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Wang Z, Chen X, Chen N, Yan H, Wu K, Li J, Ru Q, Deng R, Liu X, Kang R. Mechanical Factors Regulate Annulus Fibrosus (AF) Injury Repair and Remodeling: A Review. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:219-233. [PMID: 38149967 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01091] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain is a common chronic disease that can severely affect the patient's work and daily life. The breakdown of spinal mechanical homeostasis caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain. Annulus fibrosus (AF), as the outer layer structure of the IVD, is often the first affected part. AF injury caused by consistent stress overload will further accelerate IVD degeneration. Therefore, regulating AF injury repair and remodeling should be the primary goal of the IVD repair strategy. Mechanical stimulation has been shown to promote AF regeneration and repair, but most studies only focus on the effect of single stress on AF, and lack realistic models and methods that can mimic the actual mechanical environment of AF. In this article, we review the effects of different types of stress stimulation on AF injury repair and remodeling, suggest possible beneficial load combinations, and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. It will provide the theoretical basis for designing better tissue engineering therapy using mechanical factors to regulate AF injury repair and remodeling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Nan Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Hongjie Yan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Ke Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Jitao Li
- School of Physics and Telecommunications Engineering, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, Henan Province 466001, P.R. China
| | - Qingyuan Ru
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Rongrong Deng
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
| | - Ran Kang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210028, P.R. China
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Mechanobiology of the Human Intervertebral Disc: Systematic Review of the Literature and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032728. [PMID: 36769050 PMCID: PMC9917554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is an extremely common condition with severe consequences. Among its potential specific causes, degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most frequently observed. Mechanobiology is an emerging science studying the interplay between mechanical stimuli and the biological behavior of cells and tissues. The aim of the presented study is to review, with a systematic approach, the existing literature regarding the mechanobiology of the human intervertebral disc (IVD), define the main pathways involved in DDD and identify novel potential therapeutic targets. The review was carried out in accordance with the Preferential Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they described biological responses of human IVD cells under mechanical stimulation or alterations of mechanical properties of the IVD determined by different gene expression. Fifteen studies were included and showed promising results confirming the mechanobiology of the human IVD as a key element in DDD. The technical advances of the last decade have allowed us to increase our understanding of this topic, enabling us to identify possible therapeutic targets to treat and to prevent DDD. Further research and technological innovations will shed light on the interactions between the mechanics and biology of the human IVD.
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Lin M, Hu Y, An H, Guo T, Gao Y, Peng K, Zhao M, Zhang X, Zhou H. Silk fibroin-based biomaterials for disc tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:749-776. [PMID: 36537344 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01343f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain is the major cause of disability worldwide, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the most important causes of low back pain. Currently, there is no method to treat IVDD that can reverse or regenerate intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue, but the recent development of disc tissue engineering (DTE) offers a new means of addressing these disadvantages. Among numerous biomaterials for tissue engineering, silk fibroin (SF) is widely used due to its easy availability and excellent physical/chemical properties. SF is usually used in combination with other materials to construct biological scaffolds or bioactive substance delivery systems, or it can be used alone. The present article first briefly outlines the anatomical and physiological features of IVD, the associated etiology and current treatment modalities of IVDD, and the current status of DTE. Then, it highlights the characteristics of SF biomaterials and their latest research advances in DTE and discusses the prospects and challenges in the application of SF in DTE, with a view to facilitating the clinical process of developing interventions related to IVD-derived low back pain caused by IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoqiang Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Yicun Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Haiying An
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, Hubei, China
| | - Taowen Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Yanbing Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Kaichen Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Meiling Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Haiyu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Disease Research of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
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Tian S, Gao J, Gong H, Zhang X, Wang S. Effects of whole-body vibration at different periods on lumbar vertebrae in female rats. Med Eng Phys 2022; 110:103918. [PMID: 36564133 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2022.103918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) before and after ovariectomy on lumbar vertebrae, and to observe whether the positive effects of WBV before and after ovariectomy on lumbar vertebrae in rats could be maintained after vibration stopped. Three-month-old female rats were divided into four groups (n = 45/group): control (CON), ovariectomy (OVA), WBV before ovariectomy (WBV-BO), and WBV after ovariectomy (WBV-AO) groups. For 1-8 weeks, WBV-BO group was subjected to vertical WBV. At the 9th week, the rats in WBV-BO, WBV-AO, and OVA groups were ovariectomized. During 11-18 weeks, WBV-AO group was subjected to vibration. For 19-26 weeks, no intervention was done for rats. The lumbar vertebrae were examined by Micro-CT, compressive test, creep test, and microindentation test. At the 8th week, the displacement of the L1-L2 annulus fibrosus in WBV-BO group was 18% smaller compared with CON group (p<0.05). At the 18th week, the elastic modulus of the L5 vertebral body in WBV-BO and WBV-AO groups was 53% and 57% higher than that in CON group, respectively (p<0.05); the displacement of the L1-L2 annulus fibrosus in WBV-BO group was 25% smaller than those in the other groups (p<0.05). At the 26th week, there was no significant difference in the displacement of the L1-L2 annulus fibrosus between WBV-BO group and other groups (p>0.05); the elastic modulus of the L5 vertebral body had no significant difference between WBV-AO group and CON group (p>0.05). Our results demonstrated that WBV before ovariectomy effectively prevented disc degeneration with significant effects up to 8 weeks after ovariectomy. The vertebral mechanical properties could be significantly improved by WBV after ovariectomy, but the residual effect did not maintain after WBV stopped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujing Tian
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130025, China
| | - Jiazi Gao
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130025, China
| | - He Gong
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130025, China.
