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Yu L, Wu H, Zeng S, Hu X, Wu Y, Zhou J, Yuan L, Zhang Q, Xiang C, Feng Z. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with collagen I gel as a regenerative therapeutic strategy for degenerated disc after discectomy in rats. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:75. [PMID: 38475906 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annulus fibrosis (AF) defects have been identified as the primary cause of disc herniation relapse and subsequent disc degeneration following discectomy. Stem cell-based tissue engineering offers a promising approach for structural repair. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs), a type of adult stem cell, have gained attention as an appealing source for clinical applications due to their potential for structure regeneration, with ease of acquisition and regardless of ethical issues. METHODS The differential potential of MenSCs cocultured with AF cells was examined by the expression of collagen I, SCX, and CD146 using immunofluorescence. Western blot and ELISA were used to examine the expression of TGF-β and IGF-I in coculture system. An AF defect animal model was established in tail disc of Sprague-Dawley rats (males, 8 weeks old). An injectable gel containing MenSCs (about 1*106/ml) was fabricated and transplanted into the AF defects immediately after the animal model establishment, to evaluate its repairment properties. Disc degeneration was assessed via magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histological staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess the expression of aggrecan, MMP13, TGF-β and IGF-I in discs with different treatments. Apoptosis in the discs was evaluated using TUNEL, caspase3, and caspase 8 immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Coculturing MenSCs with AF cells demonstrated ability to express collagen I and biomarkers of AF cells. Moreover, the coculture system presented upregulation of the growth factors TGF-β and IGF-I. After 12 weeks, discs treated with MenSCs gel exhibited significantly lower Pffirrmann scores (2.29 ± 0.18), compared to discs treated with MenSCs (3.43 ± 0.37, p < 0.05) or gel (3.71 ± 0.29, p < 0.01) alone. There is significant higher MR index in disc treated with MenSCs gel than that treated with MenSCs (0.51 ± 0.05 vs. 0.24 ± 0.04, p < 0.01) or gel (0.51 ± 0.05 vs. 0.26 ± 0.06, p < 0.01) alone. Additionally, MenSCs gel demonstrated preservation of the structure of degenerated discs, as indicated by histological scoring (5.43 ± 0.43 vs. 9.71 ± 1.04 in MenSCs group and 10.86 ± 0.63 in gel group, both p < 0.01), increased aggrecan expression, and decreased MMP13 expression in vivo. Furthermore, the percentage of TUNEL and caspase 3-positive cells in the disc treated with MenSCs Gel was significantly lower than those treated with gel alone and MenSCs alone. The expression of TGF-β and IGF-I was higher in discs treated with MenSCs gel or MenSCs alone than in those treated with gel alone. CONCLUSION MenSCs embedded in collagen I gel has the potential to preserve the disc structure and prevent disc degeneration after discectomy, which was probably attributed to the paracrine of growth factors of MenSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yu
- Department of Operating room, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Honghao Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shumei Zeng
- Department of gynaecology, Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuxu Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jinhong Zhou
- Department of gynaecology, Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Innovative Precision Medicine (IPM) Group, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Charlie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhiyun Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- , Building 8-2, 58#, Chengzhan Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Panebianco CJ, Constant C, Vernengo AJ, Nehrbass D, Gehweiler D, DiStefano TJ, Martin J, Alpert DJ, Chaudhary SB, Hecht AC, Seifert AC, Nicoll SB, Grad S, Zeiter S, Iatridis JC. Combining adhesive and nonadhesive injectable hydrogels for intervertebral disc repair in an ovine discectomy model. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1293. [PMID: 38156055 PMCID: PMC10751969 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc (IVD) disorders (e.g., herniation) directly contribute to back pain, which is a leading cause of global disability. Next-generation treatments for IVD herniation need advanced preclinical testing to evaluate their ability to repair large defects, prevent reherniation, and limit progressive degeneration. This study tested whether experimental, injectable, and nonbioactive biomaterials could slow IVD degeneration in an ovine discectomy model. Methods Ten skeletally mature sheep (4-5.5 years) experienced partial discectomy injury with cruciate-style annulus fibrosus (AF) defects and 0.1 g nucleus pulposus (NP) removal in the L1-L2, L2-L3, and L3-L4 lumbar IVDs. L4-L5 IVDs were Intact controls. IVD injury levels received: (1) no treatment (Injury), (2) poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), (3) genipin-crosslinked fibrin (FibGen), (4) carboxymethylcellulose-methylcellulose (C-MC), or (5) C-MC and FibGen (FibGen + C-MC). Animals healed for 12 weeks, then IVDs were assessed using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and histopathology. Results All repaired IVDs retained ~90% of their preoperative disc height and showed minor degenerative changes by Pfirrmann grading. All repairs had similar disc height loss and Pfirrmann grade as Injury IVDs. Adhesive AF sealants (i.e., PEGDA and FibGen) did not herniate, although repair caused local endplate (EP) changes and inflammation. NP repair biomaterials (i.e., C-MC) and combination repair (i.e., FibGen + C-MC) exhibited lower levels of degeneration, less EP damage, and less severe inflammation; however, C-MC showed signs of herniation via biomaterial expulsion. Conclusions All repair IVDs were noninferior to Injury IVDs by IVD height loss and Pfirrmann grade. C-MC and FibGen + C-MC IVDs had the best outcomes, and may be appropriate for enhancement with bioactive factors (e.g., cells, growth factors, and miRNAs). Such bioactive factors appear to be necessary to prevent injury-induced IVD degeneration. Application of AF sealants alone (i.e., PEGDA and FibGen) resulted in EP damage and inflammation, particularly for PEGDA IVDs, suggesting further material refinements are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Panebianco
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Andrea J. Vernengo
- AO Research Institute DavosDavosSwitzerland
- Department of Chemical EngineeringRowan UniversityGlassboroNJUSA
| | | | | | - Tyler J. DiStefano
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jesse Martin
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - David J. Alpert
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Saad B. Chaudhary
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Andrew C. Hecht
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Alan C. Seifert
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Steven B. Nicoll
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Atsu PM, Mowen C, Thompson GL. Enhanced Cell Viability and Migration of Primary Bovine Annular Fibrosus Fibroblast-like Cells Induced by Microsecond Pulsed Electric Field Exposure. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:36815-36822. [PMID: 37841191 PMCID: PMC10568721 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
This study is the first to report the enhancement of cell migration and proliferation induced by in vitro microsecond pulsed electric field (μsPEF) exposure of primary bovine annulus fibrosus (AF) fibroblast-like cells. AF primary cells isolated from fresh bovine intervertebral disks (IVDs) are exposed to 10 and 100 μsPEFs with different numbers of pulses and applied electric field strengths. The results indicate that 10 μs-duration pulses induce reversible electroporation, while 100 μs pulses induce irreversible electroporation of the cells. Additionally, μsPEF exposure increased AF cell proliferation up to 150% while increasing the average migration speed by 0.08 μm/min over 24 h. The findings suggest that the effects of PEF exposure on cells are multifactorial-depending on the duration, intensity, and number of pulses used in the stimulation. This highlights the importance of optimizing the μsPEF parameters for specific cell types and applications. For instance, if the goal is to induce cell death for cancer treatment, then high numbers of pulses can be used to maximize the lethal effects. On the other hand, if the goal is to enhance cell proliferation, a combination of the number of pulses and the applied electric field strength can be tuned to achieve the desired outcome. The information gleaned from this study can be applied in the future to in vitro cell culture expansion and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince M. Atsu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Connor Mowen
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Gary L. Thompson
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
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Schol J, Sakai D. Comprehensive narrative review on the analysis of outcomes from cell transplantation clinical trials for discogenic low back pain. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 13:100195. [PMID: 36655116 PMCID: PMC9841054 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2022.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is one of the primary causes of low back pain (LBP) and despite a prominent prevalence, present treatment options remain inadequate for a large portion of LBP patients. New developments in regenerative therapeutics offer potentially powerful medical tools to modify this pathology, with specific focus on (stem) cell transplantations. Multiple clinical trials have since reported overall beneficial outcomes favoring cell therapy. Nonetheless, the significance of these improvements is often not (clearly) discussed. As such, this narrative review aims to summarize the significance of the reported improvements from human clinical trials on IVD-targeted cell therapy. Methods Through a comprehensive narrative review we discuss the improvements in pain, disability, quality of life, and imaging modalities and reported adverse events following cell therapy for discogenic pain. Results Most clinical trials were able to report clear and significant improvements in pain and disability outcomes. Imaging and quality of life improvements however were not as clearly reported but did present some enhancements for a select number of patients. Finally, whether cell therapy can outperform placebo treatment remains intangible. Conclusions Our review highlights the clinical significance of observed trends in pain and disability improvement. Nevertheless, reporting quality was found unsatisfactory and large-scale randomized controlled studies remain small in number. Future studies and articles should put more emphasis on improvements in imaging modalities and compare outcomes to (placebo) control groups to fully elucidate the efficacy and safety of cellular therapeutics against LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy Schol
