PMCID: PMC8377218 DOI: 10.31616/asj.2020.0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Study Design Animal case control study. Purpose To create a simple, reproducible disc degeneration model for mouse coccygeal vertebrae. Overview of Literature Back pain due to disc degeneration is probably the most common problem encountered in neurosurgical practice. An easily reproducible animal model for disc degeneration will help in understanding its pathophysiology, and serve as a platform for examining various therapeutic options. Methods A total of 18 mice were divided into injured (n=12) and non-injured (n=6) groups. The disc height index (DHI%) at coccygeal 4–5 level was measured by computed tomography (CT) scan for all mice. Coccygeal 4–5 discs of the injury group were injured using a 32G needle fixed to a novel tool and confirmed by CT. The non-injury group underwent no procedure. DHI% was measured by CT at 2-, 4-, and 6-week post-injury, and all mice tails were sectioned for histopathology grading of disc degeneration at the respective time intervals. Results The injured group showed significant variation in DHI% at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, whereas there was no change in the non-injured group. Histopathologic evaluation with Safranin O stain showed a worsening of the disc degeneration score at 2, 4, and 6 weeks in the injured group, but in the non-injured group there was no change. Percutaneous needle injury technique with our novel tool provided 100% accuracy and uniform degeneration. Conclusions A simple, easily reproducible mouse model for disc degeneration was created using a simple, cost-effective, novel tool and technique, its advantage being high precision and user friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Baldia
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Sunithi Mani
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Noel Walter
- Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, India
| | - Alok Srivastava
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, India
| | - Krishna Prabhu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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24
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Schmitz TC, Salzer E, Crispim JF, Fabra GT, LeVisage C, Pandit A, Tryfonidou M, Maitre CL, Ito K. Characterization of biomaterials intended for use in the nucleus pulposus of degenerated intervertebral discs. Acta Biomater 2020; 114:1-15. [PMID: 32771592 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials for regeneration of the intervertebral disc must meet complex requirements conforming to biological, mechanical and clinical demands. Currently no consensus on their characterization exists. It is crucial to identify parameters and their method of characterization for accurate assessment of their potential efficacy, keeping in mind the translation towards clinical application. This review systematically analyses the characterization techniques of biomaterial systems that have been used for nucleus pulposus (NP) restoration and regeneration. Substantial differences in the approach towards assessment became evident, hindering comparisons between different materials with respect to their suitability for NP restoration and regeneration. We have analysed the current approaches and identified parameters necessary for adequate biomaterial characterization, with the clinical goal of functional restoration and biological regeneration of the NP in mind. Further, we provide guidelines and goals for their measurement. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterials intended for restoration of regeneration of the nucleus pulposus within the intervertebral disc must meet biological, biomechanical and clinical demands. Many materials have been investigated, but a lack of consensus on which parameters to evaluate leads to difficulties in comparing materials as well as mostly partial characterization of the materials in question. A gap between current methodology and clinically relevant and meaningful characterization is prevalent. In this article, we identify necessary methods and their implementation for complete biomaterial characterization in the context of clinical applicability. This will allow for a more unified approach to NP-biomaterials research within the field as a whole and enable comparative analysis of novel materials yet to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara C Schmitz
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands.
| | - Elias Salzer
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands.
| | - João F Crispim
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands.
| | - Georgina Targa Fabra
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, 7WQJ+8F Galway, Ireland.
| | - Catherine LeVisage
- Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1229, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS School of Dental Surgery, University of Nantes, 1 Place Ricordeau, 44300 Nantes, France.
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, 7WQJ+8F Galway, Ireland.
| | - Marianna Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Christine Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, S1 1WB Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands.
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25
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Cauble MA, Mancini NS, Kalinowski J, Lykotrafitis G, Moss IL. Atomic force microscopy imaging for nanoscale and microscale assessments of extracellular matrix in intervertebral disc and degeneration. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1125. [PMID: 33015582 PMCID: PMC7524250 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a condition that is often associated with debilitating back pain. There are no disease-modifying treatments available to halt the progression of this ubiquitous disorder. This is partly due to a lack of understanding of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes that occur at the micro- and nanometer size scales as the disease progresses. Over the past decade, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been utilized as a tool to investigate the impact of disease on nanoscale structure of ECM in bone, skin, tendon, and dentin. We have expanded this methodology to include the IVD and report the first quantitative analysis of ECM structure at submicron size scales in a murine model for progressive IVD degeneration. Collagen D-spacing, a metric of nanoscale structure at the fibril level, was observed as a distribution of values with an overall average value of 62.5 ± 2.5 nm. In degenerative discs, the fibril D-spacing distribution shifted towards higher values in both the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus (NP) (P < .05). A novel microstructural feature, collagen toroids, defined by a topographical pit enclosed by fibril-forming matrix was observed in the NP. With degeneration, these microstructures became more numerous and the morphology was altered from circular (aspect ratio 1.0 ± 0.1) to oval (aspect ratio 1.5 ± 0.4), P < .005. These analyses provide ECM structural details of the IVD at size scales that have historically been missing in studies of disc degeneration. Knowledge gained from these insights may aid the development of novel disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan A Cauble
- UConn Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Musculoskeletal Institute Farmington Connecticut USA
| | - Nickolas S Mancini
- UConn Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Musculoskeletal Institute Farmington Connecticut USA
| | - Judith Kalinowski
- UConn Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Musculoskeletal Institute Farmington Connecticut USA
| | - George Lykotrafitis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Isaac L Moss
- UConn Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Musculoskeletal Institute Farmington Connecticut USA
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26