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130025, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130025, China
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Zhang S, Liu W, Chen S, Wang B, Wang P, Hu B, Lv X, Shao Z. Extracellular matrix in intervertebral disc: basic and translational implications. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:1-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Integrin and syndecan binding peptide-conjugated alginate hydrogel for modulation of nucleus pulposus cell phenotype. Biomaterials 2021; 277:121113. [PMID: 34492582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterial based strategies have been widely explored to preserve and restore the juvenile phenotype of cells of the nucleus pulposus (NP) in degenerated intervertebral discs (IVD). With aging and maturation, NP cells lose their ability to produce necessary extracellular matrix and proteoglycans, accelerating disc degeneration. Previous studies have shown that integrin or syndecan binding peptide motifs from laminin can induce NP cells from degenerative human discs to re-express juvenile NP-specific cell phenotype and biosynthetic activity. Here, we engineered alginate hydrogels to present integrin- and syndecan-binding peptides alone or in combination (cyclic RGD and AG73, respectively) to introduce bioactive features into the alginate gels. We demonstrated human NP cells cultured upon and within alginate hydrogels presented with cRGD and AG73 peptides exhibited higher cell viability, biosynthetic activity, and NP-specific protein expression over alginate alone. Moreover, the combination of the two peptide motifs elicited markers of the NP-specific cell phenotype, including N-Cadherin, despite differences in cell morphology and multicellular cluster formation between 2D and 3D cultures. These results represent a promising step toward understanding how distinct adhesive peptides can be combined to guide NP cell fate. In the future, these insights may be useful to rationally design hydrogels for NP cell-transplantation based therapies for IVD degeneration.
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Kanda Y, Yurube T, Morita Y, Takeoka Y, Kurakawa T, Tsujimoto R, Miyazaki K, Kakiuchi Y, Miyazaki S, Zhang Z, Takada T, Hoshino Y, Masuda K, Kuroda R, Kakutani K. Delayed notochordal cell disappearance through integrin α5β1 mechanotransduction during ex-vivo dynamic loading-induced intervertebral disc degeneration. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:1933-1944. [PMID: 33049071 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) notochordal cells is one of the key initial hallmarks of age-related intervertebral disc degeneration. Although the transmembrane mechanoreceptor integrin α5β1 is important in the process of disc degeneration, the relationship between integrin α5β1 and notochordal cell disappearance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of integrin α5β1 in the homeostasis of notochordal cells using an ex-vivo dynamic loading culture system that we developed. Rat tail functional spinal units (n = 80 from 40 rats) were cultured under unloading or 1.3-MPa, 1.0-Hz dynamic compressive loading for 48 or 144 h with or without an integrin α5β1 inhibitor. Disc histomorphology, cell viability, apoptosis, senescence, and phenotypic expression were investigated. Consequently, histological degenerative disc changes with decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis and senescence were observed with an extended loading duration. Immunofluorescence revealed that the expression of notochordal cell markers, CD24 and brachyury, and chondrocyte markers, collagen type II and SRY-box 9, declined with loading. In particular, reduction in notochordal cell marker expression was more dramatic than that in chondrocyte marker expression. Apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling positivity was also higher in brachyury-positive notochordal cells. Furthermore, all these changes were delayed by inhibiting integrin α5β1. Findings of our dynamic loading regimen with a relatively high pressure suggest reproducibility of the cellularity and phenotypic disappearance of NP notochordal cells during adolescence, the susceptibility of notochordal cells to mechanical stimuli partially through the integrin α5β1 pathway, and future potential treatment of integrin regulation for intervertebral disc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Kanda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takashi Yurube
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yusuke Morita
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Takeoka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takuto Kurakawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryu Tsujimoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Miyazaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuji Kakiuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shingo Miyazaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Zhongying Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toru Takada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe Hokuto Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hoshino
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koichi Masuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryosuke Kuroda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Kakutani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Poillot P, Le Maitre CL, Huyghe JM. The strain-generated electrical potential in cartilaginous tissues: a role for piezoelectricity. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:91-100. [PMID: 33747246 PMCID: PMC7930161 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The strain-generated potential (SGP) is a well-established mechanism in cartilaginous tissues whereby mechanical forces generate electrical potentials. In articular cartilage (AC) and the intervertebral disc (IVD), studies on the SGP have focused on fluid- and ionic-driven effects, namely Donnan, diffusion and streaming potentials. However, recent evidence has indicated a direct coupling between strain and electrical potential. Piezoelectricity is one such mechanism whereby deformation of most biological structures, like collagen, can directly generate an electrical potential. In this review, the SGP in AC and the IVD will be revisited in light of piezoelectricity and mechanotransduction. While the evidence base for physiologically significant piezoelectric responses in tissue is lacking, difficulties in quantifying the physiological response and imperfect measurement techniques may have underestimated the property. Hindering our understanding of the SGP further, numerical models to-date have negated ferroelectric effects in the SGP and have utilised classic Donnan theory that, as evidence argues, may be oversimplified. Moreover, changes in the SGP with degeneration due to an altered extracellular matrix (ECM) indicate that the significance of ionic-driven mechanisms may diminish relative to the piezoelectric response. The SGP, and these mechanisms behind it, are finally discussed in relation to the cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Poillot
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Jacques M. Huyghe
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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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: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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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Kim MKM, Burns MJ, Serjeant ME, Séguin CA. The mechano-response of murine annulus fibrosus cells to cyclic tensile strain is frequency dependent. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e21114. [PMID: 33392464 PMCID: PMC7770207 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disk (IVD) is a composite structure essential for spine stabilization, load bearing, and movement. Biomechanical factors are important contributors to the IVD microenvironment regulating joint homeostasis; however, the cell type-specific effectors of mechanotransduction in the IVD are not fully understood. The current study aimed to determine the effects of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) on annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and identify mechano-sensitive pathways. Using a cell-type specific reporter mouse to differentiation NP and AF cells from the murine IVD, we characterized AF cells in dynamic culture exposed to CTS (6% strain) at specific frequencies (0.1 Hz, 1.0 Hz, or 2.0 Hz). We demonstrate that our culture model maintains the phenotype of primary AF cells and that the bioreactor system delivers uniform biaxial strain across the cell culture surface. We show that exposure of AF cells to CTS induces cytoskeleton reorganization resulting in stress fiber formation, with acute exposure to CTS at 2.0 Hz inducing a significant yet transient increase ERK1/2 pathway activation. Using SYBPR-based qPCR to assess the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, ECM-remodeling genes, candidate mechano-sensitive genes, inflammatory cytokines and cell surface receptors, we demonstrated that exposure of AF cells to CTS at 0.1 Hz increased Acan, Prg4, Col1a1 and Mmp3 expression. AF cells exposed to CTS at 1.0 Hz showed a significant increase in the expression of Acan, Myc, and Tnfα. Exposure of AF cells to CTS at 2.0 Hz induced a significant increase in Acan, Prg4, Cox2, Myc, Fos, and Tnfα expression. Among the cell surface receptors assessed, AF cells exposed to CTS at 2.0 Hz showed a significant increase in Itgβ1, Itgα5, and Trpv4 expression. Our findings demonstrate that the response of AF cells to CTS is frequency dependent and suggest that mechanical loading may directly contribute to matrix remodeling and the onset of local tissue inflammation in the murine IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyu M. Kim
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Marissa J. Burns
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Meaghan E. Serjeant
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Cheryle A. Séguin
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
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11
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Muñoz-González PU, Rooney P, Mohd Isa IL, Pandit A, Delgado J, Flores-Moreno M, Castellano LE, Mendoza-Novelo B. Development and characterization of an immunomodulatory and injectable system composed of collagen modified with trifunctional oligourethanes and silica. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:4547-4557. [PMID: 31463512 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00702d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory biomaterials have emerged as a promising approach to engineer wound healing. To achieve this task, the bioactivity of the biomaterials and an easy application are two key desirable characteristics. This work reports an injectable gel system containing immune cells primed for wound healing. By combining the self-assembly of type I collagen, cross-linked with trifunctional oligourethanes, and silica particle entrapment, the structured collagen network acts as a delivery vehicle for macrophages. This structured collagen network primes the macrophages for an anti-inflammatory response. Rheological measurements suggest that the mixture of liquid precursors can be safely stored at low temperatures and low pH (4 °C, pH 3) for at least one month. After pH neutralization and injection, gels with a storage modulus of 50-80 Pa are obtained in five minutes. Several immunocytochemistry and ELISA tests strongly suggest that mouse and human macrophages are stimulated by the material to up-regulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, while down-regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The injection of gel in an ex vivo inflammation model of intervertebral discs demonstrated that it is possible to transit from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Altogether, the results suggest that this gel can polarize the macrophage response and promote a surrounding anti-inflammatory microenvironment ready for injection for wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro U Muñoz-González
- Science and Engineering Division, University of Guanajuato, Loma del bosque # 103, Col. Lomas del campestre, C.P. 37150, León, GTO, Mexico.