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
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Li S, Liao Z, Yin H, Liu O, Hua W, Wu X, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Yang C. G3BP1 coordinates lysophagy activity to protect against compression-induced cell ferroptosis during intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13368. [PMID: 36450665 PMCID: PMC9977669 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophagy is a form of selective autophagy to remove unwanted lysosomes. However, its role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains unclear. We intended to investigate the relationship between lysophagy and ferroptosis, as well as the potential involved molecules during IDD. Human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were obtained from clinical patients. The protein levels, protein colocalization and cellular reactive oxygen species levels were assessed by western blotting, immunofluorescence analysis, immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry, respectively. The in vivo experiments were conducted based on the needle puncture-induced IDD model in rats. Compression pressure induces the lysophagy inactivation and lysosomal damage, resulting in iron overload and ferroptosis in human NP cells. Notably, Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding proteins 1 (G3BP1) resides at lysosomes to coordinate lysophagy activity mainly via the function of G3BP1/TSC2 complex. Dysfunction of G3BP1/TSC2 complex accelerates the lysosomal damage and ferroptosis in NP cells. Besides, inhibition of mTOR signalling ameliorates lysosomal damage and protects against cell ferroptosis. The in vivo experiments also demonstrate that the G3BP1/mTOR signalling is involved in the progression of IDD. These findings illustrate the relationship between lysophagy and compression-induced cell ferroptosis. It also indicates the positive role of G3BP1 and may provide potential targets for IDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiwei Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huipeng Yin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ouyang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbin Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghuo Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Basatvat S, Bach FC, Barcellona MN, Binch AL, Buckley CT, Bueno B, Chahine NO, Chee A, Creemers LB, Dudli S, Fearing B, Ferguson SJ, Gansau J, Gantenbein B, Gawri R, Glaeser JD, Grad S, Guerrero J, Haglund L, Hernandez PA, Hoyland JA, Huang C, Iatridis JC, Illien‐Junger S, Jing L, Kraus P, Laagland LT, Lang G, Leung V, Li Z, Lufkin T, van Maanen JC, McDonnell EE, Panebianco CJ, Presciutti SM, Rao S, Richardson SM, Romereim S, Schmitz TC, Schol J, Setton L, Sheyn D, Snuggs JW, Sun Y, Tan X, Tryfonidou MA, Vo N, Wang D, Williams B, Williams R, Yoon ST, Le Maitre CL. Harmonization and standardization of nucleus pulposus cell extraction and culture methods. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1238. [PMID: 36994456 PMCID: PMC10041384 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro studies using nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are commonly used to investigate disc cell biology and pathogenesis, or to aid in the development of new therapies. However, lab-to-lab variability jeopardizes the much-needed progress in the field. Here, an international group of spine scientists collaborated to standardize extraction and expansion techniques for NP cells to reduce variability, improve comparability between labs and improve utilization of funding and resources. Methods The most commonly applied methods for NP cell extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation were identified using a questionnaire to research groups worldwide. NP cell extraction methods from rat, rabbit, pig, dog, cow, and human NP tissue were experimentally assessed. Expansion and re-differentiation media and techniques were also investigated. Results Recommended protocols are provided for extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation of NP cells from common species utilized for NP cell culture. Conclusions This international, multilab and multispecies study identified cell extraction methods for greater cell yield and fewer gene expression changes by applying species-specific pronase usage, 60-100 U/ml collagenase for shorter durations. Recommendations for NP cell expansion, passage number, and many factors driving successful cell culture in different species are also addressed to support harmonization, rigor, and cross-lab comparisons on NP cells worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Marcos N. Barcellona
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Abbie L. Binch
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - Conor T. Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Brian Bueno
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Nadeen O. Chahine
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ana Chee
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Laura B. Creemers
- Department of OrthopedicsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Center for Experimental RheumatologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Bailey Fearing
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryAtrium Health Musculoskeletal InstituteCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Jennifer Gansau
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department for Orthopedics and Traumatology, Insel University HospitalUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Rahul Gawri
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of SurgeryMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
- Regenerative Orthopaedics and Innovation LaboratoryMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | | | | | - Julien Guerrero
- Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Center of Dental Medicine, Oral Biotechnology & BioengineeringUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of SurgeryMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Paula A. Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Judith A. Hoyland
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Charles Huang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Liufang Jing
- Department of OrthopaedicsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Petra Kraus
- Department of OrthopaedicsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
- Department of BiologyClarkson UniversityPotsdamNew YorkUSA
| | - Lisanne T. Laagland
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Gernot Lang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University of FreiburgFreiburg im BreisgauGermany
| | - Victor Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics & TraumatologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Zhen Li
- AO Research Institute DavosDavosSwitzerland
| | - Thomas Lufkin
- Department of BiologyClarkson UniversityPotsdamNew YorkUSA
| | - Josette C. van Maanen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Emily E. McDonnell
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Chris J. Panebianco
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Sanjna Rao
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of OrthopaedicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Stephen M. Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sarah Romereim
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryAtrium Health Musculoskeletal InstituteCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Tara C. Schmitz
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryTokai University School of MedicineIseharaJapan
| | - Lori Setton
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Joseph W. Snuggs
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - Y. Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics & TraumatologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Xiaohong Tan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Nam Vo
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Brandon Williams
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Rebecca Williams
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - S. Tim Yoon
- Department of OrthopaedicsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Christine L. Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldSouth YorkshireUK
