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Gansau J, Grossi E, Rodriguez L, Wang M, Laudier DM, Chaudhary S, Hecht AC, Fu W, Sebra R, Liu C, Iatridis JC. TNFR1-mediated senescence and lack of TNFR2-signaling limit human intervertebral disc cell repair in back pain conditions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.22.581620. [PMID: 38948728 PMCID: PMC11212922 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.22.581620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Poor intervertebral disc (IVD) healing causes IVD degeneration (IVDD) and progression to herniation and back pain. This study identified distinct roles of TNFα-receptors (TNFRs) in contributing to poor healing in painful IVDD. We first isolated IVDD tissue of back pain subjects and determined the complex pro-inflammatory mixture contained many chemokines for recruiting inflammatory cells. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of human IVDD tissues revealed these pro-inflammatory cytokines were dominantly expressed by a small macrophage-population. Human annulus fibrosus (hAF) cells treated with IVDD-conditioned media (CM) underwent senescence with greatly reduced metabolic rates and limited inflammatory responses. TNFR1 inhibition partially restored hAF cell metabolism sufficiently to enable a robust chemokine and cytokine response to CM. We showed that the pro-reparative TNFR2 was very limited on hIVD cell membranes so that TNFR2 inhibition with blocking antibodies or activation using Atsttrin had no effect on hAF cells with CM challenge. However, TNFR2 was expressed in high levels on macrophages identified in scRNA-seq analyses, suggesting their role in repair responses. Results therefore point to therapeutic strategies for painful IVDD involving immunomodulation of TNFR1 signaling in IVD cells to enhance metabolism and enable a more robust inflammatory response including recruitment or delivery of TNFR2 expressing immune cells to enhance IVD repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gansau
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Elena Grossi
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Levon Rodriguez
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Damien M. Laudier
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Saad Chaudhary
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew C. Hecht
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Wenyu Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chuanju Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
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Barbe MF, Chen FL, Loomis RH, Harris MY, Kim BM, Xie K, Hilliard BA, McGonagle ER, Bailey TD, Gares RP, Van Der Bas M, Kalicharan BA, Holt-Bright L, Stone LS, Hodges PW, Klyne DM. Characterization of pain-related behaviors in a rat model of acute-to-chronic low back pain: single vs. multi-level disc injury. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1394017. [PMID: 38770243 PMCID: PMC11102983 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1394017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain is the most common type of chronic pain. We examined pain-related behaviors across 18 weeks in rats that received injury to one or two lumbar intervertebral discs (IVD) to determine if multi-level disc injuries enhance/prolong pain. Methods Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley adult female rats were used: 8 received disc puncture (DP) of one lumbar IVD (L5/6, DP-1); 8 received DP of two lumbar IVDs (L4/5 & L5/6, DP-2); 8 underwent sham surgery. Results DP-2 rats showed local (low back) sensitivity to pressure at 6- and 12-weeks post-injury, and remote sensitivity to pressure (upper thighs) at 12- and 18-weeks and touch (hind paws) at 6, 12 and 18-weeks. DP-1 rats showed local and remote pressure sensitivity at 12-weeks only (and no tactile sensitivity), relative to Sham DP rats. Both DP groups showed reduced distance traveled during gait testing over multiple weeks, compared to pre-injury; only DP-2 rats showed reduced distance relative to Sham DP rats at 12-weeks. DP-2 rats displayed reduced positive interactions with a novel adult female rat at 3-weeks and hesitation and freezing during gait assays from 6-weeks onwards. At study end (18-weeks), radiological and histological analyses revealed reduced disc height and degeneration of punctured IVDs. Serum BDNF and TNFα levels were higher at 18-weeks in DP-2 rats, relative to Sham DP rats, and levels correlated positively with remote sensitivity in hind paws (tactile) and thighs (pressure). Discussion Thus, multi-level disc injuries resulted in earlier, prolonged and greater discomfort locally and remotely, than single-level disc injury. BDNF and TNFα may have contributing roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F. Barbe
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Frank Liu Chen
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Regina H. Loomis
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michele Y. Harris
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brandon M. Kim
- Medical Doctor Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kevin Xie
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brendan A. Hilliard
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. McGonagle
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Taylor D. Bailey
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ryan P. Gares
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Megan Van Der Bas
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Betsy A. Kalicharan
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lewis Holt-Bright
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laura S. Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul W. Hodges
- NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David M. Klyne
- NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Jiang W, Glaeser JD, Kaneda G, Sheyn J, Wechsler JT, Stephan S, Salehi K, Chan JL, Tawackoli W, Avalos P, Johnson C, Castaneda C, Kanim LEA, Tanasansomboon T, Burda JE, Shelest O, Yameen H, Perry TG, Kropf M, Cuellar JM, Seliktar D, Bae HW, Stone LS, Sheyn D. Intervertebral disc human nucleus pulposus cells associated with back pain trigger neurite outgrowth in vitro and pain behaviors in rats. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg7020. [PMID: 38055799 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg7020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is often associated with the degeneration of human intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, the pain-inducing mechanism in degenerating discs remains to be elucidated. Here, we identified a subtype of locally residing human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), generated by certain conditions in degenerating discs, that was associated with the onset of discogenic back pain. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of human tissues showed a strong correlation between a specific cell subtype and the pain condition associated with the human degenerated disc, suggesting that they are pain-triggering. The application of IVD degeneration-associated exogenous stimuli to healthy NPCs in vitro recreated a pain-associated phenotype. These stimulated NPCs activated functional human iPSC-derived sensory neuron responses in an in vitro organ-chip model. Injection of stimulated NPCs into the healthy rat IVD induced local inflammatory responses and increased cold sensitivity and mechanical hypersensitivity. Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized pain-inducing mechanism mediated by NPCs in degenerating IVDs. These findings could aid in the development of NPC-targeted therapeutic strategies for the clinically unmet need to attenuate discogenic LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensen Jiang
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Juliane D Glaeser
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Giselle Kaneda
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jacob T Wechsler
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stephen Stephan
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Khosrowdad Salehi
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Julie L Chan
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Wafa Tawackoli
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Chloe Castaneda
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Linda E A Kanim
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Teerachat Tanasansomboon
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Center of Excellence in Biomechanics and Innovative Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joshua E Burda
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Haneen Yameen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israeli Institute of Technology Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Tiffany G Perry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael Kropf
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jason M Cuellar
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dror Seliktar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israeli Institute of Technology Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Hyun W Bae
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Laura S Stone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israeli Institute of Technology Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Dmitriy Sheyn
- Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Creighton D, Fausone D, Swanson B, Young W, Nolff S, Ruble A, Hassan N, Soley E. Myofascial and discogenic origins of lumbar pain: A critical review. J Man Manip Ther 2023; 31:435-448. [PMID: 37503571 PMCID: PMC10642329 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2023.2237739] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this three-part narrative review is to examine the anatomy of, and the research which supports, either the lumbar myofascia or intervertebral disc (IVD) as principal sources of our patient's low back pain. A comprehensive understanding of anatomical lumbar pain generators in combination with the current treatment-based classification system will further improve and enhance clinical decision-making skills. Section I reviews the anatomy of the spinal myofascia, myofascial sources of lumbar pain, and imaging of myofascial tissues. Part II reviews the anatomy of the IVD, examines the IVD as a potential lumbar pain generator, and includes detailed discussion on Nerve Growth Factor, Inflammatory Cytokines, Vertebral End Plates and Modic change, Annular tears, and Discogenic instability. Part III looks at the history of myofascial pain, lab-based research and myofascial pain, and various levels of discogenic pain provocation research including animal, laboratory and human subjects. Our review concludes with author recommendations on developing a comprehensive understanding of altered stress concentrations affecting the posterior annulus fibrosis, neo-innervation of the IVD, inflammatory cytokines, discogenic instability, and how this knowledge can complement use of the Treatment-Based Classification System.
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5
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Li Y, Zhou S, Hu X, Lu S. The pathological mechanisms of circRNAs in mediating intervertebral disc degeneration. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:633-640. [PMID: 37780894 PMCID: PMC10539873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain (LBP) is a worldwide health problem associated with significant economic and social burden. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of LBP. Several studies show that the death of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), abnormal metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and inflammatory response are the key mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of IVDD. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and play a significant role in regulating NPCs death, ECM homeostasis, and inflammatory response by acting as microRNAs (miRNAs) sponges in IVDD. However, the regulatory role of circRNAs in mediating IVDD remains unknown. This review comprehensively describes the normal anatomic structure and function of IVD, the pathogenesis of IVDD, the characteristics, synthesis, mechanisms, and function of circRNAs. Moreover, we highlighted the 23 circRNAs that mediate ECM metabolism, 16 circRNAs that mediate NPCs apoptosis, circ_0004354 and circ_0040039 that mediate NPCs pyroptosis, and 5 circRNAs that mediate inflammatory response in IVDD. In addition, this review presents suggestions for future studies, such as the need for further investigation on ferroptosis-related circRNAs in IVDD. This review could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Suzhe Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Anhui No 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Xinli Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shibao Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, China
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6
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Macrophages and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021367. [PMID: 36674887 PMCID: PMC9863885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) aids in motion and acts to absorb energy transmitted to the spine. With little inherent regenerative capacity, degeneration of the intervertebral disc results in intervertebral disc disease, which contributes to low back pain and significant disability in many individuals. Increasing evidence suggests that IVD degeneration is a disease of the whole joint that is associated with significant inflammation. Moreover, studies show elevated macrophage accumulation within the IVD with increasing levels of disease severity; however, we still need to understand the roles, be they causative or consequential, of macrophages during the degenerative process. In this narrative review, we discuss hallmarks of IVD degeneration, showcase evidence of macrophage involvement during disc degeneration, and explore burgeoning research aimed at understanding the molecular pathways regulating macrophage functions during intervertebral disc degeneration.