| | - Peadar Rooney
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Isma Liza Mohd Isa
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jorge Delgado
- Science and Engineering Division, University of Guanajuato, Loma del bosque # 103, Col. Lomas del campestre, C.P. 37150, León, GTO, Mexico.
| | - Mauricio Flores-Moreno
- The Research Center in Optics, Loma del bosque # 115, Col. Lomas del campestre, C.P. 37150, León, GTO, Mexico
| | - Laura E Castellano
- Science and Engineering Division, University of Guanajuato, Loma del bosque # 103, Col. Lomas del campestre, C.P. 37150, León, GTO, Mexico.
| | - Birzabith Mendoza-Novelo
- Science and Engineering Division, University of Guanajuato, Loma del bosque # 103, Col. Lomas del campestre, C.P. 37150, León, GTO, Mexico.
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12
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Abstract
Mechanical loading of the intervertebral disc (IVD) initiates cell-mediated remodeling events that contribute to disc degeneration. Cells of the IVD, nucleus pulposus (NP) and anulus fibrosus (AF), will exhibit various responses to different mechanical stimuli which appear to be highly dependent on loading type, magnitude, duration, and anatomic zone of cell origin. Cells of the NP, the innermost region of the disc, exhibit an anabolic response to low-moderate magnitudes of static compression, osmotic pressure, or hydrostatic pressure, while higher magnitudes promote a catabolic response marked by increased protease expression and activity. Cells of the outer AF are responsive to physical forces in a manner that depends on frequency and magnitude, as are cells of the NP, though they experience different forces, deformations, pressure, and osmotic pressure in vivo. Much remains to be understood of the mechanotransduction pathways that regulate IVD cell responses to loading, including responses to specific stimuli and also differences among cell types. There is evidence that cytoskeletal remodeling and receptor-mediated signaling are important mechanotransduction events that can regulate downstream effects like gene expression and posttranslational biosynthesis, all of which may influence phenotype and bioactivity. These and other mechanotransduction events will be regulated by known and to-be-discovered cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, and depend on composition of extracellular matrix ligands for cell interaction, matrix stiffness, and the phenotype of the cells themselves. Here, we present a review of the current knowledge of the role of mechanical stimuli and the impact upon the cellular response to loading and changes that occur with aging and degeneration of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey V Fearing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Paula A Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lori A Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nadeen O Chahine
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
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13
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Hodson NW, Patel S, Richardson SM, Hoyland JA, Gilbert HTJ. Degenerate intervertebral disc-like pH induces a catabolic mechanoresponse in human nucleus pulposus cells. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1004. [PMID: 31463436 PMCID: PMC6711490 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation is known to influence intervertebral disc (IVD) cell behavior and function, but the effect on disc cells is routinely considered in isolation from other microenvironmental factors. Acidic pH has been shown to be a prominent and detrimental microenvironmental factor present in degenerate IVDs, but its influence on the human disc cell mechanoresponse has never been studied. We investigated the response of agarose-encapsulated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to 0.004 MPa, 1.0 Hz and 1 hour of compression (Flexcell FX4000 Compression System) under pH conditions representative of nondegenerate (pH 7.1) and degenerate (pH 6.5) IVDs. Cell viability, extracellular matrix production, and expression of anabolic/anti-catabolic and catabolic genes were assessed. We report that preculture of NP cells in agarose gels was required in order for cells to be mechanoresponsive, and this correlated with increased type VI collagen, α5β1 integrin, and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, the matrix homeostatic response observed at pH 7.1 (representative of nondegenerate IVDs; increased aggrecan [AGC], tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 [TIMP1], matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP3], a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif-5 [ADAMTS5] gene expression) was RGD-integrin dependent, whereas only MMP3 remained mechanoresponsive at pH 6.5, and this was independent of RGD-integrins. Our findings suggest differential mechanotransduction pathways operating for specific genes, with RGD-integrin dependent AGC expression, but not RGD-independent MMP3 expression, inhibited at pH representative of degenerate IVDs (pH 6.5), which could contribute to the catabolic phenotype observed during IVD degeneration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Characterizing the influence of the mechanical and chemical intervertebral disc microenvironment on disc cells, particularly in disc degeneration, could help develop future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of discogenic back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W. Hodson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sonal Patel
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Stephen M. Richardson
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Judith A. Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester NHS Foundation TrustManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
| | - Hamish T. J. Gilbert
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell‐Matrix Research, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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14