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Liu Z, Fu C. Application of single and cooperative different delivery systems for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1058251. [PMID: 36452213 PMCID: PMC9702580 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1058251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is the most universal pathogenesis of low back pain (LBP), a prevalent and costly medical problem across the world. Persistent low back pain can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and even lead to disability. Furthermore, the corresponding medical expenses create a serious economic burden to both individuals and society. Intervertebral disc degeneration is commonly thought to be related to age, injury, obesity, genetic susceptibility, and other risk factors. Nonetheless, its specific pathological process has not been completely elucidated; the current mainstream view considers that this condition arises from the interaction of multiple mechanisms. With the development of medical concepts and technology, clinicians and scientists tend to intervene in the early or middle stages of intervertebral disc degeneration to avoid further aggravation. However, with the aid of modern delivery systems, it is now possible to intervene in the process of intervertebral disc at the cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to provide an overview of the main mechanisms associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and the delivery systems that can help us to improve the efficacy of intervertebral disc degeneration treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongtai Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Schol J, Sakai D, Warita T, Nukaga T, Sako K, Wangler S, Tamagawa S, Zeiter S, Alini M, Grad S. Homing of vertebral‐delivered mesenchymal stromal cells for degenerative intervertebral discs repair – an in vivo proof‐of‐concept study. JOR Spine 2022; 6:e1228. [PMID: 36994461 PMCID: PMC10041374 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cell transplantation shows promising results for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair, however, contemporary strategies present concerns regarding needle puncture damage, cell retention, and straining the limited nutrient availability. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) homing is a natural mechanism of long-distance cellular migration to sites of damage and regeneration. Previous ex vivo studies have confirmed the potential of MSC to migrate over the endplate and enhance IVD-matrix production. In this study, we aimed to exploit this mechanism to engender IVD repair in a rat disc degeneration model. Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to coccygeal disc degeneration through nucleus pulposus (NP) aspiration. In part 1; MSC or saline was transplanted into the vertebrae neighboring healthy or degenerative IVD subjected to irradiation or left untouched, and the ability to maintain the IVD integrity for 2 and 4 weeks was assessed by disc height index (DHI) and histology. For part 2, ubiquitously GFP expressing MSC were transplanted either intradiscally or vertebrally, and regenerative outcomes were compared at days 1, 5, and 14 post-transplantation. Moreover, the homing potential from vertebrae to IVD of the GFP+ MSC was assessed through cryosection mediated immunohistochemistry. Results Part 1 of the study revealed significantly improved maintenance of DHI for IVD vertebrally receiving MSC. Moreover, histological observations revealed a trend of IVD integrity maintenance. Part 2 of the study highlighted the enhanced DHI and matrix integrity for discs receiving MSC vertebrally compared with intradiscal injection. Moreover, GFP rates highlighted MSC migration and integration in the IVD at similar rates as the intradiscally treated cohort. Conclusion Vertebrally transplanted MSC had a beneficial effect on the degenerative cascade in their neighboring IVD, and thus potentially present an alternative administration strategy. Further investigation will be needed to determine the long-term effects, elucidate the role of cellular homing versus paracrine signaling, and validate our observations on a large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy Schol
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
- Research Center for Regenerative Medicine Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
| | - Takayuki Warita
- Research Center for Regenerative Medicine Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
- TUNZ Pharma Co. Ltd. Osaka Japan
| | - Tadashi Nukaga
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
| | - Kosuke Sako
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
| | - Sebastian Wangler
- AO Research Institute Davos Davos Switzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - Shota Tamagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
- Department of Medicine for Orthopaedics and Motor Organ Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | | | - Mauro Alini
- AO Research Institute Davos Davos Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Grad
- AO Research Institute Davos Davos Switzerland
- ETH Zürich, Institute for Biomechanics Zürich Switzerland
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9
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Bahar ME, Hwang JS, Ahmed M, Lai TH, Pham TM, Elashkar O, Akter KM, Kim DH, Yang J, Kim DR. Targeting Autophagy for Developing New Therapeutic Strategy in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081571. [PMID: 36009290 PMCID: PMC9405341 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent cause of low back pain. IVDD is characterized by abnormal expression of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and aggrecan. In addition, it results in dysfunctional growth, senescence, and death of intervertebral cells. The biological pathways involved in the development and progression of IVDD are not fully understood. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD could aid in the development of strategies for prevention and treatment. Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged proteins and dysfunctional organelles, and its dysfunction is linked to a variety of diseases, including IVDD and osteoarthritis. In this review, we describe recent research findings on the role of autophagy in IVDD pathogenesis and highlight autophagy-targeting molecules which can be exploited to treat IVDD. Many studies exhibit that autophagy protects against and postpones disc degeneration. Further research is needed to determine whether autophagy is required for cell integrity in intervertebral discs and to establish autophagy as a viable therapeutic target for IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Jin Seok Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Trang Huyen Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Trang Minh Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Omar Elashkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Kazi-Marjahan Akter
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University Hospital and Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Jinsung Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-8054
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10
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Panebianco CJ, Rao S, Hom WW, Meyers JH, Lim TY, Laudier DM, Hecht AC, Weir MD, Weiser JR, Iatridis JC. Genipin-crosslinked fibrin seeded with oxidized alginate microbeads as a novel composite biomaterial strategy for intervertebral disc cell therapy. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121641. [PMID: 35759923 PMCID: PMC9758274 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Discectomy procedures alleviate disability caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, but do not repair herniation-induced annulus fibrosus (AF) defects. Cell therapy shows promise for IVD repair, yet cell delivery biomaterials capable of sealing AF defects and restoring biomechanical function have poor biological performance. To balance the biomechanical and biological demands of IVD cell delivery biomaterials, we engineered an injectable composite biomaterial using cell-laden, degradable oxidized alginate (OxAlg) microbeads (MBs) to deliver AF cells within high-modulus genipin-crosslinked fibrin (FibGen) hydrogels (FibGen + MB composites). Conceptually, the high-modulus FibGen would immediately stabilize injured IVDs, while OxAlg MBs would protect and release cells required for long-term healing. We first showed that AF cells microencapsulated in OxAlg MBs maintained high viability and, upon release, displayed phenotypic AF cell morphology and gene expression. Next, we created cell-laden FibGen + MB composites and demonstrated that OxAlg MBs functionalized with RGD peptides (MB-RGD) minimized AF cell apoptosis and retained phenotypic gene expression. Further, we showed that cell-laden FibGen + MB composites are biomechanically stable and promote extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in long-term in vitro culture. Lastly, we evaluated cell-laden FibGen + MB-RGD composites in a long-term bovine caudal IVD organ culture bioreactor and found that composites had low herniation risk, provided superior biomechanical and biological repair to discectomy controls, and retained anabolic cells within the IVD injury space. This novel injectable composite hydrogel strategy shows promise as an IVD cell delivery sealant with potentially broad applications for its capacity to balance biomechanical and biological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Panebianco
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjna Rao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York, NY, USA
| | - Warren W Hom
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James H Meyers
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany Y Lim
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Damien M Laudier
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew C Hecht
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Weir
- Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer R Weiser
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York, NY, USA
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Sakai D, Schol J, Watanabe M. Clinical Development of Regenerative Medicine Targeted for Intervertebral Disc Disease. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:267. [PMID: 35208590 PMCID: PMC8878570 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain is critical health, social, and economic issue in modern societies. This disease is often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration; however, contemporary treatments are unable to target this underlying pathology to alleviate the pain symptoms. Cell therapy offers a promising novel therapeutic that, in theory, should be able to reduce low back pain through mitigating the degenerative disc environment. With the clinical development of cell therapeutics ongoing, this review aims to summarize reporting on the different clinical trials and assess the different regenerative strategies being undertaken to collectively obtain an impression on the potential safety and effectiveness of cell therapeutics against intervertebral disc-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (J.S.); (M.W.)