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7
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Mohd Isa IL, Teoh SL, Mohd Nor NH, Mokhtar SA. Discogenic Low Back Pain: Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Treatments of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:208. [PMID: 36613651 PMCID: PMC9820240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributing factor for discogenic low back pain (LBP), causing a significant global disability. The IVD consists of an inner core proteoglycan-rich nucleus pulposus (NP) and outer lamellae collagen-rich annulus fibrosus (AF) and is confined by a cartilage end plate (CEP), providing structural support and shock absorption against mechanical loads. Changes to degenerative cascades in the IVD cause dysfunction and instability in the lumbar spine. Various treatments include pharmacological, rehabilitation or surgical interventions that aim to relieve pain; however, these modalities do not halt the pathologic events of disc degeneration or promote tissue regeneration. Loss of stem and progenitor markers, imbalance of the extracellular matrix (ECM), increase of inflammation, sensory hyperinnervation and vascularization, and associated signaling pathways have been identified as the onset and progression of disc degeneration. To better understand the pain originating from IVD, our review focuses on the anatomy of IVD and the pathophysiology of disc degeneration that contribute to the development of discogenic pain. We highlight the key mechanisms and associated signaling pathways underlying disc degeneration causing discogenic back pain, current clinical treatments, clinical perspective and directions of future therapies. Our review comprehensively provides a better understanding of healthy IVD and degenerative events of the IVD associated with discogenic pain, which helps to model painful disc degeneration as a therapeutic platform and to identify signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for the future treatment of discogenic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isma Liza Mohd Isa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, H91W2TY Galway, Ireland
| | - Seong Lin Teoh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Huda Mohd Nor
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Sabarul Afian Mokhtar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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8
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Diwan AD, Melrose J. Intervertebral disc degeneration and how it leads to low back pain. JOR Spine 2022; 6:e1231. [PMID: 36994466 PMCID: PMC10041390 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to evaluate data generated by animal models of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration published in the last decade and show how this has made invaluable contributions to the identification of molecular events occurring in and contributing to pain generation. IVD degeneration and associated spinal pain is a complex multifactorial process, its complexity poses difficulties in the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic target to focus on of many potential candidates in the formulation of strategies to alleviate pain perception and to effect disc repair and regeneration and the prevention of associated neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Nerve ingrowth and increased numbers of nociceptors and mechanoreceptors in the degenerate IVD are mechanically stimulated in the biomechanically incompetent abnormally loaded degenerate IVD leading to increased generation of low back pain. Maintenance of a healthy IVD is, thus, an important preventative measure that warrants further investigation to preclude the generation of low back pain. Recent studies with growth and differentiation factor 6 in IVD puncture and multi-level IVD degeneration models and a rat xenograft radiculopathy pain model have shown it has considerable potential in the prevention of further deterioration in degenerate IVDs, has regenerative properties that promote recovery of normal IVD architectural functional organization and inhibits the generation of inflammatory mediators that lead to disc degeneration and the generation of low back pain. Human clinical trials are warranted and eagerly anticipated with this compound to assess its efficacy in the treatment of IVD degeneration and the prevention of the generation of low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish D. Diwan
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory Kolling Institute, Sydney University Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Sydney Area Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering The University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
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9
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Sun K, Jiang J, Wang Y, Sun X, Zhu J, Xu X, Sun J, Shi J. The role of nerve fibers and their neurotransmitters in regulating intervertebral disc degeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101733. [PMID: 36113765 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has been the major contributor to chronic lower back pain (LBP). Abnormal apoptosis, senescence, and pyroptosis of IVD cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and infiltration of immune cells are the major molecular alternations during IVDD. Changes at tissue level frequently occur at advanced IVD tissue. Ectopic ingrowth of nerves within inner annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue has been considered as the primary cause for LBP. Innervation at IVD tissue mainly included sensory and sympathetic nerves, and many markers for these two types of nerves have been detected since 1940. In fact, in osteoarthritis (OA), beyond pain transmission, the direct regulation of neuropeptides on functions of chondrocytes have attracted researchers' great attention recently. Many physical and pathological similarities between joint and IVD have shed us the light on the neurogenic mechanism involved in IVDD. Here, an overview of the advances in the nervous system within IVD tissue will be performed, with a discussion on in the role of nerve fibers and their neurotransmitters in regulating IVDD. We hope this review can attract more research interest to address neuromodulation and IVDD itself, which will enhance our understanding of the contribution of neuromodulation to the structural changes within IVD tissue and inflammatory responses and will help identify novel therapeutic targets and enable the effective treatment of IVDD disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqiang Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China; Department of Orthopedics, Naval Medical Center of PLA, China
| | - Jialin Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jingchuan Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Jiangang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, China.
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Basabrain MS, Zhong J, Luo H, Liu J, Yi B, Zaeneldin A, Koh J, Zou T, Zhang C. Formation of Three-Dimensional Spheres Enhances the Neurogenic Potential of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:604. [PMID: 36354515 PMCID: PMC9687952 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cell-based neural regeneration is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient neural stem cells with clinical applicability. Stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) originating from embryonic neural crests with high neurogenic potential could be a promising cell source for neural regeneration. This study aimed to investigate whether the formation of 3D spheres can promote SCAPs' neurogenic potential. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three-dimensional SCAP spheres were first generated in a 256-well agarose microtissue mold. The spheres and single cells were individually cultured on collagen I-coated μ-slides. Cell morphological changes, neural marker expression, and neurite outgrowth were evaluated by confocal microscope, ELISA, and RT-qPCR. RESULTS Pronounced morphological changes were noticed in a time-dependent manner. The migrating cells' morphology changed from fibroblast-like cells to neuron-like cells. Compared to the 2D culture, neurite length, number, and the expression of multiple progenitors, immature and mature neural markers were significantly higher in the 3D spheres. BDNF and NGF-β may play a significant role in the neural differentiation of SCAP spheres. CONCLUSION The formation of 3D spheres enhanced the neurogenic potential of SCAPs, suggesting the advantage of using the 3D spheres of SCAPs for treating neural diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S. Basabrain
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jialin Zhong
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haiyun Luo
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan Avenue South, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Junqing Liu
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Baicheng Yi
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ahmed Zaeneldin
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Cariology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junhao Koh
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting Zou
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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11
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Lillyman DJ, Lee FS, Barnett EC, Miller TJ, Alvaro ML, Drvol HC, Wachs RA. Axial hypersensitivity is associated with aberrant nerve sprouting in a novel model of disc degeneration in female Sprague Dawley rats. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1212. [PMID: 36203864 PMCID: PMC9520768 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is a global socioeconomic crisis and treatments are lacking in part due to inadequate models. Etiological research suggests that the predominant pathology associated with chronic low back pain is intervertebral disc degeneration. Various research teams have created rat models of disc degeneration, but the clinical translatability of these models has been limited by an absence of robust chronic pain‐like behavior. To address this deficit, disc degeneration was induced via an artificial annular tear in female Sprague Dawley rats. The subsequent degeneration, which was allowed to progress for 18‐weeks, caused a drastic reduction in disc volume. Furthermore, from week 10 till study conclusion, injured animals exhibited significant axial hypersensitivity. At study end, intervertebral discs were assessed for important characteristics of human degenerated discs: extracellular matrix breakdown, hypocellularity, inflammation, and nerve sprouting. All these aspects were significantly increased in injured animals compared to sham controls. Also of note, 20 significant correlations were detected between selected outcomes including a moderate and highly significant correlation (R = 0.59, p < 0.0004) between axial hypersensitivity and disc nerve sprouting. These data support this model as a rigorous platform to explore the pathobiology of disc‐associated low back pain and to screen treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Lillyman
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Fei San Lee
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Evie C. Barnett
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Tyler J. Miller
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Moreno Lozano Alvaro
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Henry C. Drvol
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
| | - Rebecca A. Wachs
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska USA
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12
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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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13
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Zheng HD, Sun YL, Kong DW, Yin MC, Chen J, Lin YP, Ma XF, Wang HS, Yuan GJ, Yao M, Cui XJ, Tian YZ, Wang YJ. Deep learning-based high-accuracy quantitation for lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration from MRI. Nat Commun 2022; 13:841. [PMID: 35149684 PMCID: PMC8837609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28387-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To help doctors and patients evaluate lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) accurately and efficiently, we propose a segmentation network and a quantitation method for IVDD from T2MRI. A semantic segmentation network (BianqueNet) composed of three innovative modules achieves high-precision segmentation of IVDD-related regions. A quantitative method is used to calculate the signal intensity and geometric features of IVDD. Manual measurements have excellent agreement with automatic calculations, but the latter have better repeatability and efficiency. We investigate the relationship between IVDD parameters and demographic information (age, gender, position and IVDD grade) in a large population. Considering these parameters present strong correlation with IVDD grade, we establish a quantitative criterion for IVDD. This fully automated quantitation system for IVDD may provide more precise information for clinical practice, clinical trials, and mechanism investigation. It also would increase the number of patients that can be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Dong Zheng
- School of Automation and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yue-Li Sun
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Spine Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Chronic Musculoskeletal Disease, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - De-Wei Kong
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Meng-Chen Yin
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Chronic Musculoskeletal Disease, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yong-Peng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xue-Feng Ma
- Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedics Hospital, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Hong-Shen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Guang-Jie Yuan
- School of Automation and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Min Yao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Spine Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Chronic Musculoskeletal Disease, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xue-Jun Cui
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Spine Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Chronic Musculoskeletal Disease, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Zhong Tian