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Xiao ZF, Su GY, Hou Y, Chen SD, Zhao BD, He JB, Zhang JH, Chen YJ, Lin DK. Mechanics and Biology Interact in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Novel Composite Mouse Model. Calcif Tissue Int 2020; 106:401-414. [PMID: 31912171 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-019-00644-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to distinguish the characteristics of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) originating from mechanics imbalance, biology disruption, and their communion, and to develop a composite IVDD model by ovariectomy combined with lumbar facetectomy for mimicking elderly IVDD with osteoporosis and lumbar spinal instability. Mice were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to sham surgery (CON), ovariectomy (OVX), facetectomy (mechanical instability, INS) or their combination (COM), respectively. Radiographical (n = 4) and histological changes (n = 8) of L4/5 spinal segments were analyzed. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was conducted to detect osteoclasts, and expression of osterix (OSX), type I collagen (Col I), type II collagen (Col II) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated by immunochemistry. OVX affected the body's metabolism but INS did not, as the body weight increased and uterus weight decreased in OVX and COM mice compared to CON and INS mice. OVX, INS, and COM caused IVDD in various degrees at 12 weeks after surgery. However, the major pathogeneses of OVX- and INS-induced IVDD were different, which focused on endplate (EP) remodeling and annulus fibrosus (AF) collapse, respectively. OVX induced osteopenia of vertebra. In contrast, INS promoted the stress-adaptive increase of subchondral bone trabeculae. The COM produced a reproducible severe IVDD model with characteristics of sparse vertebral trabeculae, cartilaginous EP ossification, subchondral bone sclerosis, fibrous matrix disorder, angiogenesis, disc stiffness, as well as space fusion. Additionally, all groups had elevated bone and cartilage turnover compared with CON group, as the quantity of trap + osteoclasts and the osteogenic OSX expression increased in these groups. Likewise, the VEGF expression levels were similar, accompanied by the altered matrix expression of disc, including the changed distribution and contents of Col II and Col I. The findings suggested that the composite mouse model to some extent could effectively mimic the interactions of biology and mechanics engaged in the onset and natural course of IVDD, which would be more compatible with the IVDD of elderly with vertebral osteoporosis and spinal instability and benefit to further clarify the complicated mechanobiological environment of elderly IVDD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Xiao
- The Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 111, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Yi Su
- The Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 111, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Hou
- The Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 111, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Dong Chen
- The Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 111, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-de Zhao
- The Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 111, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Bo He
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Heng Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jun Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding-Kun Lin
- The Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 111, Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Xing Y, Zhang P, Zhang Y, Holzer L, Xiao L, He Y, Majumdar R, Huo J, Yu X, Ramasubramanian MK, Jin L, Wang Y, Li X, Oberholzer J. A multi-throughput mechanical loading system for mouse intervertebral disc. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 105:103636. [PMID: 32279855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical loading plays an important role in maintaining disc health and function, and in particular, excessive mechanical loading has been identified as one of major reasons of disc degeneration. Intervertebral disc organ culture serves as a valuable tool to study disc biology/pathology. In this study, we report the development and validation of a new mouse disc organ culture system by dynamically applying compression loading in a customized micro-culture device tailored for mouse lumbar discs. Precise axial compression force was delivered by a computer-controlled system consisting of a robust micromechanical linear actuator, a force sensitive resistor, and a precision micro-stepping machinery. Customized PDMS-based loading chambers allowed simultaneous loading of six discs per regimen, which streamlined the workflow to reach sufficient statistic power. The detrimental loading regimen of mouse lumbar discs (0.5 MPa of axial compression at 1Hz for 7 days) was demonstrated through live-dead assay, histology, and fluorescence probe based collagen staining. In addition, various mechanical compression profiles were simulated using different materials and geometry designs, potentiating for more sophisticated loading protocols. In summary, we developed a new mechanical loading system for dynamic axial compression of mouse discs, which created a unique avenue to study disc pathogenesis with enriched mouse species-related resources, and complemented the existing spectrum of bioreactor systems predominately for discs of human and large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xing
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Pu Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, 122 Engineer's Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, United States
| | - Yangpu Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, 135 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States; Current Address: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Liam Holzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S Martin Jischke Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, United States
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, 135 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Yi He
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Rahul Majumdar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, 135 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Jianzhong Huo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, 135 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States; Current Address: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanxi DaYi Hospital, 99 Long Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030032, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Melur K Ramasubramanian
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, 122 Engineer's Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, United States
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, 135 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Xudong Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, 135 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States.
| | - Jose Oberholzer
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States.
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28
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Caspase-3 knockout inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration related to injury but accelerates degeneration related to aging. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19324. [PMID: 31852919 PMCID: PMC6920379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 40% of people under 30 and over 90% of people 55 or older suffer from moderate-to-severe levels of degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) disease in their lumbar spines. Surgical treatments are sometimes effective; however, the treatment of back pain related to IVD degeneration is still a challenge; therefore, new treatments are necessary. Apoptosis may be important in IVD degeneration because suppressing cell apoptosis inside the IVD inhibits degeneration. Caspase-3, the primary effector of apoptosis, may be a key treatment target. We analyzed caspase-3’s role in two different types of IVD degeneration using caspase-3 knockout (Casp-3 KO) mice. Casp-3 KO delayed IVD degeneration in the injury-induced model but accelerated it in the age-induced model. Our results suggest that this is due to different pathological mechanisms of these two types of IVD degeneration. Apoptosis was suppressed in the IVD cells of Casp-3 KO mice, but cellular senescence was enhanced. This would explain why the Casp-3 KO was effective against injury-induced, but not age-related, IVD degeneration. Our results suggest that short-term caspase-3 inhibition could be used to treat injury-induced IVD degeneration.