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Focal adhesion signaling affects regeneration by human nucleus pulposus cells in collagen- but not carbohydrate-based hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2018; 66:238-247. [PMID: 29174589 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel-based 3D cell cultures are an emerging strategy for the regeneration of cartilage. In an attempt to regenerate dysfunctional intervertebral discs, nucleus pulposus (NP) cells can be cultured in hydrogels of various kinds and physical properties. Stiffness sensing through focal adhesions is believed to direct chondrogenesis, but the mechanisms by which this works are largely unknown. In this study we compared focal adhesion formation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) deposition by NP cells in a range of hydrogels. Using a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor, we demonstrated that focal adhesion signaling is involved in the response of NP cells in hydrogels that contain integrin binding sites (i.e. methacrylated gelatin (gelMA) and type II collagen), but not in hydrogels deplete from integrin binding sites such as alginate and agarose, or CD44-binding hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid. As a result of FAK inhibition we observedenhanced proteoglycan production in gelMA, but decreased production in type II collagen hydrogels, which could be explained by alteration in cell fate as supported by the increase in the adipogenic marker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARy). Furthermore, GAG deposition was inversely proportional to polymer concentration in integrin-binding gelMA, while no direct relationship was found for the non-integrin binding gels alginate and agarose. This corroborates our finding that focal adhesion formation plays an important role in NP cell response to its surrounding matrix. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Biomaterials are increasingly being investigated for regenerative medicine applications, including regeneration of the nucleus pulposus. Cells interact with their environment and are influenced by extracellular matrix or polymer properties. Insight in these interactions can improve regeneration and helps to understand degeneration processes. The role of focal adhesion formation in the regenerative response of nucleus pulposus cells is largely unknown. Therefore, the relation between materials, stiffness and focal adhesion formation is studied here.
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15
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Zvicer J, Obradovic B. Bioreactors with hydrostatic pressures imitating physiological environments in intervertebral discs. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:529-545. [PMID: 28763577 DOI: 10.1002/term.2533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral discs are normally exposed to a variety of loads and stresses but hydrostatic pressure (HP) could be the main biosignal for chondrogenic cell differentiation and maintenance of this tissue. Although there are simple approaches to intermittently expose cell cultures to HP in separate material testing devices, utilization of biomimetic bioreactors aiming to provide in vitro conditions mimicking those found in vivo, attracts special attention. However, design of such bioreactors is complex due to the requirement of high HP magnitudes (up to 3 MPa) applied in different regimes mimicking pressures arising in intervertebral disc during normal daily activities. Furthermore, efficient mass transfer has to be facilitated to cells within 3D scaffolds, and the engineering challenges include avoidance or removal of gas bubbles in the culture medium before pressurization as well as selection of appropriate, biocompatible construction materials and maintenance of sterility during cultivation. Here, we review approaches to induce HP in 2D and 3D cell cultures categorized into 5 groups: (I) discontinuous systems with direct pressurization of the cultivation medium by a piston, (II) discontinuous systems with indirect pressurization by a compression fluid, (III) continuous systems with direct pressurization of the cultivation medium, static culture, (IV) continuous systems with culture perfusion, and (V) systems applying HP in conjunction with other physical signals. Although the complexity is increasing as additional features are added to the systems, the need to understand HP effects on cells and tissues in a physiologically relevant, yet precisely controlled, environment together with current technological advancements are leading towards innovative bioreactor solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Zvicer
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Obradovic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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16
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Matrisome Profiling During Intervertebral Disc Development And Ageing. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11629. [PMID: 28912585 PMCID: PMC5599645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is often the cause of low back pain. Degeneration occurs with age and is accompanied by extracellular matrix (ECM) depletion, culminating in nucleus pulpous (NP) extrusion and IVD destruction. The changes that occur in the disc with age have been under investigation. However, a thorough study of ECM profiling is needed, to better understand IVD development and age-associated degeneration. As so, iTRAQ LC-MS/MS analysis of foetus, young and old bovine NPs, was performed to define the NP matrisome. The enrichment of Collagen XII and XIV in foetus, Fibronectin and Prolargin in elder NPs and Collagen XI in young ones was independently validated. This study provides the first matrisome database of healthy discs during development and ageing, which is key to determine the pathways and processes that maintain disc homeostasis. The factors identified may help to explain age-associated IVD degeneration or constitute putative effectors for disc regeneration.