- School of Automation and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Yong-Jun Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Spine Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Chronic Musculoskeletal Disease, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Tu J, Li W, Yang S, Yang P, Yan Q, Wang S, Lai K, Bai X, Wu C, Ding W, Cooper‐White J, Diwan A, Yang C, Yang H, Zou J. Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Multicellular Ecosystem of Nucleus Pulposus during Degeneration Progression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103631. [PMID: 34825784 PMCID: PMC8787427 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Although degeneration of the nucleus pulposus (NP) is a major contributor to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and low back pain, the underlying molecular complexity and cellular heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Here, a comprehensive single-cell resolution transcript landscape of human NP is reported. Six novel human NP cells (NPCs) populations are identified by their distinct molecular signatures. The potential functional differences among NPC subpopulations are analyzed. Predictive transcripts, transcriptional factors, and signal pathways with respect to degeneration grades are explored. It is reported that fibroNPCs is the subpopulation for end-stage degeneration. CD90+NPCs are observed to be progenitor cells in degenerative NP tissues. NP-infiltrating immune cells comprise a previously unrecognized diversity of cell types, including granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs). Integrin αM (CD11b) and oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) as surface markers of NP-derived G-MDSCs are uncovered. The G-MDSCs are found to be enriched in mildly degenerated (grade II and III) NP tissues compared to severely degenerated (grade IV and V) NP tissues. Their immunosuppressive function and alleviation effects on NPCs' matrix degradation are revealed in vitro. Collectively, this study reveals the NPC-type complexity and phenotypic characteristics in NP, thereby providing new insights and clues for IVDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Tu
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2217Australia
| | - Wentian Li
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2217Australia
| | - Sidong Yang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt. LuciaBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
- Department of Spine SurgeryThe Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang05000China
| | - Pengyi Yang
- Charles Perkins CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNSW2006Australia
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSW2006Australia
- Computational Systems Biology GroupChildren's Medical Research InstituteFaculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Shenyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Kaitao Lai
- The ANZAC Research InstituteConcord Repatriation General HospitalSydneyNSW2139Australia
- Concord Clinical SchoolFaculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNSW2139Australia
| | - Xupeng Bai
- Cancer Care CentreSt. George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2052Australia
| | - Cenhao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Wenyuan Ding
- Department of Spine SurgeryThe Third Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang05000China
| | - Justin Cooper‐White
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt. LuciaBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
| | - Ashish Diwan
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2217Australia
- Spine ServiceDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgerySt. George HospitalKogarahNew South Wales2217Australia
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWuhan Union HospitalTongji Medical SchoolHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430022China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
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15
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Zhao X, Xu B, Duan W, Chang L, Tan R, Sun Z, Ye Z. Insights into Exosome in the Intervertebral Disc: Emerging Role for Disc Homeostasis and Normal Function. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:1695-1705. [PMID: 36237988 PMCID: PMC9553858 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.75285] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a chronic condition that causes great individual suffering and economic burden. The major contributor of LBP is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which is caused by a spectrum of homeostasis alteration, including the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), calcification of cartilaginous endplates (CEP) and so on. Currently, the therapeutic strategy for IDD includes conservative and surgery treatment. Nevertheless, none of them could reverse the progressive destruction of the intervertebral disc. Hence, it is pivotal to pursue a new therapeutic approach. Exosomes, nano-sized substances with diameters of 30-150 nm, can be synthesized and secreted by various types of cells. They play an important role in intercellular communication. Increasing evidence implicates that exosomes could impact the intracellular transcription activities, thereby inhibiting or accelerating the proliferation and apoptosis of cells. Thus, it is a new therapeutic source for IDD. This review chiefly focuses on generalizing and clarifying the roles of exosomes in the onset and deterioration of IDD, and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Benchi Xu
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Wei Duan
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Le Chang
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Rui Tan
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Zhengxu Ye
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
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16
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Kirnaz S, Capadona C, Wong T, Goldberg JL, Medary B, Sommer F, McGrath LB, Härtl R. Fundamentals of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. World Neurosurg 2021; 157:264-273. [PMID: 34929784 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lumbar disc degeneration is one of the leading causes of chronic low back pain. The degenerative cascade is often initiated by an imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes in the intervertebral discs. As a consequence of extracellular matrix degradation, neoinnervation and neovascularization take place. Ultimately, this degenerative process results in disc bulging and loss of nucleus pulposus and water content and subsequent loss of disc height. Most patients respond to conservative management and surgical interventions well initially, yet a significant number of patients continue to suffer from chronic low back pain. Because of the high prevalence of long-term discogenic pain, regenerative biological therapies, including gene therapies, growth factors, cellular-based injections, and tissue-engineered constructs, have attracted significant attention in light of their potential to directly address the degenerative process. Understanding the pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease is important in both refining existing technologies and developing innovative techniques to reverse the degenerative processes in the discs. In this review, we aimed to cover the underlying pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease as well as its associated risk factors and give a comprehensive summary about the developmental, structural, radiological, and biomechanical properties of human intervertebral discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sertac Kirnaz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Charisse Capadona
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Taylor Wong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacob L Goldberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Branden Medary
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fabian Sommer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lynn B McGrath
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roger Härtl
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
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17
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Groh AMR, Fournier DE, Battié MC, Séguin CA. Innervation of the Human Intervertebral Disc: A Scoping Review. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:1281-1304. [PMID: 33595648 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Back pain is an elusive symptom complicated by a variety of possible causes, precipitating and maintaining factors, and consequences. Notably, the underlying pathology remains unknown in a significant number of cases. Changes to the intervertebral disc (IVD) have been associated with back pain, leading many to postulate that the IVD may be a direct source of pain, typically referred to as discogenic back pain. Yet despite decades of research into the neuroanatomy of the IVD, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to the distribution and function of neural elements within the tissue. The current scoping review provides a comprehensive systematic overview of studies that document the topography, morphology, and immunoreactivity of neural elements within the IVD in humans. METHOD Articles were retrieved from six separate databases in a three-step systematic search and were independently evaluated by two reviewers. RESULTS Three categories of neural elements were described within the IVD: perivascular nerves, sensory nerves independent of blood vessels, and mechanoreceptors. Nerves were consistently localized within the outer layers of the annulus fibrosus. Neural ingrowth into the inner annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus was found to occur only in degenerative and disease states. CONCLUSION While the pattern of innervation within the IVD is clear, the specific topographic arrangement and function of neural elements in the context of back pain remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M R Groh
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, The Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Dale E Fournier
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Physical Therapy), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Bone and Joint Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele C Battié
- Bone and Joint Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryle A Séguin
- Bone and Joint Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B by TNF promotes nucleus pulposus mineralization through inhibition of ANKH and ENPP1. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8271. [PMID: 33859255 PMCID: PMC8050288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous mineralization of the nucleus pulposus (NP) has been observed in cases of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in mineralization of multiple tissues through their modulation of expression of factors that enable or inhibit mineralization, including TNAP, ANKH or ENPP1. This study examines the underlying factors leading to NP mineralization, focusing on the contribution of the inflammatory cytokine, TNF, to this pathologic event. We show that human and bovine primary NP cells express high levels of ANKH and ENPP1, and low or undetectable levels of TNAP. Bovine NPs transduced to express TNAP were capable of matrix mineralization, which was further enhanced by ANKH knockdown. TNF treatment or overexpression promoted a greater increase in mineralization of TNAP-expressing cells by downregulating the expression of ANKH and ENPP1 via NF-κB activation. The increased mineralization was accompanied by phenotypic changes that resemble chondrocyte hypertrophy, including increased RUNX2 and COL10A1 mRNA; mirroring the cellular alterations typical of samples from IDD patients. Disc organ explants injected with TNAP/TNF- or TNAP/shANKH-overexpressing cells showed increased mineral content inside the NP. Together, our results confirm interactions between TNF and downstream regulators of matrix mineralization in NP cells, providing evidence to suggest their participation in NP calcification during IDD.
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19
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Capoor MN, Konieczna A, McDowell A, Ruzicka F, Smrcka M, Jancalek R, Maca K, Lujc M, Ahmed FS, Birkenmaier C, Dudli S, Slaby O. Pro-Inflammatory and Neurotrophic Factor Responses of Cells Derived from Degenerative Human Intervertebral Discs to the Opportunistic Pathogen Cutibacterium acnes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052347. [PMID: 33652921 PMCID: PMC7956678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we proposed the hypothesis that similarities in the inflammatory response observed in acne vulgaris and degenerative disc disease (DDD), especially the central role of interleukin (IL)-1β, may be further evidence of the role of the anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium (previously Propionibacterium) acnes in the underlying aetiology of disc degeneration. To investigate this, we examined the upregulation of IL-1β, and other known IL-1β-induced inflammatory markers and neurotrophic factors, from nucleus-pulposus-derived disc cells infected in vitro with C. acnes for up to 48 h. Upon infection, significant upregulation of IL-1β, alongside IL-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was observed with cells isolated from the degenerative discs of eight patients versus non-infected controls. Expression levels did, however, depend on gene target, multiplicity and period of infection and, notably, donor response. Pre-treatment of cells with clindamycin prior to infection significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study confirms that C. acnes can stimulate the expression of IL-1β and other host molecules previously associated with pathological changes in disc tissue, including neo-innervation. While still controversial, the role of C. acnes in DDD remains biologically credible, and its ability to cause disease likely reflects a combination of factors, particularly individualised response to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu N. Capoor
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (M.N.C.); (O.S.)
| | - Anna Konieczna
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Andrew McDowell
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK;
| | - Filip Ruzicka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Masaryk University, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Smrcka
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Radim Jancalek
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Masaryk University, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Karel Maca
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Michael Lujc
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Fahad S. Ahmed
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Christof Birkenmaier
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Munich, 80331 Munich, Germany;
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Centre of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (F.S.A.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (M.N.C.); (O.S.)