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29
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Luo TD, Marquez-Lara A, Zabarsky ZK, Vines JB, Mowry KC, Jinnah AH, Ma X, Berwick BW, Willey JS, Li Z, Smith TL, O'Gara TJ. A percutaneous, minimally invasive annulus fibrosus needle puncture model of intervertebral disc degeneration in rabbits. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2019; 26:2309499018792715. [PMID: 30114959 DOI: 10.1177/2309499018792715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Various animal models have been proposed to mimic the pathophysiologic process of intervertebral disc degeneration, a leading cause of back pain. The purpose of this study is to describe a minimally invasive technique via percutaneous needle puncture of the annulus fibrosus in New Zealand white rabbits. METHODS Under fluoroscopic guidance, an 18-gauge spinal needle was inserted 2 cm lateral to the midline spinous process. The needle was slowly advanced at approximately 45° angle until it was adjacent to the L5/L6 disc space. Lateral and anteroposterior views were used to verify correct needle position before advancing into the nucleus pulposus. The rabbits underwent weekly X-rays for 4 weeks to assess disc height index. MRI T2 relaxation was evaluated at week four to assess morphological changes. Discs were histologically graded on a 12-point scale to assess degeneration and compared to discs obtained from uninjured rabbits. RESULTS There were no complications associated with the percutaneous needle puncture procedure. All animals survived the duration of the experiment. Four weeks after injury, the disc height had progressively narrowed to approximately 50% of baseline. MRI assessment at the 4-week time point demonstrated a mean T2 relaxation time at the L5/L6 level that was 20.9% of the T2 relaxation time at the uninjured L4/L5 disc level ( p < 0.001). Histological analysis demonstrated lamellar disorganization of the annulus and decreased cellularity and proteoglycan content within the injured nucleus compared to uninjured control discs. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated a reliable technique of inducing an annular tear via a percutaneous needle puncture. Compared to open surgical approaches, the percutaneous model produces similar progressive disc degeneration while minimizing harm to the animal subjects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The present study establishes a technique for the introduction of novel therapeutic agents to treat disc degeneration that may translate to future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- T David Luo
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alejandro Marquez-Lara
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary K Zabarsky
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeremy B Vines
- 2 Organogenesis Surgical and Sports Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Katie C Mowry
- 2 Organogenesis Surgical and Sports Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Alexander H Jinnah
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xue Ma
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Benjamin W Berwick
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Willey
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,3 Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zhongyu Li
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas L Smith
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tadhg J O'Gara
- 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Li H, Yin J, Huang Y, Xu N, Chen L, Nong L. Establishment of cervical dynamic and static imbalance models and preliminary study on the mechanism of cervical degeneration in rats. Innate Immun 2019; 26:107-116. [PMID: 31446838 PMCID: PMC7016410 DOI: 10.1177/1753425919869427] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to observe dynamically the changes of x-ray, histomorphology appearance and serum inflammatory cytokines of cervical degenerative disease in rat models and to discuss the mechanism of cervical degeneration. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomised into test (n = 45) and control (n = 15) groups, which were randomly subdivided into three groups corresponding to 1, 3 and 6 mo post operation. At the corresponding postoperative stage, cervical x-ray films were acquired, and intervertebral disc space and intervertebral foramen size were measured. Some serum inflammatory cytokines from all rats were quantitatively determined. Then, the morphological change in cervical intervertebral disc specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin was observed. The results were analysed and compared among groups. Compared to the control group, the cervical x-ray and histomorphology appearance of rats in the test group showed varying degrees of degeneration. Furthermore, the serum IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 in the test group increased significantly at the corresponding postoperative stage (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) compared to the control group. This model of cervical disc degeneration can accelerate imaging and histological degeneration, but it may be accompanied by changes in serum inflammatory cytokines levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, PR China
| | - Jianjian Yin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, PR China
| | - Yongjing Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, PR China
| | - Nanwei Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, PR China
| | - Luming Nong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, PR China
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Vincent K, Mohanty S, Pinelli R, Bonavita R, Pricop P, Albert TJ, Dahia CL. Aging of mouse intervertebral disc and association with back pain. Bone 2019; 123:246-259. [PMID: 30936040 PMCID: PMC6549718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2019.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
With the increased burden of low back pain (LBP) in our globally aging population there is a need to develop preclinical models of LBP that capture clinically relevant features of physiological aging, degeneration, and disability. Here we assess the validity of using a mouse model system for age-related LBP by characterizing aging mice for features of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, molecular markers of peripheral sensitization, and behavioral signs of pain. Compared to three-month-old and one-year-old mice, two-year-old mice show features typical of IVD degeneration including loss of disc height, bulging, innervation and vascularization in the caudal lumbar IVDs. Aging is also associated with the loss of whole-body bone mineral density in both male and female mice, but not associated with percent lean mass or body fat. Additionally, two-year-old mice have an accumulation of TRPA1 channels and sodium channels NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 in the L4 and L5 lumbar dorsal root ganglia consistent with changes in nociceptive signaling. Lastly, the effect of age, sex, and weight on mobility, axial stretching and radiating pain measures was assessed in male and female mice ranging from two months to two years in a general linear model. The model revealed that regardless of sex or weight, increased age was a predictor of greater reluctance to perform axial stretching and sensitivity to cold, but not heat in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paul Pricop
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Todd J Albert
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chitra Lekha Dahia
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Walk RE, Tang SY. In vivo contrast-enhanced microCT for the monitoring of mouse thoracic, lumbar, and coccygeal intervertebral discs. JOR Spine 2019; 2:e1058. [PMID: 31463468 PMCID: PMC6686789 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models are often used for studies of intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis and degeneration, yet the relatively small size of the IVD poses challenges for noninvasive, longitudinal imaging modalities. The recently developed contrast-enhanced microCT (CEμCT) using Ioversol has been successful in detecting degenerative changes in the murine IVD ex vivo at the micrometer scale. Further leveraging the superior biocompatibility of Ioversol as a contrast agent, we demonstrate the in vivo use of this CEμCT technique to examine IVDs at multiple spinal sites. Ioversol was administered via tail vein injection (TVI) in growing and adult male FVB/NJ mice (n = 5 /group). The animals were anesthetized and underwent in vivo micro-computed tomographic (microCT) at the coccygeal (CC5/CC6), lumbar (L5/6), and thoracic (T12/T13) IVDs. TVI of Ioversol was well-tolerated by all animals. As Ioversol filtered through the kidneys and accumulated in the bladder, the attenuations of the mouse bladder and kidneys increased due to the high molecular weight of Ioversol, confirming that the Ioversol is biological available. Average IVD attenuations increased 3%-15% following TVI (ANOVA; P < .01). The presence of Ioversol in the IVD combined with high-resolution microCT allow for nondestructive visualization of structural features of the IVD. These results demonstrate CEμCT with Ioversol as a viable strategy for the in vivo monitoring of multiple mouse IVDs during degeneration, disease, and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy E. Walk