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17
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Nguyen QT, Jacobsen TD, Chahine NO. Effects of Inflammation on Multiscale Biomechanical Properties of Cartilaginous Cells and Tissues. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:2644-2656. [PMID: 29152560 PMCID: PMC5686563 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Cells
within cartilaginous tissues are mechanosensitive and thus
require mechanical loading for regulation of tissue homeostasis and
metabolism. Mechanical loading plays critical roles in cell differentiation,
proliferation, biosynthesis, and homeostasis. Inflammation is an important
event occurring during multiple processes, such as aging, injury,
and disease. Inflammation has significant effects on biological processes
as well as mechanical function of cells and tissues. These effects
are highly dependent on cell/tissue type, timing, and magnitude. In
this review, we summarize key findings pertaining to effects of inflammation
on multiscale mechanical properties at subcellular, cellular, and
tissue level in cartilaginous tissues, including alterations in mechanotransduction
and mechanosensitivity. The emphasis is on articular cartilage and
the intervertebral disc, which are impacted by inflammatory insults
during degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, joint pain,
and back pain. To recapitulate the pro-inflammatory cascades that
occur in vivo, different inflammatory stimuli have been used for in
vitro and in situ studies, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF),
various interleukins (IL), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Therefore,
this review will focus on the effects of these stimuli because they
are the best studied pro-inflammatory cytokines in cartilaginous tissues.
Understanding the current state of the field of inflammation and cell/tissue
biomechanics may potentially identify future directions for novel
and translational therapeutics with multiscale biomechanical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q T Nguyen
- Bioengineering-Biomechanics Laboratory The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health System, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | - T D Jacobsen
- Bioengineering-Biomechanics Laboratory The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health System, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States.,Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York 11549, United States
| | - N O Chahine
- Bioengineering-Biomechanics Laboratory The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health System, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States.,Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York 11549, United States
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18
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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: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [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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19
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Decoding the intervertebral disc: Unravelling the complexities of cell phenotypes and pathways associated with degeneration and mechanotransduction. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 62:94-103. [PMID: 27208724 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Back pain is the most common cause of pain and disability worldwide. While its etiology remains unknown, it is typically associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Despite the prevalence of back pain, relatively little is known about the specific cellular pathways and mechanisms that contribute to the development, function and degeneration of the IVD. Consequently, current treatments for back pain are largely limited to symptomatic interventions. However, major progress is being made in multiple research directions to unravel the biology and pathology of the IVD, raising hope that effective disease-modifying interventions will soon be developed. In this review, we will discuss our current knowledge and gaps in knowledge on the developmental origin of the IVD, the phenotype of the distinct cell types found within the IVD tissues, molecular targets in IVD degeneration identified using bioinformatics strategies, and mechanotransduction pathways that influence IVD cell fate and function.