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Binch ALA, Fitzgerald JC, Growney EA, Barry F. Cell-based strategies for IVD repair: clinical progress and translational obstacles. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:158-175. [PMID: 33526926 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00568-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain, a prevalent and chronic condition that has a striking effect on quality of life. Currently, no approved pharmacological interventions or therapies are available that prevent the progressive destruction of the IVD; however, regenerative strategies are emerging that aim to modify the disease. Progress has been made in defining promising new treatments for disc disease, but considerable challenges remain along the entire translational spectrum, from understanding disease mechanism to useful interpretation of clinical trials, which make it difficult to achieve a unified understanding. These challenges include: an incomplete appreciation of the mechanisms of disc degeneration; a lack of standardized approaches in preclinical testing; in the context of cell therapy, a distinct lack of cohesion regarding the cell types being tested, the tissue source, expansion conditions and dose; the absence of guidelines regarding disease classification and patient stratification for clinical trial inclusion; and an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic responses to cell delivery. This Review discusses current approaches to disc regeneration, with a particular focus on cell-based therapeutic strategies, including ongoing challenges, and attempts to provide a framework to interpret current data and guide future investigational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie L A Binch
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joan C Fitzgerald
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Emily A Growney
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Frank Barry
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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Lyu FJ, Cui H, Pan H, MC Cheung K, Cao X, Iatridis JC, Zheng Z. Painful intervertebral disc degeneration and inflammation: from laboratory evidence to clinical interventions. Bone Res 2021; 9:7. [PMID: 33514693 PMCID: PMC7846842 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-020-00125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP), as a leading cause of disability, is a common musculoskeletal disorder that results in major social and economic burdens. Recent research has identified inflammation and related signaling pathways as important factors in the onset and progression of disc degeneration, a significant contributor to LBP. Inflammatory mediators also play an indispensable role in discogenic LBP. The suppression of LBP is a primary goal of clinical practice but has not received enough attention in disc research studies. Here, an overview of the advances in inflammation-related pain in disc degeneration is provided, with a discussion on the role of inflammation in IVD degeneration and pain induction. Puncture models, mechanical models, and spontaneous models as the main animal models to study painful disc degeneration are discussed, and the underlying signaling pathways are summarized. Furthermore, potential drug candidates, either under laboratory investigation or undergoing clinical trials, to suppress discogenic LBP by eliminating inflammation are explored. We hope to attract more research interest to address inflammation and pain in IDD and contribute to promoting more translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Juan Lyu
- grid.79703.3a0000 0004 1764 3838School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haowen Cui
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hehai Pan
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XBreast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kenneth MC Cheung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Xu Cao
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - James C. Iatridis
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Zhaomin Zheng
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XPain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Baumgartner L, Wuertz-Kozak K, Le Maitre CL, Wignall F, Richardson SM, Hoyland J, Ruiz Wills C, González Ballester MA, Neidlin M, Alexopoulos LG, Noailly J. Multiscale Regulation of the Intervertebral Disc: Achievements in Experimental, In Silico, and Regenerative Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E703. [PMID: 33445782 PMCID: PMC7828304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major risk factor of low back pain. It is defined by a progressive loss of the IVD structure and functionality, leading to severe impairments with restricted treatment options due to the highly demanding mechanical exposure of the IVD. Degenerative changes in the IVD usually increase with age but at an accelerated rate in some individuals. To understand the initiation and progression of this disease, it is crucial to identify key top-down and bottom-up regulations' processes, across the cell, tissue, and organ levels, in health and disease. Owing to unremitting investigation of experimental research, the comprehension of detailed cell signaling pathways and their effect on matrix turnover significantly rose. Likewise, in silico research substantially contributed to a holistic understanding of spatiotemporal effects and complex, multifactorial interactions within the IVD. Together with important achievements in the research of biomaterials, manifold promising approaches for regenerative treatment options were presented over the last years. This review provides an integrative analysis of the current knowledge about (1) the multiscale function and regulation of the IVD in health and disease, (2) the possible regenerative strategies, and (3) the in silico models that shall eventually support the development of advanced therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baumgartner
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY 14623, USA;
- Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Spine Center, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria), 81547 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine L. Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
| | - Francis Wignall
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (F.W.); (S.M.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Stephen M. Richardson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (F.W.); (S.M.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Judith Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (F.W.); (S.M.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Carlos Ruiz Wills
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
| | - Miguel A. González Ballester
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Neidlin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.N.); (L.G.A.)
| | - Leonidas G. Alexopoulos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.N.); (L.G.A.)
| | - Jérôme Noailly
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018 Barcelona, Spain; (L.B.); (C.R.W.); (M.A.G.B.)
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Rudnik-Jansen I, Tellegen A, Beukers M, Öner F, Woike N, Mihov G, Thies J, Meij B, Tryfonidou M, Creemers L. Safety of intradiscal delivery of triamcinolone acetonide by a poly(esteramide) microsphere platform in a large animal model of intervertebral disc degeneration. Spine J 2019; 19:905-919. [PMID: 31056104 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Local corticosteroids have been used to relieve symptoms of chronic low back pain, although treatment effects have been shown to wear off relatively fast. Prolonging corticosteroid presence by controlled release from biomaterials may allow for longer pain relief while circumventing adverse effects such as high bolus dosages. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradiscal controlled release of triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) by poly(esteramide) microspheres in a canine degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) model. STUDY DESIGN In a preclinical experimental large animal model, the effect of prolonged glucocorticoid exposure on disc degeneration was evaluated. METHODS Degeneration was accelerated by nucleotomy of lumbar IVDs of Beagle dogs. After 4 weeks, microspheres loaded with 8.4 µg TAA, and 0.84mg TAA were administered to the degenerated IVDs by intradiscal injection (n=6 per group). Empty microspheres (n=6) and all adjacent non-nucleotomized noninjected IVDs were included as controls (n=24). Immediately prior to TAA administration and after 12 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Degenerative changes were evaluated by disc height index, Pfirrmann grading, T1ρ and T2 mapping values, postmortem CT scans, macroscopic and microscopic grading, and biochemical/immunohistochemical analysis of inflammation and extracellular matrix content. In addition, nerve growth factor (NGF) protein expression, a biomarker for pain, was scored in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. The study was funded by a research grant from Health Holland (1.3million euros = 1.5million US dollars). RESULTS Macroscopic evaluation and CT images postmortem were consistent with mild disc degeneration. Other abnormalities were not observed. Nucleotomy-induced degeneration and inflammation was mild, reflected by moderate Pfirrmann grades and PGE2 levels. Regardless of TAA dosage, local sustained delivery did not affect disc height index nor Pfirrmann grading, T1ρ and T2 mapping values, PGE2 tissue levels, collagen, GAG, and DNA content. However, the low dosage of TAA microspheres significantly reduced NGF immunopositivity in degenerated NP tissue. CONCLUSIONS This is the first in vivo application in a preclinical large animal model of a controlled release formulation of corticosteroids in mild IVD degeneration. Sustained release of TAA locally in the IVD appeared safe and reduced NGF expression, suggesting its potential applicability for pain relief, although beneficial effects were absent on tissue degeneration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The present platform seems to be promising in extending the local controlled delivery of TAA with the potency to provide long-standing analgesia in the subset of LBP patients suffering from discogenic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Rudnik-Jansen
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP G05.228, Postbus 85500, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Tellegen
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Beukers
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fetullah Öner
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP G05.228, Postbus 85500, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Woike
- DSM Biomedical B.V., Koestraat 1, 6167 RA Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - George Mihov
- DSM Biomedical B.V., Koestraat 1, 6167 RA Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Jens Thies
- DSM Biomedical B.V., Koestraat 1, 6167 RA Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Meij
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Creemers
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP G05.228, Postbus 85500, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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24
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Electrical impulse effects on degenerative human annulus fibrosus model to reduce disc pain using micro-electrical impulse-on-a-chip. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5827. [PMID: 30967598 PMCID: PMC6456732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of cells and tissues for therapeutic benefit is a well-established method. Although animal studies can emulate the complexity of an organism’s physiology, lab-on-a-chip platforms provide a suitable primary model for follow-up animal studies. Thus, inexpensive and easy-to-use platforms for in vitro human cell studies are required. In the present study, we designed a micro-electrical impulse (micro-EI)-on-a-chip (micro-EI-chip), which can precisely control electron density and adjust the frequency based on a micro-EI. The micro-EI-chip can stimulate cells at various micro-EI densities (0–500 mV/mm) and frequencies (0–300 Hz), which enables multiple co-culture of different cell types with or without electrical stimulation. As a proof-of-concept study, a model involving degenerative inflamed human annulus fibrosus (hAF) cells was established in vitro and the effects of micro-EI on inflamed hAF cells were evaluated using the micro-EI-chip. Stimulation of the cells (150 mV/mm at 200 Hz) inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and downregulated the activities of extracellular matrix-modifying enzymes and matrix metalloproteinase-1. These results show that micro-EI stimulation could affect degenerative diseases based on inflammation, implicating the micro-EI-chip as being useful for basic research of electroceuticals.
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25
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Molecular pain markers correlate with pH-sensitive MRI signal in a pig model of disc degeneration. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17363. [PMID: 30478330 PMCID: PMC6255799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of chronic low back pain that affects millions of people every year. Yet identification of the specific IVD causing this pain is based on qualitative visual interpretation rather than objective findings. One possible approach to diagnosing pain-associated IVD could be to identify acidic IVDs, as decreased pH within an IVD has been postulated to mediate discogenic pain. We hypothesized that quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (qCEST) MRI could detect pH changes in IVDs, and thence be used to diagnose pathologically painful IVDs objectively and noninvasively. To test this hypothesis, a surgical model of IVD degeneration in Yucatan minipigs was used. Direct measurement of pH inside the degenerated IVDs revealed a significant drop in pH after degeneration, which correlated with a significant increase in the qCEST signal. Gene analysis of harvested degenerated IVDs revealed significant upregulation of pain-, nerve- and inflammatory-related markers after IVD degeneration. A strong positive correlation was observed between the expression of pain markers and the increase in the qCEST signal. Collectively, these findings suggest that this approach might be used to identify which IVD is causing low back pain, thereby providing valuable guidance for pain and surgical management.
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26
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Ageing affects chondroitin sulfates and their synthetic enzymes in the intervertebral disc. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2017; 2:17049. [PMID: 29263929 PMCID: PMC5661628 DOI: 10.1038/sigtrans.2017.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The depletion of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) within the intervertebral disc (IVD) during degenerative disc disease (DDD) results in a decrease in tissue hydration, a loss of fluid movement, cell apoptosis, a loss of nerve growth inhibition and ultimately, the loss of disc function. To date, little is known with regards to the structure and content of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) during IVD ageing. The behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), specifically CSs, as well as xylosyltransferase I (XT-I) and glucuronyltransferase I (GT-I), two key enzymes involved in CS synthesis as a primer of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain elongation and GAG synthesis in the nucleus pulposus (NP), respectively, were evaluated in a bovine ageing IVD model. Here, we showed significant changes in the composition of GAGs during the disc ageing process (6-month-old, 2-year-old and 8-year-old IVDs representing the immature to mature skeleton). The CS quantity and composition of annulus fibrosus (AF) and NP were determined. The expression of both XT-I and GT-I was detected using immunohistochemistry. A significant decrease in GAGs was observed during the ageing process. CSs are affected at both the structural and quantitative levels with important changes in sulfation observed upon maturity, which correlated with a decrease in the expression of both XT-I and GT-I. A progressive switch of the sulfation profile was noted in both NP and AF tissues from 6 months to 8 years. These changes give an appreciation of the potential impact of CSs on the disc biology and the development of therapeutic approaches for disc regeneration and repair.