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Simon Y. Tang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials ScienceWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouri
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouri
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Sapiee NH, Thambyah A, Robertson PA, Broom ND. New evidence for structural integration across the cartilage-vertebral endplate junction and its relation to herniation. Spine J 2019; 19:532-544. [PMID: 30176283 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The cartilaginous and bony material that can be present in herniated tissue suggests that failure can involve both cartilaginous and vertebral-endplates. How structural integration is achieved across the junction between these two distinct tissue regions via its fibril and mineral components is clearly relevant to the modes of endplate failure that occur. PURPOSE To understand how structural integration is achieved across the cartilaginous-vertebral endplate junction. STUDY DESIGN A micro- and fibril-level structural analysis of the cartilage-vertebral endplate region was carried out using healthy, mature ovine motion segments. METHODS Oblique vertebra-annulus-vertebra samples were prepared such that alternate layers of lamellar fibers extended from vertebra to vertebra. The endplate region of each sample was then decalcified in a targeted manner before being loaded in tension along the fiber direction to achieve incomplete rupture within the region of the endplate. The failure regions were then analyzed with differential interference contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Microstructural analysis revealed that failure within the endplate region was not confined to the cement line. Instead, rupture continued into the underlying vertebral endplate with bony material still attached to the now unanchored annular bundles. Ultrastructural analysis of the partially ruptured regions of the cement line revealed clear evidence of blending/interweaving relationships between the fibrils of the annular bundles, the calcified cartilage and the bone with no one pattern of association appearing dominant. These findings suggest that fibril-based structural cohesion exists across the cement line at the site of annular insertion, with strengthening via a mechanism somewhat analogous to steel-reinforced concrete. The fibrils are brought into a close intermingling association with interfibril forces mediated via the mineral component. CONCLUSIONS This study provides clear evidence of structural connectivity across the cartilaginous-vertebral endplate junction by the intermingling of their fibrillar components and mediated by the mineral phase. This is consistent with the clinical observation that in some disc herniations bony material can be still attached to the extruded soft tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Haiza Sapiee
- Experimental Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, 20 Symonds St, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ashvin Thambyah
- Experimental Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, 20 Symonds St, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Robertson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, 2 Park Road, 1023 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Neil D Broom
- Experimental Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, 20 Symonds St, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerates progressively with age and after injuries. In this study, we aimed to characterize early molecular events underlying disc degeneration using a mouse tail IVD injury model. DESIGN We have established a transcutaneous minimally invasive approach to induce mouse tail IVD injury under fluoroscopic guidance. Morphological and molecular changes in the injured IVDs are compared with the baseline features of adjacent intact levels. RESULTS After needle puncture, tail IVDs exhibited time-dependent histological changes. The aggrecan neoepitope VDIPEN was evident from 2 days to 4 wks after injury. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 8 (adam8) is a surface protease known to cleave fibronectin in the IVD. Gene expression of adam8 was elevated at all time points after injury, whereas the increase of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (cxcl)-1 gene expression was statistically significant at 2 days and 2 wks after injury. Type 1 collagen gene expression decreased initially at day 2 but increased at 2 wks after injury, whereas no significant change in type 2 collagen gene expression was observed. The extracellular matrix gene expression pattern is consistent with fibrocartilage formation after injury. CONCLUSIONS Mouse tail IVDs degenerate after needle puncture, as demonstrated by histological changes and aggrecan degradation. The minimally invasive tail IVD injury model should prove useful to investigators studying mechanisms of IVD degeneration and repair.
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Bashkuev M, Reitmaier S, Schmidt H. Is the sheep a suitable model to study the mechanical alterations of disc degeneration in humans? A probabilistic finite element model study. J Biomech 2019; 84:172-182. [PMID: 30660378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is one major source of low back pain, which because of its complex multifactorial nature renders the treatment challenging and thus necessitates extensive research. Experimental animal models have proven valuable in improving our understanding of degenerative processes and potentially promising therapies. Currently, the sheep is the most frequently used large animal in vivo model in intervertebral disc research. However, despite its undoubted value for investigations of the complex biological and cellular aspects, to date, it is unclear whether the sheep is also suited to study the mechanical aspects of disc degeneration in humans. A parametric finite element (FE) model of the L4-5 spinal motion segment was developed. Using this model, the geometry and the material properties of both the human and the ovine spinal segment as well as different appearances of disc degeneration can be depicted. Under pure and combined loads, it was investigated whether degenerative changes to both the human and the ovine model equivalent caused the same mechanical response. Different patterns of degeneration resulted in large variations in the ranges of motion, intradiscal pressure, ligament and facet loads. In the human, but not in the ovine model, all these results differed significantly between different degrees of degeneration. This FE model study highlighted possible differences in the mechanical response to disc degeneration between human and ovine intervertebral discs and indicates the necessity of further, more detailed, investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Bashkuev
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Julius Wolff Institute, Germany
| | - Sandra Reitmaier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Julius Wolff Institute, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schmidt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Julius Wolff Institute, Germany.
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Abstract
Purpose of review The endplates form the interface between the rigid vertebral bodies and compliant intervertebral discs. Proper endplate function involves a balance between conflicting biomechanical and nutritional demands. This review summarizes recent data that highlight the importance of proper endplate function and the relationships between endplate dysfunction, adjacent disc degeneration, and axial low back pain. Recent findings Changes to endplate morphology and composition that impair its permeability associate with disc degeneration. Endplate damage also associates with disc degeneration, and the progression of degeneration may be accelerated and the chronicity of symptoms heightened when damage coincides with evidence of adjacent bone marrow lesions. Summary The endplate plays a key role in the development of disc degeneration and low back pain. Clarification of the mechanisms governing endplate degeneration and developments in clinical imaging that enable precise evaluation of endplate function and dysfunction will distinguish the correlative vs. causative nature of endplate damage and motivate new treatments that target pathologic endplate function.
