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Velnar T, Gradisnik L. Endplate role in the degenerative disc disease: A brief review. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:17-29. [PMID: 36687189 PMCID: PMC9846967 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc is nowadays an important health problem, which has still not been understood and solved adequately. The vertebral endplate is regarded as one of the vital elements in the structure of the intervertebral disc. Its constituent cells, the chondrocytes in the endplate, may also be involved in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration and their role is central both under physiological and pathological conditions. They main functions include a role in homeostasis of the extracellular environment of the intervertebral disc, metabolic support and nutrition of the discal nucleus and annulus beneath and the preservation of the extracellular matrix. Therefore, it is understandable that the cells in the endplate have been in the centre of research from several viewpoints, such as development, degeneration and growth, reparation and remodelling, as well as treatment strategies. In this article, we briefly review the importance of vertebral endplate, which are often overlooked, in the intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaz Velnar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea Maribor, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
| | - Lidija Gradisnik
- Alma Mater Europaea Maribor, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maribor, University of Maribor, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
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Tang Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Yuan B, Zhao Y, Geng X, Jia L, Zhou S, Chen X. Exosomal miR-140-5p inhibits osteogenesis by targeting IGF1R and regulating the mTOR pathway in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:452. [PMID: 36243800 PMCID: PMC9571456 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disabling disease whose pathogenesis is still unclear, and there are no effective cures or prevention methods. Exosomal miRNA plays an important role in the osteogenesis of ectopic bone. Therefore, we focused on the downregulation of miR-140-5p in OPLL cell-derived exosomes to explore the mechanism by which exosomal miR-140-5p inhibits osteogenesis in OPLL. Results Exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and exosomal markers. Exosomal RNA was extracted to perform miRNA sequencing and disclose the differentially expressed miRNAs, among which miR-140-5p was significantly downregulated. Confocal microscopy was used to trace the exosomal miR-140-5p delivered from OPLL cells to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In vitro, we verified that exosomal miR-140-5p inhibited the osteoblast differentiation of hMSCs by targeting IGF1R and suppressing the phosphorylation of the IRS1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In vivo, we verified that exosomal miR-140-5p inhibited ectopic bone formation in mice as assessed by micro-CT and immunohistochemistry. Conclusions We found that exosomal miR-140-5p could inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs by targeting IGF1R and regulating the mTOR pathway, prompting a further potential means of drug treatment and a possible target for molecular therapy of OPLL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01655-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Tang
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Yanqing Sun
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Junkai Zeng
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xiangwu Geng
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Lianshun Jia
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Shengyuan Zhou
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China.
| | - Xiongsheng Chen
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, China.
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Xia Y, Yang R, Hou Y, Wang H, Li Y, Zhu J, Fu C. Application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes from different sources in intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1019437. [PMID: 36277386 PMCID: PMC9585200 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1019437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main cause of lower back pain, leading to psychological and economic burdens to patients. Physical therapy only delays pain in patients but cannot eliminate the cause of IVDD. Surgery is required when the patient cannot tolerate pain or has severe neurological symptoms. Although surgical resection of IVD or decompression of the laminae eliminates the diseased segment, it damages adjacent normal IVD. There is also a risk of re-protrusion after IVD removal. Cell therapy has played a crucial role in the development of regenerative medicine. Cell transplantation promotes regeneration of degenerative tissue. However, owing to the lack of vascular structure in IVD, sufficient nutrients cannot be provided for transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In addition, dead cells release harmful substances that aggravate IVDD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively studied as an emerging therapeutic approach. EVs generated by paracrine MSCs retain the potential of MSCs and serve as carriers to deliver their contents to target cells to regulate target cell activity. Owing to their double-layered membrane structure, EVs have a low immunogenicity and no immune rejection. Therefore, EVs are considered an emerging therapeutic modality in IVDD. However, they are limited by mass production and low loading rates. In this review, the structure of IVD and advantages of EVs are introduced, and the application of MSC-EVs in IVDD is discussed. The current limitations of EVs and future applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruohan Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulin Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Changfeng Fu,
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The Endplate Role in Degenerative Disc Disease Research: The Isolation of Human Chondrocytes from Vertebral Endplate—An Optimised Protocol. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9040137. [PMID: 35447697 PMCID: PMC9029037 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Degenerative disc disease is a progressive and chronic disorder with many open questions regarding its pathomorphological mechanisms. In related studies, in vitro organ culture systems are becoming increasingly essential as a replacement option for laboratory animals. Live disc cells are highly appealing to study the possible mechanisms of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. To study the degenerative processes of the endplate chondrocytes in vitro, we established a relatively quick and easy protocol for isolating human chondrocytes from the vertebral endplates. Methods: The fragments of human lumbar endplates following lumbar fusion were collected, cut, ground and partially digested with collagenase I in Advanced DMEM/F12 with 5% foetal bovine serum. The sediment was harvested, and cells were seeded in suspension, supplemented with special media containing high nutrient levels. Morphology was determined with phalloidin staining and the characterisation for collagen I, collagen II and aggrecan with immunostaining. Results: The isolated cells retained viability in appropriate laboratory conditions and proliferated quickly. The confluent culture was obtained after 14 days. Six to 8 h after seeding, attachments were observed, and proliferation of the isolated cells followed after 12 h. The cartilaginous endplate chondrocytes were stable with a viability of up to 95%. Pheno- and geno-typic analysis showed chondrocyte-specific expression, which decreased with passages. Conclusions: The reported cell isolation process is simple, economical and quick, allowing establishment of a viable long-term cell culture. The availability of a vertebral endplate cell model will permit the study of cell properties, biochemical aspects, the potential of therapeutic candidates for the treatment of disc degeneration, and toxicology studies in a well-controlled environment.