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27
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Lawson LY, Harfe BD. Developmental mechanisms of intervertebral disc and vertebral column formation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 6. [DOI: 10.1002/wdev.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Y. Lawson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Genetics Institute University of Florida, College of Medicine; Gainesville FL USA
| | - Brian D. Harfe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Genetics Institute University of Florida, College of Medicine; Gainesville FL USA
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28
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Srivastava A, Isa ILM, Rooney P, Pandit A. Bioengineered three-dimensional diseased intervertebral disc model revealed inflammatory crosstalk. Biomaterials 2017; 123:127-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Acidic pH promotes intervertebral disc degeneration: Acid-sensing ion channel -3 as a potential therapeutic target. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37360. [PMID: 27853274 PMCID: PMC5112591 DOI: 10.1038/srep37360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration remains poorly understood. Painful IVD degeneration is associated with an acidic intradiscal pH but the response of NP cells to this aberrant microenvironmental factor remains to be fully characterised. The aim here was to address the hypothesis that acidic pH, similar to that found in degenerate IVDs, leads to the altered cell/functional phenotype observed during IVD degeneration, and to investigate the involvement of acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) -3 in the response. Human NP cells were treated with a range of pH, from that of a non-degenerate (pH 7.4 and 7.1) through to mildly degenerate (pH 6.8) and severely degenerate IVD (pH 6.5 and 6.2). Increasing acidity of pH caused a decrease in cell proliferation and viability, a shift towards matrix catabolism and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and pain-related factors. Acidic pH resulted in an increase in ASIC-3 expression. Importantly, inhibition of ASIC-3 prevented the acidic pH induced proinflammatory and pain-related phenotype in NP cells. Acidic pH causes a catabolic and degenerate phenotype in NP cells which is inhibited by blocking ASIC-3 activity, suggesting that this may be a useful therapeutic target for treatment of IVD degeneration.
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30
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Gruber HE, Hoelscher GL, Bullock L, Ingram JA, Norton HJ, Hanley EN. Human annulus signaling cues for nerve outgrowth: In vitro studies. J Orthop Res 2016; 34:1456-65. [PMID: 27155444 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between neurotrophins produced by human annulus cells, such as neurotrophin-4 (NT4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which function in neurite survival and outgrowth, and nerve ingrowth into the disc remains poorly understood. In this work, we tested F11 neurite growth during exposure to control media, media with added nerve growth factor (NGF), conditioned media (CM) harvested from previous human annulus culture, or co-culture with annulus cells. Co-culture of F11 cells with annulus cells significantly increased media levels of amphiregulin, BDNF, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor compared to levels from in culture of F11 cells alone (p ≤ 0.04). Cell-based assays of neurite growth revealed that BDNF levels present in CM bore a significant (p = 0.01) positive relationship to neurite length and accounted for 38.5% of the change in neurite length. NT4 levels produced during co-culture with annulus cells bore a significant (p = 0.04) positive relationship to neurite length and accounted for 40.9% of the change in length. Statement of clinical significance: In vitro findings point to a potential role of annulus cells related to nerve ingrowth in vivo, and may have relevance in the outer annulus (where cell numbers are high) or in regions where nerves penetrate into annular tears or fissures. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1456-1465, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Gruber
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28232
| | - Gretchen L Hoelscher
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28232
| | - Letitia Bullock
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28232
| | - Jane A Ingram
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28232
| | - H James Norton
- Dickson Advanced Analytics, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Edward N Hanley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28232
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Sarath Babu N, Krishnan S, Brahmendra Swamy CV, Venkata Subbaiah GP, Gurava Reddy AV, Idris MM. Quantitative proteomic analysis of normal and degenerated human intervertebral disc. Spine J 2016; 16:989-1000. [PMID: 27125197 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the most common disease of aging in humans. DDD is characterized by the gradual damage of the intervertebral discs. The disease is characterized by progressive dehydration of nucleus pulposus and disruption of annulus fibrosus of intervertebral disc. PURPOSE Even though it is highly prevalent, there is no effective therapy to regenerate the degenerated disc, or decrease or halt the disease progression. Therefore, novel monitoring and diagnostic tests are essential to develop an alternative therapeutic strategies which can prevent further progression of disc degeneration. STUDY DESIGN The study was designed to understand the proteome map of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues of intervertebral disc and its differential expression in patients with DDD. METHODS The proteome map of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues of intervertebral disc was cataloged involving one-dimensional gel electrophoresis-Fourier transform mass spectrometry/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (FTMS/ITMSMS) analysis. The altered proteome patterns of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues for DDD were identified using Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics coupled with FTMS/ITMSMS and network pathway analysis. RESULTS The study identified a total of 759 and 692 proteins from the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus tissues of the disc based on FTMS/ITMSMS analysis, which includes 118 proteins commonly identified between the two tissues. Vibrant changes were observed between the normal and the degenerating annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues. A total of 73 and 54 proteins were identified as differentially regulated in the annulus and the nucleus tissues, respectively, between the normal and the degenerated tissues independently. Network pathway analysis mapped the differentially expressed proteins to cell adhesion, cell migration, and interleukin13 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, the current study provides a novel vision in the biomechanism of human disc degeneration and a certain number of proteins with the potential biomarker value for the preliminary diagnosis and scenario of DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Goli P Venkata Subbaiah
- Sunshine Hospitals, SMART (Sunshine Medical Academy For Research and Training), Penderghast Rd, Secunderabad, 500003, India
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Binch ALA, Cole AA, Breakwell LM, Michael ALR, Chiverton N, Creemers LB, Cross AK, Le Maitre CL. Class 3 semaphorins expression and association with innervation and angiogenesis within the degenerate human intervertebral disc. Oncotarget 2016; 6:18338-54. [PMID: 26286962 PMCID: PMC4621894 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve and blood vessel ingrowth during intervertebral disc degeneration, is thought to be a major cause of low back pain, however the regulation of this process is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the expression and regulation of a subclass of axonal guidance molecules known as the class 3 semaphorins, and their receptors; plexins and neuropilins within human NP tissue and their regulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Importantly this determined whether semaphorin expression was associated with the presence of nerves and blood vessels in tissues from human intervertebral discs. The study demonstrated that semaphorin3A, 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F and their receptors were expressed by native NP cells and further demonstrated their expression was regulated by IL-1β but to a lesser extent by IL-6 and TNFα. This is the first study to identify sema3C, sema3D and their receptors within the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs. Immunopositivity shows significant increases in semaphorin3C, 3D and their receptor neuropilin-2 in degenerate samples which were shown to contain nerves and blood vessels, compared to non-degenerate samples without nerves and blood vessels. Therefore data presented here suggests that semaphorin3C may have a role in promoting innervation and vascularisation during degeneration, which may go on to cause low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie L A Binch
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley A Cole
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lee M Breakwell
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Neil Chiverton
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Laura B Creemers
- Universitair Medisch Centrum, Orthopaedics Department, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alison K Cross
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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Davies BM, Atkinson RA, Ludwinski F, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA, Gnanalingham KK. Qualitative grading of disc degeneration by magnetic resonance in the lumbar and cervical spine: lack of correlation with histology in surgical cases. Br J Neurosurg 2016; 30:414-21. [PMID: 26999322 DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2016.1161174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the most effective non-invasive tool for assessing IVD degeneration. Histological examination of the IVD provides a more detailed assessment of the pathological changes at a tissue level. However, very few reports have studied the relationship between these techniques. Identifying a relationship may allow more detailed staging of IVD degeneration, of importance in targeting future regenerative therapies. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between MR and histological grading of IVD degeneration in the cervical and lumbar spine in patients undergoing discectomy. METHODS Lumbar (N = 99) and cervical (N = 106) IVD samples were obtained from adult patients undergoing discectomy surgery for symptomatic IVD herniation and graded to ascertain a histological grade of degeneration. The pre-operative MR images from these patients were graded for the degree of IVD (MR grade) and vertebral end-plate degeneration (Modic Changes, MC). The relationship between histological and MR grades of degeneration were studied. RESULTS In lumbar and cervical IVD the majority of samples (93%) exhibited moderate levels of degeneration (ie MR grades 3-4) on pre-operative MR scans. Histologically, most specimens displayed moderate to severe grades of degeneration in lumbar (99%) and cervical spine (93%). MR grade was weakly correlated with patient age in lumbar and cervical study groups. MR and histological grades of IVD degeneration did not correlate in lumbar or cervical study groups. MC were more common in the lumbar than cervical spine (e.g. 39 versus 20% grade 2 changes; p < 0.05), but failed to correlate with MR or histological grades for degeneration. CONCLUSIONS In this surgical series, the resected IVD tissue displayed moderate to severe degeneration, but there is no correlation between MR and histological grades using a qualitative classification system. There remains a need for a quantitative, non-invasive, pre-clinical measure of IVD degeneration that correlates with histological changes seen in the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Davies
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre (GMNC), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester , UK
| | - R A Atkinson
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre (GMNC), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester , UK ;,b Regenerative Medicine , Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - F Ludwinski
- b Regenerative Medicine , Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - A J Freemont
- b Regenerative Medicine , Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - J A Hoyland
- b Regenerative Medicine , Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - K K Gnanalingham
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre (GMNC), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester , UK ;,b Regenerative Medicine , Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
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Krock E, Currie JB, Weber MH, Ouellet JA, Stone LS, Rosenzweig DH, Haglund L. Nerve Growth Factor Is Regulated by Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Human Intervertebral Discs. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:3541-51. [PMID: 26668319 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.675900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to the development of chronic pain associated with degenerative connective tissue pathologies, such as intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis. However, surprisingly little is known about the regulation of NGF in these conditions. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are pattern recognition receptors classically associated with innate immunity but more recently were found to be activated by endogenous alarmins such as fragmented extracellular matrix proteins found in degenerating discs or cartilage. In this study we investigated if TLR activation regulates NGF and which signaling mechanisms control this response in intervertebral discs. TLR2 agonists, TLR4 agonists, or IL-1β (control) treatment increased NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and IL-1β gene expression in human disc cells isolated from healthy, pain-free organ donors. However, only TLR2 activation or IL-1β treatment increased NGF protein secretion. TLR2 activation increased p38, ERK1/2, and p65 activity and increased p65 translocation to the cell nucleus. JNK activity was not affected by TLR2 activation. Inhibition of NF-κB, and to a lesser extent p38, but not ERK1/2 activity, blocked TLR2-driven NGF up-regulation at both the transcript and protein levels. These results provide a novel mechanism of NGF regulation in the intervertebral disc and potentially other pathogenic connective tissues. TLR2 and NF-κB signaling are known to increase cytokines and proteases, which accelerate matrix degradation. Therefore, TLR2 or NF-κB inhibition may both attenuate chronic pain and slow the degenerative progress in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Krock
- From the Orthopeadic Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill Scoliosis and Spine Research Group
| | - J Brooke Currie
- From the Orthopeadic Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine
| | | | - Jean A Ouellet
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill Scoliosis and Spine Research Group
| | - Laura S Stone
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill Scoliosis and Spine Research Group, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Derek H Rosenzweig
- From the Orthopeadic Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, McGill Scoliosis and Spine Research Group
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- From the Orthopeadic Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, McGill Scoliosis and Spine Research Group,
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Thalidomide represses inflammatory response and reduces radiculopathic pain by inhibiting IRAK-1 and NF-κB/p38/JNK signaling. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 290:1-8. [PMID: 26711561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease, the most common cause of disc failure and low back pain, is characterized by age-related changes in the adult disc. In this study we aimed to analyze the potential of thalidomide for the treatment of IVD disease, through identifying and explaining its anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic activity in both in vitro IVD cell culture and in vivo animal model. Inflammatory response was induced by IL-1β, then the activity and expression of inflammatory mediators and pathways were assessed in the presence or absence of thalidomide. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 was also used to investigate the involvement of the MAPK pathway in the observed effects. Moreover the analgesic properties of thalidomide were analyzed by the von Frey filament test in Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results indicated that thalidomide significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases in vitro, as well as radiculopathic pain in vivo, most probably by modulation of the activity of IRAK-1 and its downstream effectors p38, JNK and NF-κB. Our current study strongly supports the potential of thalidomide for the treatment of pain and inflammation in degenerative disc disease.