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Choi H, Tessier S, Silagi ES, Kyada R, Yousefi F, Pleshko N, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. A novel mouse model of intervertebral disc degeneration shows altered cell fate and matrix homeostasis. Matrix Biol 2018; 70:102-122. [PMID: 29605718 PMCID: PMC6081256 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration and associated low back and neck pain is a ubiquitous health condition that affects millions of people world-wide, and causes high incidence of disability and enormous medical/societal costs. However, lack of appropriate small animal models with spontaneous disease onset has impeded our ability to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms that characterize and drive the degenerative process. We report, for the first time, early onset spontaneous disc degeneration in SM/J mice known for their poor regenerative capacities compared to "super-healer" LG/J mice. In SM/J mice, degenerative process was marked by decreased nucleus pulposus (NP) cellularity and changes in matrix composition at P7, 4, and 8 weeks with increased severity by 17 weeks. Distinctions between NP and annulus fibrosus (AF) or endplate cartilage were lost, and NP and AF of SM/J mice showed higher histological grades. There was increased NP cell death in SM/J mice with decreased phenotypic marker expression. Polarized microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated replacement of glycosaminoglycan-rich NP matrix with collagenous fibrous tissue. The levels of ARGxx were increased in, indicating higher aggrecan turnover. Furthermore, an aberrant expression of collagen X and MMP13 was observed in the NP of SM/J mice, along with elevated expression of Col10a1, Ctgf, and Runx2, markers of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Likewise, expression of Enpp1 as well as Alpl was higher, suggesting NP cells of SM/J mice promote dystrophic mineralization. There was also a decrease in several pathways necessary for NP cell survival and function including Wnt and VEGF signaling. Importantly, SM/J discs were stiffer, had decreased height, and poor vertebral bone quality, suggesting compromised motion segment mechanical functionality. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that SM/J mouse strain recapitulates many salient features of human disc degeneration, and serves as a novel small animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyowon Choi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven Tessier
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Silagi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rutvin Kyada
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Farzad Yousefi
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy Pleshko
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Mojica‐Santiago JA, Lang GM, Navarro‐Ramirez R, Hussain I, Hӓrtl R, Bonassar LJ. Resorbable plating system stabilizes tissue-engineered intervertebral discs implanted ex vivo in canine cervical spines. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1031. [PMID: 31463449 PMCID: PMC6686817 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Total disc replacement using tissue-engineered intervertebral discs (TE-IVDs) may offer a biological alternative to treat radiculopathy caused by disc degeneration. A composite TE-IVD was previously developed and evaluated in rat tail and beagle cervical spine models in vivo. Although cell viability and tissue integration into host tissue were promising, significant implant displacement occurred at multiple spinal levels. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of a resorbable plating system on the stiffness of motion segments and stability of tissue-engineered implants subjected to axial compression. Canine motion segments from levels C2/C3 to C5/C6 were assessed as intact (CTRL), after discectomy (Dx), with an implanted TE-IVD only (PLATE-), and with a TE-IVD combined with an attached resorbable plate (PLATE+). Segments under PLATE+ conditions fully restored separation between endplates and showed significantly higher compressive stiffness than segments under PLATE- conditions. Plated segments partially restored more than 25% of the CTRL motion segment stiffness. Plate attachment also prevented implant extrusion from the disc space at 50% compressive strain, and this effect was more significant in segments from levels C3/C4 when compared to segments from level C5/C6. These results suggest that stabilization of motion segments via resorbable plating assists TE-IVD retention in the disc space while allowing the opportunity for implants to fully integrate into the host tissue and achieve optimal restoration of spine biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gernot M. Lang
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological SurgeryWeill Cornell Medicine, New York‐Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew York
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeryMedical Center‐Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Faculty of MedicineFreiburgGermany
| | - Rodrigo Navarro‐Ramirez
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological SurgeryWeill Cornell Medicine, New York‐Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew York
| | - Ibrahim Hussain
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological SurgeryWeill Cornell Medicine, New York‐Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew York
| | - Roger Hӓrtl
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological SurgeryWeill Cornell Medicine, New York‐Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew York
| | - Lawrence J. Bonassar
- Meinig School of Biomedical EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNew York
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNew York
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Newton MD, Hartner SE, Gawronski K, Davenport EJ, Timmons SC, Baker KC, Maerz T. Nondestructive, indirect assessment of the biomechanical properties of the rat intervertebral disc using contrast-enhanced μCT. J Orthop Res 2018; 36:2030-2038. [PMID: 29314237 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical characterization of the intervertebral disc involves labor-intensive and destructive experimental methodology. Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography is a nondestructive imaging modality for high-resolution visualization and glycosaminoglycan quantification of cartilaginous tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine whether anionic and cationic contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography of the intervertebral disc can be used to indirectly assess disc mechanical properties in an ex vivo model of disc degeneration. L3/L4 motion segments were dissected from female Lewis rats. To deplete glycosaminoglycan, samples were treated with 0 U/ml (Control) or 5 U/ml papain. Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography was performed following incubation in 40% Hexabrix (anionic) or 30 mg I/ml CA4+ (cationic) for 24 h (n = 10/contrast agent/digestion group). Motion segments underwent cyclic mechanical testing to determine compressive and tensile modulus, stiffness, and hysteresis. Glycosaminoglycan content was determined using the dimethylmethylene blue assay. Correlations between glycosaminoglycan content, contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography attenuation, and mechanical properties were assessed via the Pearson correlation. The predictive accuracy of attenuation on compressive properties was assessed via repeated random sub-sampling cross validation. Papain digestion produced significant decreases in glycosaminoglycan content and corresponding differences in attenuation and mechanical properties. Attenuation correlated significantly to glycosaminoglycan content and to all compressive mechanical properties using both Hexabrix and CA4+ . Predictive linear regression models demonstrated a predictive accuracy of attenuation on compressive modulus and stiffness of 79.8-86.0%. Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography was highly predictive of compressive mechanical properties in an ex vivo simulation of disc degeneration and may represent an effective modality for indirectly assessing disc compressive properties. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2030-2038, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Newton
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | | | - Karissa Gawronski