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12
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Effects of Growth Factor Combinations TGFβ3, GDF5 and GDF6 on the Matrix Synthesis of Nucleus Pulposus and Nasoseptal Chondrocyte Self-Assembled Microtissues. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12031453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There has been significant interest in identifying alternative cell sources and growth factor stimulation to improve matrix synthesis for disc repair. Recent work has identified nasoseptal chondrocytes (NC) as a possible alternative cell source with significant matrix-forming abilities. While various growth factors such as members of the TGFβ superfamily have been explored to enhance matrix formation, no consensus exists as to the optimum growth factor needed to induce cells towards a discogenic phenotype. This study assessed both nucleus pulposus (NP) and NC microtissues of different densities (1000, 2500 or 5000 cells/microtissue) stimulated by individual or combinations of the growth factors TGFβ3, GDF5, and GDF6. Lower cell densities result in increased sGAG/DNA and collagen/DNA levels due to higher nutrient availability levels. Our findings suggest that growth factors exert differential effects on matrix synthesis depending on the cell type. NP cells were found to be relatively insensitive to the different growth factor types examined in isolation or in combination. Overall, NCs exhibited a higher propensity to form extracellular matrix compared to NP cells. In addition, stimulating NC-microtissues with GDF5 or TGFβ3 alone induced enhanced matrix formation and may be an appropriate growth factor to stimulate this cell type for disc regeneration.
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13
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Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation: Annular Closure Devices and Key Design Requirements. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9020047. [PMID: 35200401 PMCID: PMC8869316 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9020047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common degenerative spinal conditions resulting in lower back pain and sciatica. Surgical treatment options include microdiscectomy, lumbar fusion, total disc replacement, and other minimally invasive approaches. At present, microdiscectomy procedures are the most used technique; however, the annulus fibrosus is left with a defect that without treatment may contribute to high reherniation rates and changes in the biomechanics of the lumbar spine. This paper aims to review current commercially available products that mechanically close the annulus including the AnchorKnot® suture-passing device and the Barricaid® annular closure device. Previous studies and reviews have focused mainly on a biomimetic biomaterials approach and have described some mechanical and biological requirements for an active annular repair/regeneration strategy but are still far away from clinical implementation. Therefore, in this paper we aim to create a design specification for a mechanical annular closure strategy by identifying the most important mechanical and biological design parameters, including consideration of material selection, preclinical testing requirements, and requirements for clinical implementation.
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14
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Yu L, Liu Y, Wu J, Wang S, Yu J, Wang W, Ye X. Genipin Cross-Linked Decellularized Nucleus Pulposus Hydrogel-Like Cell Delivery System Induces Differentiation of ADSCs and Retards Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:807883. [PMID: 35004657 PMCID: PMC8733700 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.807883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the pathological basis of disc degenerative diseases (DDD). Reduction in the number of cells and degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the nucleus pulposus (NP) are characteristics of IDD. Bio-hydrogel combined with stem cell transplantation is a promising treatment. Injectable ECM hydrogels have good biological activity and in-situ gelatinization. However, its biomechanics and stability are insufficient to provide adequate mechanical support for intervertebral discs and to maintain the long-term differential stimulus for seeded stem cells. In our study, we developed genipin cross-linked decellularized nucleus pulposus hydrogel (GDH) as delivery system. We evaluated the mechanical properties, stability, biocompatibility, and differentiation induction of GDH cross-linked with different concentrations of genipin in vitro. The GDH-loaded adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) (GDHA) were injected into the rat degenerated coccygeal intervertebral disc. The effect of intervertebral disc regeneration in vivo was evaluated. The results showed that GDH with 0.02% of genipin had similar elastic modulus to human nucleus pulposus, good biocompatibility, and inducibility of expressing NP-related genes. In vivo studies showed that GDHA improved the survival of ADSCs and improved the intervertebral height, MRI index, and histological grading score. In conclusion, GDH, as an outstanding bio-hydrogel cell delivery system, has the therapeutic potential for retarding IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangming Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojian Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Xuan A, Ruan D, Wang C, He Q, Wang D, Hou L, Zhang C, Li C, Ji W, Wen T, Xu C, Zhu Z. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:490-503. [PMID: 35427416 PMCID: PMC9154349 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is still a huge challenge for clinical updated surgical techniques and basic strategies of intervertebral disc regeneration. Few studies have ever tried to combine surgery and cell therapy to bridge the gap between clinical and basic research. A prospective clinical study with a 72-month follow-up was conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of autologous discogenic cells transplantation combined with discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and to evaluate the regenerative ability of discogenic cells in IVDD. Forty patients with LDH who were scheduled to have discectomy enrolled in our study and were divided into the observed group (transplantation of autologous discogenic cells after discectomy) and control group (only-discectomy). Serial MRI and X-ray were used to evaluate the degenerative extent of index discs, and clinical scores were used to determine the symptomatic improvement. No adverse events were observed in the observed group, and seven patients in the control group underwent revisions. Both groups had significant improvement of all functional scores post-operatively, with the observed group improving more considerably at 36-month and 72-month follow-up. The height and water content of discs in both groups decreased significantly since 36 months post-op with the control group decreased more obviously. Discectomy combined with autologous discogenic cells transplantation is safe and feasible in the treatment of LDH. Radiological analysis demonstrated that discogenic cells transplantation could slow down the further degeneration of index discs and decrease the complications of discectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwu Xuan
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dike Ruan
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Corresponding author: Dike Ruan, MD, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023, South Shatai Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510515, People’s Republic of China, and the Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 6 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, People’s Republic of China.