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20
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Barkai U, Rotem A, de Vos P. Survival of encapsulated islets: More than a membrane story. World J Transplant 2016; 6:69-90. [PMID: 27011906 PMCID: PMC4801806 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v6.i1.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, proven clinical treatments but no cures are available for diabetes, a global epidemic with a huge economic burden. Transplantation of islets of Langerhans by their infusion into vascularized organs is an experimental clinical protocol, the first approach to attain cure. However, it is associated with lifelong use of immunosuppressants. To overcome the need for immunosuppression, islets are encapsulated and separated from the host immune system by a permselective membrane. The lead material for this application is alginate which was tested in many animal models and a few clinical trials. This review discusses all aspects related to the function of transplanted encapsulated islets such as the basic requirements from a permselective membrane (e.g., allowable hydrodynamic radii, implications of the thickness of the membrane and relative electrical charge). Another aspect involves adequate oxygen supply, which is essential for survival/performance of transplanted islets, especially when using large retrievable macro-capsules implanted in poorly oxygenated sites like the subcutis. Notably, islets can survive under low oxygen tension and are physiologically active at > 40 Torr. Surprisingly, when densely crowded, islets are fully functional under hyperoxic pressure of up to 500 Torr (> 300% of atmospheric oxygen tension). The review also addresses an additional category of requirements for optimal performance of transplanted islets, named auxiliary technologies. These include control of inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the intra-capsular environment. The review highlights that curing diabetes with a functional bio-artificial pancreas requires optimizing all of these aspects, and that significant advances have already been made in many of them.
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21
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Teixeira GQ, Boldt A, Nagl I, Pereira CL, Benz K, Wilke HJ, Ignatius A, Barbosa MA, Gonçalves RM, Neidlinger-Wilke C. A Degenerative/Proinflammatory Intervertebral Disc Organ Culture: An Ex Vivo Model for Anti-inflammatory Drug and Cell Therapy. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2015; 22:8-19. [PMID: 26565141 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2015.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Resolution of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration-associated inflammation is a prerequisite for tissue regeneration and could possibly be achieved by strategies ranging from pharmacological to cell-based therapies. In this study, a proinflammatory disc organ culture model was established. Bovine caudal disc punches were needle punctured and additionally stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (10 μg/mL) or interleukin-1β (IL-1β, 10-100 ng/mL) for 48 h. Two intradiscal therapeutic approaches were tested: (i) a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac (Df) and (ii) human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) embedded in an albumin/hyaluronan hydrogel. IL-1β-treated disc organ cultures showed a statistically significant upregulation of proinflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]) and metalloproteases (MMP1, MMP3) expression, while extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagen II, aggrecan) were significantly downregulated. The injection of the anti-inflammatory drug, Df, was able to reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs and surprisingly increase ECM protein levels. These results point the intradiscal application of anti-inflammatory drugs as promising therapeutics for disc degeneration. In parallel, the immunomodulatory role of MSCs on this model was also evaluated. Although a slight downregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 expression could be found, the variability among the five donors tested was high, suggesting that the beneficial effect of these cells on disc degeneration needs to be further evaluated. The proinflammatory/degenerative IVD organ culture model established can be considered a suitable approach for testing novel therapeutic drugs, thus reducing the number of animals in in vivo experimentation. Moreover, this model can be used to address the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammation in the IVD and their implications in tissue degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciosa Q Teixeira
- 1 Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm , Ulm, Germany .,2 Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,3 Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,4 Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Antje Boldt
- 1 Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm , Ulm, Germany
| | - Ines Nagl
- 1 Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm , Ulm, Germany
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- 2 Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,3 Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,4 Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Karin Benz
- 5 Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI), University of Tuebingen , Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wilke
- 1 Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm , Ulm, Germany
| | - Anita Ignatius
- 1 Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm , Ulm, Germany
| | - Mário A Barbosa
- 2 Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,3 Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,4 Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel M Gonçalves
- 2 Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal .,3 Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Cornelia Neidlinger-Wilke
- 1 Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm , Ulm, Germany
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22
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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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23
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Withofs N, Charlier E, Simoni P, Alvarez-Miezentseva V, Mievis F, Giacomelli F, Mella C, Gambhir SS, Malaise O, de Seny D, Malaise M, Hustinx R. ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ PET/CT imaging of musculoskeletal disorders. Ann Nucl Med 2015; 29:839-47. [PMID: 26254227 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-015-1011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work reports on musculoskeletal uptake of ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂, targeting the integrin αvβ3, in patients who had undergone ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) for oncologic purposes. METHODS Whole-body ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ PET/CT images of 62 cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed to detect foci of musculoskeletal ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ uptake. For 37 patients, a FDG PET/CT performed in clinical settings was available. In each joint with an abnormal uptake, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was estimated. RESULTS A total of 260 musculoskeletal foci of ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ uptake were detected. Most common sites of uptake were joints and discs (n = 160; 61.5%), entheses (osteotendinous and osteoligamentous junctions; n = 55; 21.2%) and recent fractures (n = 18; 6.9%). In addition, 27 (10.4%) miscellaneous foci were detected. Out of the 146 lesions for which a FDG PET was available, 63% showed both ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ and FDG uptake, 33.6% did not show FDG avidity and 3.4% showed only FDG uptake. The uptake intensity of the 92 lesions positive with ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ and FDG was similar with both radiopharmaceuticals, but the target-to-background (blood pool or muscle) ratios were significantly higher with ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ than with FDG (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ uptake in joints, spine degenerative diseases and tendons was highly prevalent in our population. Up to one-third of ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ foci showed no FDG uptake suggesting that ¹⁸F-FPRGD₂ signal may not be related to inflammatory angiogenesis only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Withofs
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Oncological Imaging, Department of Medical Physics, CHU Liege, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Edith Charlier
- Department and Laboratory of Rheumatology CHU Liege and GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Paolo Simoni
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Medical Physics, CHU Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Frédéric Mievis
- Cyclotron Research Centre, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Christine Mella
- Cyclotron Research Centre, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Sanjiv S Gambhir
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivier Malaise
- Department and Laboratory of Rheumatology CHU Liege and GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Dominique de Seny
- Department and Laboratory of Rheumatology CHU Liege and GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Michel Malaise
- Department and Laboratory of Rheumatology CHU Liege and GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Roland Hustinx
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Oncological Imaging, Department of Medical Physics, CHU Liege, Liege, Belgium
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24
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Spyropoulou A, Karamesinis K, Basdra EK. Mechanotransduction pathways in bone pathobiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:1700-8. [PMID: 26004394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The skeleton is subject to dynamic changes throughout life and bone remodeling is essential for maintenance of bone functionality. The cell populations which predominantly participate in bone and cartilage remodeling, namely osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and chondrocytes sense and respond to external mechanical signals and via a series of molecular cascades control bone metabolism and turnover rate. The aforementioned process, known as mechanotransduction, is the underlying mechanism that controls bone homeostasis and function. A wide array of cross-talking signaling pathways has been found to play an important role in the preservation of bone and cartilage tissue health. Moreover, alterations in bone mechanotransduction pathways, due to genetic, hormonal and biomechanical factors, are considered responsible for the pathogenesis of bone and cartilage diseases. Extensive research has been conducted and demonstrated that aberrations in mechanotransduction pathways result in disease-like effects, however only few signaling pathways have actually been engaged in the development of bone disease. The aim of the present review is to present these signaling molecules and cascades that have been found to be mechano-responsive and implicated in bone disease development, as revealed by research in the last five years. In addition, the role of these molecules as prognostic or diagnostic disease markers and their potential as therapeutic targets are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Spyropoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Karamesinis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia K Basdra
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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Tsai TT, Cheng CM, Chen CF, Lai PL. Mechanotransduction in intervertebral discs. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:2351-60. [PMID: 25267492 PMCID: PMC4302640 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction plays a critical role in intracellular functioning—it allows cells to translate external physical forces into internal biochemical activities, thereby affecting processes ranging from proliferation and apoptosis to gene expression and protein synthesis in a complex web of interactions and reactions. Accordingly, aberrant mechanotransduction can either lead to, or be a result of, a variety of diseases or degenerative states. In this review, we provide an overview of mechanotransduction in the context of intervertebral discs, with a focus on the latest methods of investigating mechanotransduction and the most recent findings regarding the means and effects of mechanotransduction in healthy and degenerative discs. We also provide some discussion of potential directions for future research and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ting Tsai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Section, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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26
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Wang HQ, Samartzis D. Clarifying the nomenclature of intervertebral disc degeneration and displacement: from bench to bedside. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:1293-1298. [PMID: 24817926 PMCID: PMC4014210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
As a significant determinant of low back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has attracted more and more attention of both investigators and physicians. Disc herniation, termed as intervertebral disc displacement, is amongst the most prevalent spinal diseases closely linked with IDD. Due to the same origins and similar pathophysiology, the ambiguity regarding the similarity and difference of IDD and intervertebral disc displacement thus remains. The aim of this study was to clarify the nomenclature of IDD and disc herniation in terms of molecular etiology, pathophysiology, nature history and clinical outcomes. Collectively, IDD is a type of multifaceted, progressive spinal disease with or without clinical symptoms as back pain, characterized by extracellular matrix and the integrity of NP and AF lost, fissures formation. Disc herniation (termed as intervertebral disc displacement) is a type of spinal disease based on IDD or not, with local pain and/or sciatica due to mechanical compression and autoimmune cascades upon the corresponding nerve roots. Clarifying the nomenclature of intervertebral disc degeneration and displacement has important implications both for investigators and for physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’an, China
| | - Dino Samartzis
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Hong KongPokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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