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Organotypic Cultures of Intervertebral Disc Cells: Responses to Growth Factors and Signaling Pathways Involved. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:427138. [PMID: 26583105 PMCID: PMC4637029 DOI: 10.1155/2015/427138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is strongly associated with low back pain, a major cause of disability worldwide. An in-depth understanding of IVD cell physiology is required for the design of novel regenerative therapies. Accordingly, aim of this work was the study of IVD cell responses to mitogenic growth factors in a three-dimensional (3D) organotypic milieu, comprising characteristic molecules of IVD's extracellular matrix. In particular, annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were cultured inside collagen type-I gels, while nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) supplemented collagen gels, and the effects of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) were assessed. All three growth factors stimulated DNA synthesis in both AF and NP 3D cell cultures, with potencies similar to those observed previously in monolayers. CSA supplementation inhibited basal DNA synthesis rates, without affecting the response to growth factors. ERK and Akt were found to be phosphorylated following growth factor stimulation. Blockade of these two signaling pathways using pharmacologic inhibitors significantly, though not completely, inhibited growth factor-induced DNA synthesis. The proposed culture systems may prove useful for further in vitro studies aiming at future interventions for IVD regeneration.
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Wang F, Shi R, Cai F, Wang YT, Wu XT. Stem Cell Approaches to Intervertebral Disc Regeneration: Obstacles from the Disc Microenvironment. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2479-95. [PMID: 26228642 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration results in segmental instability and irritates neural compressive symptoms, such as low back pain and motor deficiency. The transplanting of stem cell into degenerative discs has attracted increasing clinical attention, as a new and proven approach to alleviating disc degeneration and to relieving discogenic pains. Aside from supplementation with stem cells, the IVD itself already contains a pool of stem and progenitor cells. Since the resident disc stem cells are incapable of reversing the pathologic changes that occur during aging and disc degeneration, it has been debated as to whether transplanted stem cells are capable of providing an efficient and durable therapeutic effect, even though there have been positive outcomes in both animal models and in clinical trials. This review aims to decipher the interactions between the stem cell and the disc microenvironment. Within their new niches in the IVD, the exogenous stem cell shows metabolic adaptation to the low-glucose supply, hypoxia, and compressive loadings, but demonstrates little tolerance to the disc-like acidity and hypertonicity. Similarly, the survival of endogenous stem cells is threatened as well by the harsh disc microenvironment, which may exhaust the stem cell resources and restrict the self-repair capacity of a degenerating IVD. To eliminate the intrinsic obstacles within the stressful disc niches, stem cells should be delivered with an injectable scaffold that provides both survival and mechanical support. Quick healing or concretion of the injection injuries, which minimizes stem cell leakage and disturbance to disc homeostasis, is of equal importance toward achieving efficient stem cell-based disc regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University , Nanjing, China .,2 Surgery Research Center, Medical School of Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Shi
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University , Nanjing, China .,2 Surgery Research Center, Medical School of Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Cai
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University , Nanjing, China .,2 Surgery Research Center, Medical School of Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Tao Wang
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University , Nanjing, China .,2 Surgery Research Center, Medical School of Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Wu
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University , Nanjing, China .,2 Surgery Research Center, Medical School of Southeast University , Nanjing, China
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Kim H, W Caspar T, Shah SB, Hsieh AH. Effects of proinflammatory cytokines on axonal outgrowth from adult rat lumbar dorsal root ganglia using a novel three-dimensional culture system. Spine J 2015; 15:1823-31. [PMID: 25797812 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is often associated with low back pain and increased infiltration of nerve fibers originating from dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The degenerated disc is also characterized by the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, which may influence axonal outgrowth. Toward an improved understanding of the growth of DRG neurons into compliant extracellular matrices, we developed a novel experimental system to measure axonal outgrowth of adult rat lumbar DRG neurons within three-dimensional (3D) collagen hydrogels and used this system to examine the effects of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment. PURPOSE The aim was to investigate the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on 3D neuronal growth into collagen matrices. STUDY DESIGN This was an in vitro study of neurite outgrowth from adult rat lumbar DRG into collagen gels in response to IL-1β and TNF-α. METHODS Lumbar DRG were obtained from adult Sprague Dawley rats, bisected to expose cell bodies and placed onto collagen gel constructs prepared in 24-well Transwell inserts. Dorsal root ganglia were then treated with nerve growth factor (NGF)-free Neurobasal media (negative control) or NGF-supplemented media containing 0, 1, and 10 ng/mL of IL-1β and TNF-α. After 7 days, collagen gel-DRG constructs were immunostained for phosphorylated neurofilament, an axonal marker. Simple Neurite Tracer (Fiji/ImageJ) was used to quantify 3D axonal outgrowth from confocal image stacks. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, with Tukey HSD post hoc correction at a level of p<.05. RESULTS Immunostaining showed robust axonal outgrowth into collagen gels from all NGF-treated DRG. The negative control demonstrated very few and short neurites. Tumor necrosis factor-α (1 and 10 ng/mL) significantly inhibited axonal outgrowth compared with NGF-only media (p<.026 and p<.02, respectively). After IL-1β treatment, average axon length was 10% lower at 1 ng/mL and 7.5% higher at 10 ng/mL, but these differences were not statistically significant. Among cytokine treatments, however, average axon length in the IL-1β (10 ng/mL) group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS A novel 3D collagen gel culture system was used to investigate factors modulating neuronal ingrowth. Our results showed that NGF was necessary to promote neurite growth into collagen gels. In the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, high concentrations of IL-1β induced significantly higher axonal outgrowth than TNF-α and low levels of IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunchul Kim
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Tyler W Caspar
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sameer B Shah
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam H Hsieh
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Tanshinone IIA represses inflammatory response and reduces radiculopathic pain by inhibiting IRAK-1 and NF-κB/p38/JNK signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 28:382-9. [PMID: 26163178 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease, a most common cause of disc failure and low back pain, is characterized by age-related changes in the adult disc. In this study we aimed to investigate the potential of Tanshinone IIA (TSA) for the treatment of IVD disease, through exploring its anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic activities in both in vitro IVD cell culture and in vivo animal models. After the inflammatory response was induced in IVD cells by IL-1β, the activity and expression of inflammatory mediators, and potentially involved pathways were investigated in the presence or absence of TSA. The p38-MAPK inhibitor, SB239063, was also used to investigate the involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway in the observed effects. Meanwhile, the analgesic properties of TSA were analyzed by the von Frey filament test in Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results indicated that TSA significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases in vitro, as well as radiculopathic pain in vivo, probably by modulation of the activity of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) and its downstream effectors p38, JNK and NF-κB. Our current study strongly demonstrates the potential of TSA for the treatment of inflammation and followed pain in degenerative disc disease.