| | - Chaofeng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi’an Honghui Hospital, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deli Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lisheng Hou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyong Wen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenbiao Zhu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Goldberg JL, Garton A, Singh S, Kirnaz S, Sommer F, Carnevale JA, Atalay B, Medary B, McGrath LB, Härtl R. Challenges in the Development of Biological Approaches for the Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease. World Neurosurg 2021; 157:274-281. [PMID: 34929785 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous innovative and promising approaches aimed at slowing, reversing, or healing degenerative disc disease. However, multiple treatment-specific impediments slow progress toward realizing the benefits of these therapies. First, the exact pathophysiology underlying degenerative disc disease remains complicated and challenging to study. In addition, the study of the spine and intervertebral disc in animal models is difficult to translate to humans, hindering the utility of preclinical research. Biological treatments are subject to the complex biomechanical environment in which native discs degenerate. The regulatory approval environment for these therapeutics will likely involve a high degree of scrutiny. Finally, patient selection and assessment of outcomes are a particular challenge in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Goldberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Garton
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sunidhi Singh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sertac Kirnaz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fabian Sommer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph A Carnevale
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Basar Atalay
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Branden Medary
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lynn B McGrath
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roger Härtl
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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17
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Jin Y, Mao G, Yang C, Xia C, Chen C, Shi F, Chen Q. Establishment of a New Model of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration With Pathological Characteristics. Global Spine J 2021; 13:984-994. [PMID: 33906472 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211012323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A prospective study. OBJECTIVES Intervertebral disc degenerative disease is a common and frequently-occurring disease in adults and is the main cause of lower back pain. However, there is a lack of universal animal models to study disc degeneration. METHODS Forty-two male New Zealand white rabbits aged 12 months were used in this study. We established an endplate ischemic disc degeneration model though surgical ligation of rabbit lumbar vertebral body segment arteries. Two weeks after surgery, 6 experimental animals were randomly selected for follow-up tests. First, ischemia and lumbar disc degeneration were confirmed using imaging techniques. Then, immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the growth of the annulus fibrosus. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting were used to detect mRNA expression and protein content of IL-1α, TNFα, collagen II, MMP-3, aggrecan, and PLA2 in the nucleus pulposus of the disc. RESULTS Imaging examination confirmed the successful construction of a lumbar disc degeneration model. Histological analysis and biochemical analysis showed a damaged intervertebral disc structure, and collagen II and aggrecan, the key extracellular matrix components of intervertebral discs, were reduced in synthesis and content. The synthesis and expression of IL-1α, TNFα, PLA2, and MMP-3 related to disc catabolism and inflammatory response were enhanced. CONCLUSIONS We successfully constructed a lumbar disc degeneration ischemia model, which provides a novel approach to study the pathological mechanisms involved in discogenic low back pain and to prevent and treat discogenic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Jin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 74678Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangfeng Mao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Zhuji, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Akesu, Akesu, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 74678Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuyong Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 74678Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Shi
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 74678Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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18
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Roh EJ, Darai A, Kyung JW, Choi H, Kwon SY, Bhujel B, Kim KT, Han I. Genetic Therapy for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041579. [PMID: 33557287 PMCID: PMC7914740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration can cause chronic lower back pain (LBP), leading to disability. Despite significant advances in the treatment of discogenic LBP, the limitations of current treatments have sparked interest in biological approaches, including growth factor and stem cell injection, as new treatment options for patients with chronic LBP due to IVD degeneration (IVDD). Gene therapy represents exciting new possibilities for IVDD treatment, but treatment is still in its infancy. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to provide an overview of the principles and current state of gene therapy for IVDD. Gene transfer to degenerated disc cells in vitro and in animal models is reviewed. In addition, this review describes the use of gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) and gene editing by the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, as well as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in vitro and in animal models. Significant technological advances in recent years have opened the door to a new generation of intradiscal gene therapy for the treatment of chronic discogenic LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ji Roh
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea
| | - Anjani Darai
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea
| | - Jae Won Kyung
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Hyemin Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Su Yeon Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Basanta Bhujel
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea
| | - Kyoung Tae Kim
- School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si 13496, Korea; (E.J.R.); (A.D.); (J.W.K.); (H.C.); (S.Y.K.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Panebianco C, Meyers J, Gansau J, Hom W, Iatridis J. Balancing biological and biomechanical performance in intervertebral disc repair: a systematic review of injectable cell delivery biomaterials. Eur Cell Mater 2020; 40:239-258. [PMID: 33206993 PMCID: PMC7706585 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v040a15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Discogenic back pain is a common condition without approved intervertebral disc (IVD) repair therapies. Cell delivery using injectable biomaterial carriers offers promise to restore disc height and biomechanical function, while providing a functional niche for delivered cells to repair degenerated tissues. This systematic review advances the injectable IVD cell delivery biomaterials field by characterising its current state and identifying themes of promising strategies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to screen the literature and 183 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Cellular and biomaterial inputs, and biological and biomechanical outcomes were extracted from each study. Most identified studies targeted nucleus pulposus (NP) repair. No consensus exists on cell type or biomaterial carrier, yet most common strategies used mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) delivery with interpenetrating network/co-polymeric (IPN/CoP) biomaterials composed of natural biomaterials. All studies reported biological outcomes with about half the studies reporting biomechanical outcomes. Since the IVD is a load-bearing tissue, studies reporting compressive and shear moduli were analysed and two major themes were found. First, a competitive balance, or 'seesaw' effect, between biomechanical and biological performance was observed. Formulations with higher moduli had inferior cellular performance, and vice versa. Second, several low-modulus biomaterials had favourable biological performance and matured throughout culture duration with enhanced extracellular matrix synthesis and biomechanical moduli. Findings identify an opportunity to develop next-generation biomaterials that provide high initial biomechanical competence to stabilise and repair damaged IVDs with a capacity to promote cell function for long-term healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - J.C. Iatridis
- Address for correspondence: James C. Iatridis, Ph.D., One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1188, Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA. Telephone number: +1 2122411517
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Advanced Strategies for the Regeneration of Lumbar Disc Annulus Fibrosus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144889. [PMID: 32664453 PMCID: PMC7402314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the annulus fibrosus (AF), the outer region of the intervertebral disc (IVD), results in an undesirable condition that may accelerate IVD degeneration causing low back pain. Despite intense research interest, attempts to regenerate the IVD have failed so far and no effective strategy has translated into a successful clinical outcome. Of particular significance, the failure of strategies to repair the AF has been a major drawback in the regeneration of IVD and nucleus replacement. It is unlikely to secure regenerative mediators (cells, genes, and biomolecules) and artificial nucleus materials after injection with an unsealed AF, as IVD is exposed to significant load and large deformation during daily activities. The AF defects strongly change the mechanical properties of the IVD and activate catabolic routes that are responsible for accelerating IVD degeneration. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop effective therapeutic strategies to prevent or reconstruct AF damage to support operational IVD regenerative strategies and nucleus replacement. By the way of this review, repair and regenerative strategies for AF reconstruction, their current status, challenges ahead, and future outlooks were discussed.
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21
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Intervertebral Disc Diseases PART 2: A Review of the Current Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062135. [PMID: 32244936 PMCID: PMC7139690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
With an aging population, there is a proportional increase in the prevalence of intervertebral disc diseases. Intervertebral disc diseases are the leading cause of lower back pain and disability. With a high prevalence of asymptomatic intervertebral disc diseases, there is a need for accurate diagnosis, which is key to management. A thorough understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestation aids in understanding the natural history of these conditions. Recent developments in radiological and biomarker investigations have potential to provide noninvasive alternatives to the gold standard, invasive discogram. There is a large volume of literature on the management of intervertebral disc diseases, which we categorized into five headings: (a) Relief of pain by conservative management, (b) restorative treatment by molecular therapy, (c) reconstructive treatment by percutaneous intervertebral disc techniques, (d) relieving compression and replacement surgery, and (e) rigid fusion surgery. This review article aims to provide an overview on various current diagnostic and treatment options and discuss the interplay between each arms of these scientific and treatment advancements, hence providing an outlook of their potential future developments and collaborations in the management of intervertebral disc diseases.