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | - Erik J Davenport
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan
| | - Shannon C Timmons
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan
| | - Kevin C Baker
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oakland University - William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan
| | - Tristan Maerz
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oakland University - William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 48109, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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40
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Evashwick-Rogler TW, Lai A, Watanabe H, Salandra JM, Winkelstein BA, Cho SK, Hecht AC, Iatridis JC. Inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha at time of induced intervertebral disc injury limits long-term pain and degeneration in a rat model. JOR Spine 2018; 1. [PMID: 29963655 PMCID: PMC6022768 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Painful intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has tremendous societal costs and few effective therapies. Intradiscal tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) is commonly associated with low back pain, but the direct relationship remains unclear. Purpose Treatment strategies for low back pain require improved understanding of the complex relationships between pain, intradiscal pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and structural IVD degeneration. A rat in vivo lumbar IVD puncture model was used to 1) determine the role of TNFα in initiating painful IVD degeneration, and 2) identify statistical relationships between painful behavior, IVD degeneration, and intradiscal pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression. Methods Lumbar IVDs were punctured anteriorly and injected with TNFα, anti‐TNFα, or saline and compared with sham and naive controls. Hindpaw mechanical hyperalgesia was assayed weekly to determine pain over time. 6‐weeks post‐surgery, animals were sacrificed, and IVD degeneration, IVD height, and intradiscal TNFα and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) expressions were assayed. Results Intradiscal TNFα injection increased pain and IVD degeneration whereas anti‐TNFα alleviated pain to sham level. Multivariate step‐wise linear regression identified pain threshold was predicted by IVD degeneration and intradiscal TNFα expression. Pain threshold was also linearly associated with IVD height loss and IL‐1β. Discussion The significant associations between IVD degeneration, height loss, inflammation, and painful behavior highlight the multifactorial nature of painful IVD degeneration and the challenges to diagnose and treat a specific underlying factor. We concluded that TNFα is an initiator of painful IVD degeneration and its early inhibition can mitigate pain and degeneration. Intradiscal TNFα inhibition following IVD injury may warrant investigation for its potential to alter downstream painful IVD degeneration processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Evashwick-Rogler
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Alon Lai
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Hironobu Watanabe
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Keiyu Spine Center, Keiyu Orthopedic Hospital, Tatebayashi, Japan
| | - Jonathan M Salandra
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Beth A Winkelstein
- Departments of Bioengineering and Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel K Cho
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Andrew C Hecht
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An experimental study to develop a mouse model of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a mouse lumbar IDD model using surgically induced instability and to compare the findings of this model to those in human IDD. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Previously, various kinds of inducers have been used to reproduce IDD in experimental animals; however, there is yet no standard mouse lumbar IDD model without direct injury to intervertebral disc. METHODS A total number of 59 C57BL/6J male mice at 8 weeks old were used. Instability of lumbar spine was induced by surgical resection of posterior elements, including facet joints, supra- and interspinous ligaments. We then analyzed time course changes in radiographical (n = 17) and histological analyses (n = 42), and compared these findings with those in human IDD. RESULTS Radiographical analyses showed that the disc height began to decrease in the first 2 weeks after the surgery, and the decrease continued throughout 12 weeks. Bone spurs at the vertebral rims were observed in the late stage of 8 and 12 weeks after the surgery. Histological analyses showed that the disorder of the anterior anulus fibrosus (AF) was initially obvious, followed by posterior shift and degeneration of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Proteoglycan detected in inner layer of AF and periphery of NP was decreased after 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry displayed the increase of type I and X collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 in the anterior AF. CONCLUSION Surgical resection of posterior elements of mouse lumbar spine resulted in reproducible IDD. Because the present procedure does not employ direct injury to intervertebral disc and the radiological and histological findings are compatible with those in human IDD, it may contribute to further understanding of the native pathophysiology of IDD in future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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42
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Flouzat-Lachaniette CH, Jullien N, Bouthors C, Beohou E, Laurent B, Bierling P, Dubory A, Rouard H. A novel in vivo porcine model of intervertebral disc degeneration induced by cryoinjury. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2018; 42:2263-2272. [DOI: 10.1007/s00264-018-3971-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Han X, Leng X, Zhao M, Wu M, Chen A, Hong G, Sun P. Resveratrol increases nucleus pulposus matrix synthesis through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway under mechanical compression in a disc organ culture. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171319. [PMID: 29074559 PMCID: PMC5700294 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Disc nucleus pulposus (NP) matrix homeostasis is important for normal disc function. Mechanical overloading seriously decreases matrix synthesis and increases matrix degradation. The present study aims to investigate the effects of resveratrol on disc NP matrix homeostasis under a relatively high-magnitude mechanical compression and the potential mechanism underlying this process. Porcine discs were perfusion-cultured and subjected to a relatively high-magnitude mechanical compression (1.3 MPa at a frequency of 1.0 Hz for 2 h once per day) for 7 days in a mechanically active bioreactor. The non-compressed discs were used as controls. Resveratrol was added along with culture medium to observe the effects of resveratrol on NP matrix synthesis under mechanical load respectively. NP matrix synthesis was evaluated by histology, biochemical content (glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline (HYP)), and expression of matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Results showed that this high-magnitude mechanical compression significantly decreased NP matrix content, indicated by the decreased staining intensity of Alcian Blue and biochemical content (GAG and HYP), and the down-regulated expression of NP matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Further analysis indicated that resveratrol partly stimulated NP matrix synthesis and increased activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway in a dose-dependent manner under mechanical compression. Together, resveratrol is beneficial for disc NP matrix synthesis under mechanical overloading, and the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway may participate in this regulatory process. Resveratrol may be promising to regenerate mechanical overloading-induced disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Han
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Leng
- Universal Medical Imaging Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Man Zhao
- Department of Radiography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Wu