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Baptista JDS, Fontes RBDV, Liberti EA. Aging and degeneration of the intervertebral disc: review of basic science. COLUNA/COLUMNA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s1808-185120151402141963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
<p>Currently there is a growing interest in the study of intervertebral discs due to loss of manpower brought to society by low back and neck pains. These papers seek to delineate the difference between normal aging and disc degeneration, trying to understand what factor would be determining for the second condition. Thus, the morphology field was expanded and knowledge on the structure of intervertebral discs currently uses the research field of cell and molecular biology, and genetics. The results indicate that regardless of age or condition, the intervertebral disc undergoes long and extensive remodeling of its constituents, which are influenced by several factors: environmental, soluble, cell growth and extracellular matrix. In this literature review we describe the biological characteristics of the cervical and lumbar intervertebral disc with a focus on basic science of aging and degeneration, selecting the latest findings and discussions of the area, which influence future research and clinical thoughts.</p>
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Purmessur D, Cornejo MC, Cho SK, Roughley PJ, Linhardt RJ, Hecht AC, Iatridis JC. Intact glycosaminoglycans from intervertebral disc-derived notochordal cell-conditioned media inhibit neurite growth while maintaining neuronal cell viability. Spine J 2015; 15:1060-9. [PMID: 25661435 PMCID: PMC4416992 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Painful human intervertebral discs (IVDs) exhibit nerve growth deep into the IVD. Current treatments for discogenic back pain do not address the underlying mechanisms propagating pain and are often highly invasive or only offer temporary symptom relief. The notochord produces factors during development that pattern the spine and inhibit the growth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons into the IVD. We hypothesize that notochordal cell (NC)-conditioned medium (NCCM) includes soluble factors capable of inhibiting neurite growth and may represent a future therapeutic target. PURPOSE To test if NCCM can inhibit neurite growth and determine if NC-derived glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are necessary candidates for this inhibition. STUDY DESIGN Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and rat DRG cells were treated with NCCM in two-dimensional culture in vitro, and digestion and mechanistic studies determined if specific GAGs were responsible for inhibitory effects. METHODS Notochordal cell-conditioned medium was generated from porcine nucleus pulposus tissue that was cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium for 4 days. A dose study was performed using SH-SY5Y cells that were seeded in basal medium for 24 hours and neurite outgrowth and cell viability were assessed after treatment with basal media or NCCM (10% and 100%) for 48 hours. Glycosaminoglycans from NCCM were characterized using multiple digestions and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Neurite growth was assessed on both SH-SY5Y and DRG cells after treatment with NCCM with and without GAG digestion. RESULTS Notochordal cell-conditioned medium significantly inhibited the neurite outgrowth from SH-SY5Y cells compared with basal controls without dose or cytotoxic effects; % of neurite expressing cells were 39.0±2.9%, 27.3±3.6%, and 30.2±2.7% and mean neurite length was 60.3±3.5, 50.8±2.4, 53.2±3.7 μm for basal, 10% NCCM, and 100% NCCM, respectively. Digestions and LC-MS determined that chondroitin-6-sulfate was the major GAG chain in NCCM. Neurite growth from SH-SY5Y and DRG cells was not inhibited when cells were treated with NCCM with digested chondroitin sulfate (CS). CONCLUSIONS Soluble factors derived from NCCM were capable of inhibiting neurite outgrowth in multiple neural cell types without any negative effects on cell viability. Cleavage of GAGs via digestion was necessary to reverse the neurite inhibition capacity of NCCM. We conclude that intact GAGs such as CS secreted from NCs are potential candidates that could be useful to reduce neurite growth in painful IVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devina Purmessur
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Marisa C Cornejo
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Samuel K Cho
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | | | - Robert J Linhardt
- Biocatalysis & Metabolic Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180
| | - Andrew C Hecht
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L.levy place, box 1188 New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Sakai D, Grad S. Advancing the cellular and molecular therapy for intervertebral disc disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 84:159-71. [PMID: 24993611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The healthy intervertebral disc (IVD) fulfils the essential function of load absorption, while maintaining multi-axial flexibility of the spine. The interrelated tissues of the IVD, the annulus fibrosus, the nucleus pulposus, and the cartilaginous endplate, are characterised by their specific niche, implying avascularity, hypoxia, acidic environment, low nutrition, and low cellularity. Anabolic and catabolic factors balance a slow physiological turnover of extracellular matrix synthesis and breakdown. Deviations in mechanical load, nutrient supply, cellular activity, matrix composition and metabolism may initiate a cascade ultimately leading to tissue dehydration, fibrosis, nerve and vessel ingrowth, disc height loss and disc herniation. Spinal instability, inflammation and neural sensitisation are sources of back pain, a worldwide leading burden that is challenging to cure. In this review, advances in cell and molecular therapy, including mobilisation and activation of endogenous progenitor cells, progenitor cell homing, and targeted delivery of cells, genes, or bioactive factors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Collaborative Research Partner Annulus Fibrosus Repair Program, AO Foundation, Davos, Switzerland.
| | - Sibylle Grad
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland; Collaborative Research Partner Annulus Fibrosus Repair Program, AO Foundation, Davos, Switzerland.
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Wang Z, Perez-Terzic CM, Smith J, Mauck WD, Shelerud RA, Maus TP, Yang TH, Murad MH, Gou S, Terry MJ, Dauffenbach JP, Pingree MJ, Eldrige JS, Mohammed K, Benkhadra K, van Wijnen AJ, Qu W. Efficacy of intervertebral disc regeneration with stem cells - a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal controlled trials. Gene 2015; 564:1-8. [PMID: 25796605 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Management of intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative disease is challenging, as it is accompanied by irreversible loss of IVD cells. Stem cell transplantation to the disc has shown promise in decelerating or arresting the degenerative process. Multiple pre-clinical animal trials have been conducted, but with conflicting outcomes. To assess the effect of stem cell transplantation, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through Week 3, 2015. Inclusion criteria consisted of controlled animal trials. Two reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Random effects models were constructed to pool standardized mean difference (SMD). Twenty two studies were included; nine of which were randomized. Statistically significant differences were found with the stem cell group exhibiting increased disc height index (SMD=3.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.49, 4.78; p<0.001), increased MRI T2 signal intensity (SMD=2.28, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.08; p<0.001), increased Type II collagen mRNA expression (SMD=3.68, 95% CI: 1.66, 5.70; p<0.001), and decreased histologic disc degeneration grade (SMD=-2.97, 95% CI: -3.97, -1.97; p<0.001). There was statistical heterogeneity between studies that could not be explained with pre-planned subgroup analyses based on animal species, study designs, and transplanted cell types. Stem cells transplanted to the IVD in quadruped animals decelerate or arrest the IVD degenerative process. Further studies in human clinical trials will be needed to understand if such benefit can be translated to bipedal humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Carman M Perez-Terzic
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jay Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - William D Mauck
- Department of Anesthesiology Pain Division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Randy A Shelerud
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Spine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Timothy P Maus
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Tai-Hua Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Biomechanics Laboratory and Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mohammad Hassan Murad
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Shanmiao Gou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Anesthesiology Pain Division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Marisa J Terry
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jason P Dauffenbach
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mathew J Pingree
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Anesthesiology Pain Division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jason S Eldrige
- Department of Anesthesiology Pain Division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Khaled Mohammed
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Khalid Benkhadra
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - Wenchun Qu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Anesthesiology Pain Division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Spine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Cornejo M, Cho S, Giannarelli C, Iatridis J, Purmessur D. Soluble factors from the notochordal-rich intervertebral disc inhibit endothelial cell invasion and vessel formation in the presence and absence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015; 23:487-96. [PMID: 25534363 PMCID: PMC4411226 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic low back pain can be associated with the pathological ingrowth of blood vessels and nerves into intervertebral discs (IVDs). The notochord patterns the IVD during development and is a source of anti-angiogenic soluble factors such as Noggin and Chondroitin sulfate (CS). These factors may form the basis for a new minimally invasive strategy to target angiogenesis in the IVD. OBJECTIVE To examine the anti-angiogenic potential of soluble factors from notochordal cells (NCs) and candidates Noggin and CS under healthy culture conditions and in the presence of pro-inflammatory mediators. DESIGN NC conditioned media (NCCM) was generated from porcine NC-rich nucleus pulposus tissue. To assess the effects of NCCM, CS and Noggin on angiogenesis, cell invasion and tubular formation assays were performed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) ± tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα [10 ng/ml]). vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, MMP-7, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 mRNA levels were assessed using qRT-PCR. RESULTS NCCM (10 & 100%), CS (10 and 100 μg) and Noggin (10 and 100 ng) significantly decreased cell invasion of HUVECs with and without TNFα. NCCM 10% and Noggin 10 ng inhibited tubular formation with and without TNFα and CS 100 μg inhibited tubules in Basal conditions whereas CS 10 μg inhibited tubules with TNFα. NCCM significantly decreased VEGF-A, MMP-7 and IL-6 mRNA levels in HUVECs with and without TNFα. CS and Noggin had no effects on gene expression. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first evidence that soluble factors from NCs can inhibit angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF signaling. Notochordal-derived ligands are a promising minimally invasive strategy targeting neurovascular ingrowth and pain in the degenerated IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.C. Cornejo
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - S.K. Cho
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - C. Giannarelli
- Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - J.C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - D. Purmessur
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Address correspondence and reprint requests to: D. Purmessur, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1188, New York, NY 10029, USA. Tel: 1-212-241-1531
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Kao TH, Peng YJ, Salter DM, Lee HS. Nerve growth factor increases MMP9 activity in annulus fibrosus cells by upregulating lipocalin 2 expression. 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 2014; 24:1959-68. [PMID: 25412834 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-014-3675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nerve growth factor (NGF) expression and activity is important in chronic lower back pain but may also act as a pro-catabolic factor in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) expression in IVD was upregulated by NGF stimulation in our previous study. The current study was undertaken to identify potential mechanisms of the latter effect including potential interactions between Lcn2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). METHODS Rat annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were stimulated by NGF and subjected to microarray analysis, subsequent real-time PCR, western immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Cells were treated with NGF in the absence or presence of the NGF inhibitor Ro 08-2750. Zymography and functional MMP9 assays were used to determine MMP9 activity, whilst the dimethyl-methylene blue assay was used to quantify the release of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) reflecting catabolic effects following NGF treatment. Immunoprecipitation with immunoblotting was used to identify interactions between MMP9 and Lcn2. RESULTS Increased expression of Lcn2 gene and protein following NGF stimulation was confirmed by microarray analysis, real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. Zymography showed that NGF enhanced 125-kDa gelatinase activity, identified as a Lcn2/MMP9 complex by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Functional assays showed increased MMP9 activity and GAG release in the presence of NGF. The effects of NGF were neutralized by the presence of Ro 08-2750. CONCLUSIONS NGF upregulates Lcn2 expression and increases MMP9 activity in AF cells; processes which are likely to potentiate degeneration of AF tissue in vivo. Anti-NGF treatment may have benefit for management of pain relief and slowing down progression of AF tissue degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hsien Kao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Kao TH, Peng YJ, Tsou HK, Salter DM, Lee HS. Nerve growth factor promotes expression of novel genes in intervertebral disc cells that regulate tissue degradation. J Neurosurg Spine 2014; 21:653-61. [DOI: 10.3171/2014.6.spine13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Object
Increased neurotrophin activity in degenerative intervertebral discs (IVDs) is one potential cause of chronic low-back pain (LBP). The aim of the study was to assess if nerve growth factor (NGF) might alter gene expression of IVD cells and contribute to disc degeneration by enhancing expression or activity of factors that cause breakdown of IVD matrix.