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Claeson AA, Vresilovic EJ, Showalter BL, Wright AC, Gee JC, Malhotra NR, Elliott DM. Human Disc Nucleotomy Alters Annulus Fibrosus Mechanics at Both Reference and Compressed Loads. J Biomech Eng 2019; 141:1110011-11100112. [PMID: 31141601 PMCID: PMC6808005 DOI: 10.1115/1.4043874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotomy is a common surgical procedure and is also performed in ex vivo mechanical testing to model decreased nucleus pulposus (NP) pressurization that occurs with degeneration. Here, we implement novel and noninvasive methods using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study internal 3D annulus fibrosus (AF) deformations after partial nucleotomy and during axial compression by evaluating changes in internal AF deformation at reference loads (50 N) and physiological compressive loads (∼10% strain). One particular advantage of this methodology is that the full 3D disc deformation state, inclusive of both in-plane and out-of-plane deformations, can be quantified through the use of a high-resolution volumetric MR scan sequence and advanced image registration. Intact grade II L3-L4 cadaveric human discs before and after nucleotomy were subjected to identical mechanical testing and imaging protocols. Internal disc deformation fields were calculated by registering MR images captured in each loading state (reference and compressed) and each condition (intact and nucleotomy). Comparisons were drawn between the resulting three deformation states (intact at compressed load, nucleotomy at reference load, nucleotomy at compressed load) with regard to the magnitude of internal strain and direction of internal displacements. Under compressed load, internal AF axial strains averaged -18.5% when intact and -22.5% after nucleotomy. Deformation orientations were significantly altered by nucleotomy and load magnitude. For example, deformations of intact discs oriented in-plane, whereas deformations after nucleotomy oriented axially. For intact discs, in-plane components of displacements under compressive loads oriented radially outward and circumferentially. After nucleotomy, in-plane displacements were oriented radially inward under reference load and were not significantly different from the intact state at compressed loads. Re-establishment of outward displacements after nucleotomy indicates increased axial loading restores the characteristics of internal pressurization. Results may have implications for the recurrence of pain, design of novel therapeutics, or progression of disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Claeson
- Mem. ASMEBiomedical Engineering,University of Delaware,160 Colburn Lab,150 Academy Street,Newark, DE 19716e-mail:
| | - Edward J Vresilovic
- Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation,Pennsylvania State University,EC089 500 University Drive,Hershey, PA 17033e-mail:
| | - Brent L Showalter
- Bioengineering,University of Pennsylvania,242 Stemmler Hall,36th Street & Hamilton Walk,Philadelphia, PA 19104e-mail:
| | - Alexander C Wright
- Radiology,University of Pennsylvania,1st Floor Silverstein Pavilion,3400 Spruce Street,Philadelphia, PA 19104e-mail:
| | - James C Gee
- Radiology,University of Pennsylvania,6th Floor Richards,3700 Hamilton Walk,Philadelphia, PA 19104e-mail:
| | - Neil R Malhotra
- Neurosurgery,University of Pennsylvania,3rd Floor Silverstein Pavilion,3400 Spruce Street,Philadelphia, PA 19104e-mail:
| | - Dawn M Elliott
- Mem. ASMEBiomedical Engineering,University of Delaware,160 Colburn Lab,150 Academy Street,Newark, DE 19716e-mail:
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Varma DM, DiNicolas MS, Nicoll SB. Injectable, redox-polymerized carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels promote nucleus pulposus-like extracellular matrix elaboration by human MSCs in a cell density-dependent manner. J Biomater Appl 2019; 33:576-589. [PMID: 30326804 DOI: 10.1177/0885328218805216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain is a major cause for disability and is closely linked to intervertebral disc degeneration. Mechanical and biological dysfunction of the nucleus pulposus in the disc has been found to initiate intradiscal degenerative processes. Replacing or enriching the diseased nucleus pulposus with an injectable, stem cell-laden biomaterial that mimics its material properties can provide a minimally invasive strategy for biological and structural repair of the tissue. In this study, injectable, in situ-gelling carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels were developed for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering using encapsulated human marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). With the goal of obtaining robust extracellular matrix deposition and faster construct maturation, two cell-seeding densities, 20 × 106 cells/ml and 40 × 106 cells/ml, were examined. The constructs were fabricated using a redox initiation system to yield covalently crosslinked, cell-seeded hydrogels via radical polymerization. Chondrogenic culture of the hydrogels over 35 days exhibited high cell viability along with deposition of proteoglycan and collagen-rich extracellular matrix, and mechanical and swelling properties similar to native human nucleus pulposus. Further, the matrix production and distribution in the carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels was found to be strongly influenced by hMSC-seeding density, with the lower cell-seeding density yielding a more favorable nucleus pulposus-specific matrix phenotype, while the rate of construct maturation was less dependent on the cell-seeding density. These findings are the first to demonstrate the utility of redox-polymerized carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels as hMSC carriers for potential minimally invasive treatment strategies for nucleus pulposus replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika M Varma
- The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Steven B Nicoll
- The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Frauchiger DA, Tekari A, May RD, Džafo E, Chan SCW, Stoyanov J, Bertolo A, Zhang X, Guerrero J, Sakai D, Schol J, Grad S, Tryfonidou M, Benneker LM, Gantenbein B. Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting Is More Potent to Fish Intervertebral Disk Progenitor Cells Than Magnetic and Beads-Based Methods. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2019; 25:571-580. [PMID: 31154900 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2018.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain related to intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration has a major socioeconomic impact on our aging society. Therefore, stem cell therapy to activate self-repair of the IVD remains an exciting treatment strategy. In this respect, tissue-specific progenitors may play a crucial role in IVD regeneration, as these cells are perfectly adapted to this niche. Such a rare progenitor cell population residing in the nucleus pulposus (NP) (NP progenitor cells [NPPCs]) was found positive for the angiopoietin-1 receptor (Tie2+), and was demonstrated to possess self-renewal capacity and in vitro multipotency. Here, we compared three sorting protocols; that is, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), and a mesh-based label-free cell sorting system (pluriSelect), with respect to cell yield, potential to form colonies (colony-forming units), and in vitro functional differentiation assays for tripotency. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficiency of three widespread cell sorting methods for picking rare cells (<5%) and how these isolated cells then behave in downstream functional differentiation in adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis. The cell yields among the isolation methods differed widely, with FACS presenting the highest yield (5.0% ± 4.0%), followed by MACS (1.6% ± 2.9%) and pluriSelect (1.1% ± 1.0%). The number of colonies formed was not significantly different between Tie2+ and Tie2- NPPCs. Only FACS was able to separate into two functionally different populations that showed trilineage multipotency, while MACS and pluriSelect failed to maintain a clear separation between Tie2+ and Tie2- populations in differentiation assays. To conclude, the isolation of NPPCs was possible with all three sorting methods, while FACS was the preferred technique for separation of functional Tie2+ cells. Impact Statement Tissue-specific progenitor cells such as nucleus pulposus progenitor cells of the IVD could become an ultimate cell source for tissue engineering strategies as these cells are presumably best adapted to the tissue's microenvironment. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting seemed to outcompete magnetic-activated cell sorting and pluriSelect concerning selecting a rare cell population from IVD tissue as could be demonstrated by improved cell yield and functional differentiation assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Frauchiger
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adel Tekari
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Rahel D May
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emina Džafo
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samantha C W Chan
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Xingshuo Zhang
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Guerrero
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department for Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Jordy Schol
- Department for Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | | | - Marianna Tryfonidou
- Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lorin M Benneker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering, Orthopeadic Research & Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Overview on Percutaneous Therapies of Disc Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55080471. [PMID: 31409017 PMCID: PMC6722686 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55080471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain is an extremely common pathology affecting a great share of the population, in particular, young adults. Many structures can be responsible for pain such as intervertebral discs, facet joints, nerve roots, and sacroiliac joints. This review paper focuses on disc pathology and the percutaneous procedures available to date for its treatment. For each option, we will assess the indications, technical aspects, advantages, and complications, as well as outcomes reported in the literature and new emerging trends in the field.