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Amei Chen
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Correspondence: Ping Sun () or Guoju Hong ()
| | - Guoju Hong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Biomedical Science School, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Orthopedic, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, ChinInsert Affiliation Text Here
- Correspondence: Ping Sun () or Guoju Hong ()
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44
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Moriguchi Y, Mojica-Santiago J, Grunert P, Pennicooke B, Berlin C, Khair T, Navarro-Ramirez R, Ricart Arbona RJ, Nguyen J, Härtl R, Bonassar LJ. Total disc replacement using tissue-engineered intervertebral discs in the canine cervical spine. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185716. [PMID: 29053719 PMCID: PMC5650136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common reason that adults in the United States see their physician is lower back or neck pain secondary to degenerative disc disease. To date, approaches to treat degenerative disc disease are confined to purely mechanical devices designed to either eliminate or enable flexibility of the diseased motion segment. Tissue engineered intervertebral discs (TE-IVDs) have been proposed as an alternative approach and have shown promise in replacing native IVD in the rodent tail spine. Here we demonstrate the efficacy of our TE-IVDs in the canine cervical spine. TE-IVD components were constructed using adult canine annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus cells seeded into collagen and alginate hydrogels, respectively. Seeded gels were formed into a single disc unit using molds designed from the geometry of the canine spine. Skeletally mature beagles underwent discectomy with whole IVD resection at levels between C3/4 and C6/7, and were then divided into two groups that received only discectomy or discectomy followed by implantation of TE-IVD. Stably implanted TE-IVDs demonstrated significant retention of disc height and physiological hydration compared to discectomy control. Both 4-week and 16-week histological assessments demonstrated chondrocytic cells surrounded by proteoglycan-rich matrices in the NP and by fibrocartilaginous matrices in the AF portions of implanted TE-IVDs. Integration into host tissue was confirmed over 16 weeks without any signs of immune reaction. Despite the significant biomechanical demands of the beagle cervical spine, our stably implanted TE-IVDs maintained their position, structure and hydration as well as disc height over 16 weeks in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Moriguchi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jorge Mojica-Santiago
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter Grunert
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Brenton Pennicooke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Connor Berlin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thamina Khair
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo Navarro-Ramirez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Rodolfo J. Ricart Arbona
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center & Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- Healthcare Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Roger Härtl
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lawrence J. Bonassar
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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45
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Mosley GE, Evashwick-Rogler TW, Lai A, Iatridis JC. Looking beyond the intervertebral disc: the need for behavioral assays in models of discogenic pain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1409:51-66. [PMID: 28797134 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Orthopedic research into chronic discogenic back pain has commonly focused on aging- and degeneration-related changes in intervertebral disc structure, biomechanics, and biology. However, the primary spine-related reason for physician office visits is pain. The ambiguous nature of the human condition of discogenic low back pain motivates the use of animal models to better understand the pathophysiology. Discogenic back pain models must consider both emergent behavioral changes following pain induction and changes in the nervous system that mediate such behavior. Looking beyond the intervertebral disc, we describe the different ways to classify pain in human patients and animal models. We describe several behavioral assays that can be used in rodent models to augment disc degeneration measurements and characterize different types of pain. We review rodent models of discogenic pain that employed behavioral pain assays and highlight a need to better integrate neuroscience and orthopedic science methods to extend current understanding of the complex and multifactorial pathophysiology of discogenic back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Mosley
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Thomas W Evashwick-Rogler
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Alon Lai
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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46
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Alsup J, Bishop T, Eggett D, Bowden AE. Human and bovine spinal disc mechanics subsequent to trypsin injection. J Orthop Translat 2017; 11:53-61. [PMID: 29662769 PMCID: PMC5866400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the biomechanical effects of injections of a protease on the characteristics of bovine coccygeal and human lumbar disc motion segments. Methods Mechanics of treated tissues were measured immediately after injection and 3 h after injection. Motion segments underwent axial rotation and flexion-extension loading. Results Stiffness and neutral zone parameters experienced significant changes over time, with bovine tissues more strongly affected than human cadaver tissues. This was true in both axial rotation and flexion-extension. The treatment type significantly affected the neutral zone measurements in axial rotation. Hysteresis parameters were impacted by control injections. Conclusion The extrapolation of bovine coccygeal motion testing results to human lumbar disc mechanics is not yet practical. The injected treatment may have a smaller impact on disc mechanics than time in testing. Viscoelasticity of human lumbar discs may be impacted by any damage to the annulus fibrosis induced by needlestick. The Translational Potential of this Article Preclinical testing of novel spinal devices is essential to the design validation and regulatory processes, but current testing techniques rely on cadaveric testing of primarily older spines with essentially random amounts of disc degeneration. The present work investigates the viability of using trypsin injections to create a more uniform preclinical model of disc degeneration from a mechanics perspective, for the purpose of testing spinal devices. Such a model would facilitate translation of new spinal technologies to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Alsup
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Reliance Medical Systems, Bountiful, UT 84010, USA
| | - Timothy Bishop
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Dennis Eggett
- Department of Statistics, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Anton E Bowden
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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47