Methods
Rat-tail IVD cells were stimulated by NGF and subjected to microarray analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry of rat and human IVD cells and tissues treated with NGF in vitro in the absence or presence of the NGF inhibitor Ro 08-2750 were used to confirm findings of the microarray studies. Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was used to identify cell signaling pathways involved in NGF stimulation in the absence or presence of Ro 08-2750.
Results
Microarray analysis demonstrated increased expression of chitinase 3-like 1 (Chi3l1), lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), and matrix metalloproteinase–3 (Mmp3) following NGF stimulation of rat IVD cells in vitro. Increased gene expression was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction with a relative increase in the Mmp/Timp ratio. Increased expression of Chi3l1, Lcn2, and Mmp3 following NGF stimulation was also demonstrated in rat cells and human tissue in vitro. Effects of NGF on protein expression were blocked by an NGF inhibitor and appear to function through the extracellular-regulation kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) MAPK pathway.
Conclusions
Nerve growth factor has potential effects on matrix turnover activity and influences the catabolic/anabolic balance of IVD cells in an adverse way that may potentiate IVD degeneration. Anti-NGF treatment might be beneficial to ameliorate progressive tissue breakdown in IVD degeneration and may lead to pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hsien Kao
- 1Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, and
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung;
- Departments of 4Acupressure Technology and
| | - Yi-Jen Peng
- 2Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei
| | - Hsi-Kai Tsou
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung;
- 5Early Childhood Care and Education, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli County, Taiwan, Republic of China; and
| | - Donald M. Salter
- 6Osteoarticular Research Group, Molecular Medicine Center, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Herng-Sheng Lee
- 1Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, and
- 2Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN In vivo study defining expression of the neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), in cervical intervertebral discs after painful whole-body vibration (WBV). OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to determine if BDNF and NGF are expressed in cervical discs after painful WBV in a rat model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA WBV is a possible source of neck pain and has been implicated as increasing the risk for disc disorders. Typically, aneural regions of painful human lumbar discs exhibit hyperinnervation, suggesting nerve ingrowth as potentially contributing to disc degeneration and pain. BDNF and NGF are upregulated in painfully degenerate lumbar discs and hypothesized to contribute to this pathology. METHODS Male Holtzman rats underwent 7 days of repeated WBV (15 Hz, 30 min/d) or sham exposures, followed by 7 days of rest. Cervical discs were collected for analysis of BDNF and NGF expression through RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry also evaluated their regional expression in the disc. RESULTS Vibration significantly increases BDNF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels (P=0.036), as well as total-NGF mRNA (P=0.035). Protein expression of both BDNF (P=0.006) and the 75-kDa NGF (P=0.045) increase by nearly 4- and 10-fold, respectively. Both BDNF mRNA (R=0.396; P=0.012) and protein (R=0.280; P=0.035) levels are significantly correlated with the degree of behavioral sensitivity (i.e., pain) at day 14. Total-NGF mRNA is also significantly correlated with the extent of behavioral sensitivity (R=0.276; P=0.044). Both neurotrophins are most increased in the inner annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. CONCLUSION The increases in BDNF and NGF in the cervical discs after painful vibration are observed in typically aneural regions of the disc, consistent with reports of its hyperinnervation. Yet, the induction of nerve ingrowth into the disc was not explicitly investigated. Neurotrophin expression also correlates with behavioral sensitivity, suggesting a role for both neurotrophins in the development of disc pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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48
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Binch ALA, Cole AA, Breakwell LM, Michael ALR, Chiverton N, Cross AK, Le Maitre CL. Expression and regulation of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors during human intervertebral disc degeneration. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:416. [PMID: 25209447 PMCID: PMC4177417 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-014-0416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The degenerate intervertebral disc (IVD) becomes innervated by sensory nerve fibres, and vascularised by blood vessels. This study aimed to identify neurotrophins, neuropeptides and angiogenic factors within native IVD tissue and to further investigate whether pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the regulation of expression levels within nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, nerve and endothelial cells. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on 53 human IVDs from 52 individuals to investigate native gene expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, neuropeptides and angiogenic factors. The regulation of these factors by cytokines was investigated in NP cells in alginate culture, and nerve and endothelial cells in monolayer using RT-PCR and substance P (SP) protein expression in interleukin-1 (IL-1β) stimulated NP cells. Results Initial investigation on uncultured NP cells identified expression of all neurotrophins by native NP cells, whilst the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor was only identified in severely degenerate and infiltrated discs, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor expressed by more degenerate discs. BDNF expression was significantly increased in infiltrated and degenerate samples. SP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were higher in infiltrated samples. In vitro stimulation by IL-1β induced NGF in NP cells. Neurotropin-3 was induced by tumour necrosis factor alpha in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). SP gene and protein expression was increased in NP cells by IL-1β. Calcitonin gene related peptide was increased in SH-SY5Y cells upon cytokine stimulation. VEGF was induced by IL-1β and interleukin-6 in NP cells, whilst pleiotrophin was decreased by IL-1β. VEGF and pleiotrophin were expressed by SH-SY5Y cells, and VEGF by HDMECs, but were not modulated by cytokines. Conclusions The release of cytokines, in particular IL-1β during IVD degeneration, induced significant increases in NGF and VEGF which could promote neuronal and vascular ingrowth. SP which is released into the matrix could potentially up regulate the production of matrix degrading enzymes and also sensitise nerves, resulting in nociceptive transmission and chronic low back pain. This suggests that IL-1β is a key regulatory cytokine, involved in the up regulation of factors involved in innervation and vascularisation of tissues.
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Aoki Y, Nakajima A, Ohtori S, Takahashi H, Watanabe F, Sonobe M, Terajima F, Saito M, Takahashi K, Toyone T, Watanabe A, Nakajima T, Takazawa M, Nakagawa K. Increase of nerve growth factor levels in the human herniated intervertebral disc: can annular rupture trigger discogenic back pain? Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R159. [PMID: 25069717 PMCID: PMC4261264 DOI: 10.1186/ar4674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nerve growth factor (NGF) has an important role in the generation of discogenic pain. We hypothesized that annular rupture is a trigger for discogenic pain through the action of NGF. In this study, the protein levels of NGF in discs from patients with disc herniation were examined and compared with those from discs of patients with other lumbar degenerative disc diseases. METHODS Patients (n = 55) with lumbar degenerative disc disease treated by surgery were included. Nucleus pulposus tissue (or herniated disc tissue) was surgically removed and homogenized; protein levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for NGF. Levels of NGF in the discs were compared between 1) patients with herniated discs (herniated group) and those with other lumbar degenerative disc diseases (non-herniated group), and 2) low-grade and high-grade degenerated discs. Patient's symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI); the influence of NGF levels on pre- and post-operative symptoms was examined. RESULTS Mean levels of NGF in discs of patients were significantly higher in herniated discs (83.4 pg/mg total protein) than those in non-herniated discs (68.4 pg/mg). CONCLUSIONS This study reports that NGF increased in herniated discs, and may play an important role in the generation of discogenic pain. Analysis of patient symptoms revealed that pre-operative NGF levels were related to post-operative residual lower extremity pain and LBP in motion. The results suggest that NGF in the disc is related to pain generation, however, the impact of NGF on generation of LBP varies in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuchika Aoki
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba, 283-8686 Japan
| | - Arata Nakajima
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
| | - Seiji Ohtori
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-city, Chiba, 260-8677 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
| | - Fusako Watanabe
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
| | - Masato Sonobe
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
| | - Fumiaki Terajima
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
| | - Masahiko Saito
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-city, Chiba, 260-8677 Japan
| | - Tomoaki Toyone
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, 3426-3 Anesaki, Ichihara-city, Chiba, 299-0111 Japan
| | - Atsuya Watanabe
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba, 283-8686 Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakajima
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba, 283-8686 Japan
| | - Makoto Takazawa
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba, 283-8686 Japan
| | - Koichi Nakagawa
- />Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura, Chiba, 285-8741 Japan
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Krock E, Rosenzweig DH, Chabot-Doré AJ, Jarzem P, Weber MH, Ouellet JA, Stone LS, Haglund L. Painful, degenerating intervertebral discs up-regulate neurite sprouting and CGRP through nociceptive factors. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:1213-25. [PMID: 24650225 PMCID: PMC4508160 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) can result in chronic low back pain, a common cause of morbidity and disability. Inflammation has been associated with IVD degeneration, however the relationship between inflammatory factors and chronic low back pain remains unclear. Furthermore, increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are both associated with inflammation and chronic low back pain, but whether degenerating discs release sufficient concentrations of factors that induce nociceptor plasticity remains unclear. Degenerating IVDs from low back pain patients and healthy, painless IVDs from human organ donors were cultured ex vivo. Inflammatory and nociceptive factors released by IVDs into culture media were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and protein arrays. The ability of factors released to induce neurite growth and nociceptive neuropeptide production was investigated. Degenerating discs release increased levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, NGF and BDNF. Factors released by degenerating IVDs increased neurite growth and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression, both of which were blocked by anti-NGF treatment. Furthermore, protein arrays found increased levels of 20 inflammatory factors, many of which have nociceptive effects. Our results demonstrate that degenerating and painful human IVDs release increased levels of NGF, inflammatory and nociceptive factors ex vivo that induce neuronal plasticity and may actively diffuse to induce neo-innervation and pain in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Krock
- Orthopeadic Research Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McGill Scoliosis and Spine Research Group, Montreal, QC, Canada
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