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Fang W, Sun Z, Chen X, Han B, Vangsness CT. Synovial Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Knee Arthritis and Cartilage Defects: A Review of the Literature. J Knee Surg 2021; 34:1476-1485. [PMID: 32403148 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into several cell lineages including adipocytes, chondrocytes, tenocytes, bones, and myoblasts. These properties make the cell a promising candidate for regenerative medicine applications, especially when dealing with sports injuries in the knee. MSCs can be isolated from almost every type of adult tissue. However, most of the current research focuses on MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose, and placenta derived products. Synovial fluid-derived MSCs (SF-MSCs) are relatively overlooked but have demonstrated promising therapeutic properties including possessing higher chondrogenic proliferation capabilities than other types of MSCs. Interestingly, SF-MSC population has shown to increase exponentially in patients with joint injury or disease, pointing to a potential use as a biomarker or as a treatment of some orthopaedic disorders. In this review, we go over the current literature on synovial fluid-derived MSCs including the characterization, the animal studies, and discuss future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Fang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - ZhiTao Sun
- Department of Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Surgery, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - C Thomas Vangsness
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Sun C, Zhang H, Wang X, Liu X. Ligamentum flavum fibrosis and hypertrophy: Molecular pathways, cellular mechanisms, and future directions. FASEB J 2020; 34:9854-9868. [PMID: 32608536 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000635r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum (LF), along with disk protrusion and facet joints degeneration, is associated with the development of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Of note, LF hypertrophy is deemed as an important cause of LSCS. Histologically, fibrosis is proved to be the main pathology of LF hypertrophy. Despite the numerous studies explored the mechanisms of LF fibrosis at the molecular and cellular levels, the exact mechanism remains unknown. It is suggested that pathophysiologic stimuli such as mechanical stress, aging, obesity, and some diseases are the causative factors. Then, many cytokines and growth factors secreted by LF cells and its surrounding tissues play different roles in activating the fibrotic response. Here, we summarize the current status of detailed knowledge available regarding the causative factors, pathology, molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated in LF fibrosis and hypertrophy, also focusing on the possible avenues for anti-fibrotic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Yang Y, Lin Z, Cheng J, Ding S, Mao WW, Shi S, Liang B, Jiang L. The roles of autophagy in osteogenic differentiation in rat ligamentum fibroblasts: Evidence and possible implications. FASEB J 2020; 34:8876-8886. [PMID: 32510740 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903216rr] [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: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy, a macromolecular degradation process, plays a pivotal role in cell differentiation and survival. This study was designed to investigate the role of autophagy in the osteogenic differentiation in ligamentum fibroblasts. Rat ligamentum fibroblasts were isolated from the posterior longitudinal ligament and cultured in osteogenic induction medium. Ultrastructural analysis, immunofluorescence assay, western blot, flow cytometry, and lysosomal activity assessment were performed to determine the presence and activity of autophagy in the cells. The mineralization deposit and osteogenic gene expressions were evaluated to classify the association between autophagy activity and the bone formation ability of the spinal ligament cells. The influence of leptin and endothelin-1 on the autophagy activity was also evaluated. Our study demonstrated that autophagy was present and increased in the ligament cells under osteogenic induction. Inhibition of autophagy with either pharmacologic inhibitors (Bafilomycin A and 3-methyladenine) or Belcin1 (BECN1) knocking down weakened the mineralization capacity, decreased the gene expressions of COL1A1, osteocalcin (Ocn), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the ligamentum fibroblasts and increased cell apoptosis. The Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-BECN1 autophagic pathway was activated in the osteogenic differentiating ligamentum fibroblasts. Leptin significantly increased the autophagy activity in the ligament cells under osteogenic induction. These discoveries might improve our understanding for the mechanism of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and provide new approaches on the prevention and treatment of this not uncommon disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Yang
- Spine Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zunwen Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jiangwei Cheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Ding
- Department of Stomatology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Wei Mao
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Biru Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Leisheng Jiang
- Spine Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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