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Thoreson O, Ekström L, Hansson HA, Todd C, Witwit W, Swärd Aminoff A, Jonasson P, Baranto A. The effect of repetitive flexion and extension fatigue loading on the young porcine lumbar spine, a feasibility study of MRI and histological analyses. J Exp Orthop 2017; 4:16. [PMID: 28500483 PMCID: PMC5429315 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-017-0091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biomechanical mechanisms of failure of FSUs have been studied but the correlation of repetitive flexion and extension loadings to the initial phase of fatigue in young FSUs are still not known. The purpose of the study was to examine the fatigue results of low magnitude repetitive flexion and extension loading on porcine lumbar Functional Spinal Units (FSUs) with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histology. METHODS Eight FSUs were subject to repetitive pivot flexion and eight to extension loading by a protocol of 20 000 cycles at 1 Hz with a load of 700 N. All loaded FSUs (N = 16) were examined with MRI and histology post loading. Three FSUs were examined with MRI as controls. Further three FSUs were non loaded histology controls. RESULTS Fifteen (94%) of the loaded FSUs have decreased MRI signal in the growth zone of the superior vertebra and 12 (75%) in the inferior vertebrae. Fourteen (88%) FSUs have increased signal in the superior vertebral body. Fourteen (88%) FSUs have a reduced signal in all or any endplate. The histology morphometry displayed that the unstained parts of the epiphyseal growth zone were larger among the loaded FSUs (mean 29% vs 4%) and that the chondrocytes in the endplate and growth zones had abnormal structure and deformed extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION Repetitive loading of young porcine FSUs in both extension and flexion causes concurrent MRI and histological changes in the growth zones and endplates, which could be a first sign of fatigue and an explanation for the disc, apophyseal and growth zone injuries seen among adolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olof Thoreson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Sahlgrenska, SE-413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Lars Ekström
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans-Arne Hansson
- Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Todd
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,The Carl Todd Clinic, 5 Pickwick Park, Park Lane, Corsham, SN13 0HN, UK
| | - Wisam Witwit
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Swärd Aminoff
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Adad Baranto
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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48
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Mechanosignaling activation of TGFβ maintains intervertebral disc homeostasis. Bone Res 2017; 5:17008. [PMID: 28392965 PMCID: PMC5360159 DOI: 10.1038/boneres.2017.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the leading cause of disability with no disease-modifying treatment. IVD degeneration is associated with instable mechanical loading in the spine, but little is known about how mechanical stress regulates nucleus notochordal (NC) cells to maintain IVD homeostasis. Here we report that mechanical stress can result in excessive integrin αvβ6-mediated activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), decreased NC cell vacuoles, and increased matrix proteoglycan production, and results in degenerative disc disease (DDD). Knockout of TGFβ type II receptor (TβRII) or integrin αv in the NC cells inhibited functional activity of postnatal NC cells and also resulted in DDD under mechanical loading. Administration of RGD peptide, TGFβ, and αvβ6-neutralizing antibodies attenuated IVD degeneration. Thus, integrin-mediated activation of TGFβ plays a critical role in mechanical signaling transduction to regulate IVD cell function and homeostasis. Manipulation of this signaling pathway may be a potential therapeutic target to modify DDD.
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49
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Bai X, Wang D, Zhou M, Xu C, Li W, Tao H, He Q, Ruan D. Noninvasive cumulative axial load may induce intervertebral disc degeneration-A potential rabbit model. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:1438-1446. [PMID: 28413490 PMCID: PMC5377280 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is considered to be the main cause of many spinal disorders; however, its underlying pathophysiology is not clearly understood. Recent studies indicate that excessive mechanical loading may serve a major role in the initiation of IDD. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of noninvasive cumulative axial loading on the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine using a novel rabbit model. Rabbits in the experimental group were placed into individual tubes specifically designed to force maintenance of an upright posture and were loaded with a heavy collar to increase the intradiscal pressure of their lumbar spine. Radiograph imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed every 4 weeks to provide evidence of disc degeneration. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and disc specimens were harvested for quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histological analysis. MRI results revealed significant and progressive reductions in the signal intensities of lumbar discs in the experimental group compared with the control group throughout the 14-week study period. The expression level of type I collagen was significantly increased and the expression levels of type II collagen and aggrecan were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Histological examination revealed marked structural changes in the experimental group, including fibrocartilage-like tissue ingrowth and accelerated fibrotic changes of the nucleus pulposus. The results of the present study indicate that noninvasive cumulative axial load is able to induce accelerated degenerative changes in rabbit lumbar discs, which may provide useful information for the establishment of a novel animal model of IDD for the research of IDD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Bai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Deli Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Mingyue Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Dike Ruan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
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50
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Shenegelegn Mern D, Tschugg A, Hartmann S, Thomé C. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 6 mediated knockdown of ADAMTS4 induces long-term and effective enhancement of aggrecan in degenerative human nucleus pulposus cells: A new therapeutic approach for intervertebral disc disorders. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172181. [PMID: 28207788 PMCID: PMC5313142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, which is often accompanied by painful inflammatory and immunopathological processes, is challenging. Current IVD gene therapeutic approaches are based on adenoviral gene delivery systems, which are limited by immune reactions to their viral proteins. Their applications in IVDs near to sensitive neural structure could provoke toxicity and immunological side-effects with neurological deficits. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus (scAAV) vectors, which do not express any viral gene and are not linked with any known disease in humans, are attractive therapeutic gene delivery vectors in degenerative IVDs. However, scAAV-based silencing of catabolic or inflammatory factor has not yet been investigated in human IVD cells. Therefore, we used scAAV6, the most suitable serotype for transduction of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, to knockdown the major catabolic gene (ADAMTS4) of IVD degeneration. IVD degeneration grades were determined by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Lumbar NP tissues of degeneration grade III were removed from 12 patients by nucleotomy. NP cells were isolated and cultured with low-glucose. Titre of recombinant scAAV6 vectors targeting ADAMTS4, transduction efficiencies, transduction units, cell viabilities and expression levels of target genes were analysed using quantitative PCR, fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays during 48 days of post-transduction. Transduction efficiencies between 98.2% and 37.4% and transduction units between 611 and 245 TU/cell were verified during 48 days of post-transduction (p<0.001). scAAV6-mediated knockdown of ADAMTS4 with maximum 87.7% and minimum 40.1% was confirmed on day 8 and 48 with enhanced the level of aggrecan 48.5% and 30.2% respectively (p<0.001). scAAV6-mediated knockdown of ADAMTS4 showed no impact on cell viability and expression levels of other inflammatory catabolic proteins. Thus, our results are promising and may help to design long-term and less immunogenic gene therapeutic approaches in IVD disorders, which usually need prolonged therapeutic period between weeks and months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Tschugg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sebastian Hartmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudius Thomé
- Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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