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26
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Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Repair: Hype or Hope? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153622. [PMID: 31344903 PMCID: PMC6696292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic back pain is a common disability, which is often accredited to intervertebral disc degeneration. Gold standard interventions such as spinal fusion, which are mainly designed to mechanically seal the defect, frequently fail to restore the native biomechanics. Moreover, artificial implants have limited success as a repair strategy, as they do not alter the underlying disease and fail to promote tissue integration and subsequent native biomechanics. The reported high rates of spinal fusion and artificial disc implant failure have pushed intervertebral disc degeneration research in recent years towards repair strategies. Intervertebral disc repair utilizing principles of tissue engineering should theoretically be successful, overcoming the inadequacies of artificial implants. For instance, advances in the development of scaffolds aided with cells and growth factors have opened up new possibilities for repair strategies. However, none has reached the stage of clinical trials in humans. In this review, we describe the hitches encountered in the musculoskeletal field and summarize recent advances in designing tissue-engineered constructs for promoting nucleus pulposus repair. Additionally, the review focuses on the effect of biomaterial aided with cells and growth factors on achieving effective functional reparative potency, highlighting the ways to enhance the efficacy of these treatments.
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Sharabi M, Wertheimer S, Wade KR, Galbusera F, Benayahu D, Wilke HJ, Haj-Ali R. Towards intervertebral disc engineering: Bio-mimetics of form and function of the annulus fibrosus lamellae. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 94:298-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Gong C, Pan W, Hu W, Chen L. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 retards cell subculture-induced senescence of human nucleus pulposus cells through activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20182312. [PMID: 30787052 PMCID: PMC6423306 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20182312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic disc cell is the main cellular resource in tissue engineering (TE)-based strategy to retard disc degeneration. However, the accessible disc cells often exhibit senescent phenotype when they are subcultured in vitro Hence, alleviating senescence of human disc cells during cell subculture is important for TE-based strategy to regenerate degenerative disc tissue. OBJECTIVE The present study was aimed to investigate whether bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) can alleviate subculture-induced senescence of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro Methods: NP cells from human disc tissue were subcultured in vitro for six passages. Exogenous BMP-7 was added along with the culture medium to investigate its effects on senescence of NP cells. The inhibitor LY294002 was used to investigate the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway. RESULTS Compared with the human disc NP cells cultured in the baseline culture medium, addition of BMP-7 increased cell proliferation potency and telomerase activity, decreased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and G0/G1 phase fraction, and down-regulated the expression of p16 and p53. Moreover, these positive effects of BMP-7 against senescence of human disc NP cells coincided with activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Further analysis showed that inhibitor LY294002 partly inhibited these protective effects of BMP-7 against senescence of human disc NP cells. CONCLUSION BMP-7 alleviates subculture-induced senescence of human disc NP cells through activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. The present study provides new knowledge on allogeneic disc NP cell-based TE strategy to regenerate degenerative human disc tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The People's Hospital of Bozhou, Bozhou, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou University and The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The People's Hospital of Bozhou, Bozhou, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, Jiangsu, China
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Computed tomography-guided sub-end plate injection of pingyangmycin for a novel rabbit model of slowly progressive disc degeneration. Spine J 2019; 19:e6-e18. [PMID: 25862504 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Different animal models are used in disc degenerative disease research by now. To our knowledge, a functional animal model that mimics ischemic and slowly progressive disc degeneration of humans does not exist. STUDY DESIGN This is an experimental animal study of disc degeneration. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to establish an ischemic and slowly progressive intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration model with an injection of pingyangmycin (PYM) into subchondral bone adjacent to the disc, using bone marrow needle guided by computed tomography (CT) scan. METHODS The subchondral bone adjacent to the lumbar IVDs (from L3-L4 to L5-L6) of 18 rabbits was randomly injected with 3 mL PYM solution (1.5 mg/mL PYM), 3 mL phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle control), or exteriorized but not injected with anything (sham), with using bone marrow needle guided by CT scan. The degenerative process was investigated by using radiography and magnetic resonance imaging at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, combined with histological scoring, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS Significant disc space narrowing was observed at 6 months in the discs adjacent to the subchondral bone injected with PYM, compared with the control groups (p<.05). The magnetic resonance imaging assessment also demonstrated a progressive loss of T2-weighted signal intensity postoperatively. The histological score increased significantly compared with that of the control groups from 3 months to the end point (p<.05). The bone tissue area of the end plate increased significantly at the end point, compared with that of the control groups (p<.05). The results of molecular analysis showed significant increase of matrix metalloproteinase-3, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif-5, and marked reduction of aggrecan and Type II collagen after 3 months at the messenger RNA levels in the discs of PYM group (p<.05). The von Willebrand factor expression of PYM group also showed a significant reduction after 1 month (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous injection of PYM into the subchondral bone adjacent to the lumbar IVDs of rabbits, using bone marrow needle guided by CT scan, can result in ischemic and slowly progressive disc degeneration model, which mimics the onset of human disc degeneration.
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The Differential Effects of Leukocyte-Containing and Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma on Nucleus Pulposus-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Implications for the Clinical Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:7162084. [PMID: 30425747 PMCID: PMC6218728 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7162084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration. However, the potential harmful effects of leukocytes in PRP on nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) have seldom been studied. This study aimed at comparatively evaluating effects of pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) and leukocyte-containing platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) on rabbit NPMSCs in vitro. Methods NPMSCs isolated from rabbit NP tissues were treated with L-PRP or P-PRP in vitro, and then cell proliferation and expression of stem cell markers, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), production of ECM (extracellular matrix-related protein), and NF-κB p65 protein were validated by CCK-8 assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and western blot respectively. Results NPMSCs differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like cells after treatment of PRPs (P-PRP and L-PRP), and NPMSCs exhibited maximum proliferation at a 10% PRP dose. L-PRP had observably higher concentration of leukocytes, TNF-α, and IL-1β than P-PRP. Furthermore, compared to P-PRP, L-PRP induced the differentiated NPMSCs to upregulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, enhanced activation of the NF-κB pathway, increased the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13, and produced less ECM in differentiated NPMSCs. Conclusions Both P-PRP and L-PRP can induce the proliferation and NP-differentiation of NPMSCs. Compared to L-PRP, P-PRP can avoid the activation of the NF-κB pathway, thus reducing the inflammatory and catabolic responses.
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Disc cell therapy with bone-marrow-derived autologous mesenchymal stromal cells in a large porcine disc degeneration model. 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 2018; 27:2639-2649. [PMID: 30141058 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-018-5728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disc regeneration through matrix-assisted autologous mesenchymal stromal cell therapy seems promising against disc degeneration with convincing results in small animal models. Whether these positive results can be transferred to larger animal models or humans is unclear. METHODS Fibrin matrix-assisted autologous bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell therapy was compared to acellular fibrin matrix therapy in a porcine in vivo model. First, disc degeneration was induced by annular puncture and partial nucleotomy with a large 16G-needle, and 12 weeks later, disc therapy was performed in a second surgery with a thinner 26G needle. Seventy-two lumbar discs from 12 aged adult pigs were evaluated by histology, micro-CT, and gene expression analysis 13 and 24 weeks after nucleotomy and 1 and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively. RESULTS Radiologic disc height was not significantly different in both treatment groups. In the semi-quantitative histologic degeneration score, significant disc degeneration was still evident 1 week after treatment both in the mesenchymal stromal cell group and in the acellular fibrin matrix group. 12 weeks after treatment, degeneration was, however, not further increased and mesenchymal-stromal-cell-treated discs showed significantly less disc degeneration in the annulus fibrosus (p = 0.02), whereas reduction in the nucleus pulposus did not reach statistical significance. Cell treatment compared to matrix alone found less Col1 gene expression as a marker for fibrosis and more expression of the trophic factor BMP2 in the nucleus pulposus, whereas the inflammation marker IL1ß was reduced in the annulus fibrosus. CONCLUSIONS Disc treatment with fibrin matrix-assisted autologous mesenchymal stromal cells reduced degenerative findings compared to acellular fibrin matrix alone. Regenerative changes, however, were not significant for all parameters showing limitations in a large biomechanically demanding model with aged discs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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32
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Frauchiger DA, Heeb SR, May RD, Wöltje M, Benneker LM, Gantenbein B. Differentiation of MSC and annulus fibrosus cells on genetically engineered silk fleece-membrane-composites enriched for GDF-6 or TGF-β3. J Orthop Res 2018; 36:1324-1333. [PMID: 29058815 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) repair is a high-priority topic in our active and increasingly ageing society. Since a high number of people are affected by low back pain treatment options that are able to restore the biological function of the IVD are highly warranted. Here, we investigated whether the feasibility of genetically engineered (GE)-silk from Bombyx mori containing specific growth factors to precondition human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) or to activate differentiated human annulus fibrosus cells (hAFC) prior transplantation or for direct repair on the IVD. Here, we tested the hypothesis that GE-silk fleece can thrive human hMSC towards an IVD-like phenotype. We aimed to demonstrate a possible translational application of good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant GE-silk scaffolds in IVD repair and regeneration. GE-silk with growth and differentiation factor 6 (GDF-6-silk) or transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3, TGF-β3-silk) and untreated silk (cSilk) were investigated by DNA content, cell activity assay and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and their differentiation potential by qPCR analysis. We found that all silk types demonstrated a very high biocompatibility for both cell types, that is, hMSC and hAFC, as revealed by cell activity, and DNA proliferation assay. Further, analyzing qPCR of marker genes revealed a trend to differentiation toward an NP-like phenotype looking at the Aggrecan/Collagen 2 ratio which was around 10:1. Our results support the conclusion that our GE-silk scaffold treatment approach can thrive hMSC towards a more IVD-like phenotype or can maintain the phenotype of native hAFC. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1324-1333, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Frauchiger
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Stauffacherstrasse 78, CH-3014 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Silvan R Heeb
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Stauffacherstrasse 78, CH-3014 Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rahel D May
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Stauffacherstrasse 78, CH-3014 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Wöltje
- Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology, TU Dresden, DE-01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Lorin M Benneker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Stauffacherstrasse 78, CH-3014 Bern, Switzerland
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Cruz MA, Hom WW, DiStefano TJ, Merrill R, Torre OM, Lin HA, Hecht AC, Illien-Junger S, Iatridis JC. Cell-Seeded Adhesive Biomaterial for Repair of Annulus Fibrosus Defects in Intervertebral Discs. Tissue Eng Part A 2018; 24:187-198. [PMID: 29214889 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in the annulus fibrosus (AF) of intervertebral discs allow nucleus pulposus tissue to herniate causing painful disability. Microdiscectomy procedures remove herniated tissue fragments, but unrepaired defects remain allowing reherniation or progressive degeneration. Cell therapies show promise to enhance repair, but methods are undeveloped and carriers are required to prevent cell leakage. To address this challenge, this study developed and evaluated genipin-crosslinked fibrin (FibGen) as an adhesive cell carrier optimized for AF repair that can deliver cells, match AF material properties, and have low risk of extrusion during loading. Part 1 determined that feasibility of bovine AF cells encapsulated in high concentration FibGen (F140G6: 140 mg/mL fibrinogen; 6 mg/mL genipin) for 7 weeks could maintain high viability, but had little proliferation or matrix deposition. Part 2 screened tissue mechanics and in situ failure testing of nine FibGen formulations (fibrin: 35-140 mg/mL; genipin: 1-6 mg/mL). F140G6 formulation matched AF shear and compressive properties and significantly improved failure strength in situ. Formulations with reduced genipin also exhibited satisfactory material properties and failure behaviors warranting further biological screening. Part 3 screened AF cells encapsulated in four FibGen formulations for 1 week and found that reduced genipin concentrations increased cell viability and glycosaminoglycan production. F70G1 (70 mg/mL fibrinogen; 1 mg/mL genipin) demonstrated balanced biological and biomechanical performance warranting further testing. We conclude that FibGen has potential to serve as an adhesive cell carrier to repair AF defects with formulations that can be tuned to enhance biomechanical and biological performance; future studies are required to develop strategies to enhance matrix production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Cruz
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Warren W Hom
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Tyler J DiStefano
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Robert Merrill
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Olivia M Torre
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Huizi A Lin
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York , New York, New York
| | - Andrew C Hecht
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - Svenja Illien-Junger
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
| | - James C Iatridis
- 1 Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York
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Cell-Based Therapies for Lumbar Discogenic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018; 43:49-57. [PMID: 26953666 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of clinical trials. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells or chondrocyte in patients with discogenic low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There is no previous review evaluated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell or chondrocyte therapy in adults with discogenic low back pain. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Science from database inception through on September 10th, 2015. We included clinical trials that evaluated stem cells or chondrocyte-based therapy in patients with discogenic back pain. The primary outcomes of interest were pain score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). We performed random-effects model meta-analyses to assess net changes in the same outcome variables. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated by I statistic. RESULTS The initial search identified 1393 articles, of which 6 studies were eligible for this review. The pooled mean difference in pain score from baseline to follow-up points was 44.2 points decreased (95% CI: -61.8 to -26.5, P < 0.001, I = 99.4%). Meanwhile, the pooled mean difference in ODI from baseline to follow-up points was 32.2 points decreased (95% CI: -41.6 to -22.9, P < 0.001, I = 99.5%). No related adverse effects were reported by the included studies. CONCLUSION Cell-based therapy is for patients who have discogenic low back pain associated with improved pain relief and ODI. More stringently designed randomized double-blind clinical trials with appropriately determined sample sizes will be needed to confirm its clinical efficacy and safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
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Bach FC, Laagland LT, Grant MP, Creemers LB, Ito K, Meij BP, Mwale F, Tryfonidou MA. Link-N: The missing link towards intervertebral disc repair is species-specific. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187831. [PMID: 29117254 PMCID: PMC5679057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a frequent cause for back pain in humans and dogs. Link-N stabilizes proteoglycan aggregates in cartilaginous tissues and exerts growth factor-like effects. The human variant of Link-N facilitates IVD regeneration in several species in vitro by inducing Smad1 signaling, but it is not clear whether this is species specific. Dogs with IVD disease could possibly benefit from Link-N treatment, but Link-N has not been tested on canine IVD cells. If Link-N appears to be effective in canines, this would facilitate translation of Link-N into the clinic using the dog as an in vivo large animal model for human IVD degeneration. Materials and methods This study’s objective was to determine the effect of the human and canine variant of Link-N and short (s) Link-N on canine chondrocyte-like cells (CLCs) and compare this to those on already studied species, i.e. human and bovine CLCs. Extracellular matrix (ECM) production was determined by measuring glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and histological evaluation. Additionally, the micro-aggregates’ DNA content was measured. Phosphorylated (p) Smad1 and -2 levels were determined using ELISA. Results Human (s)Link-N induced GAG deposition in human and bovine CLCs, as expected. In contrast, canine (s)Link-N did not affect ECM production in human CLCs, while it mainly induced collagen type I and II deposition in bovine CLCs. In canine CLCs, both canine and human (s)Link-N induced negligible GAG deposition. Surprisingly, human and canine (s)Link-N did not induce Smad signaling in human and bovine CLCs. Human and canine (s)Link-N only mildly increased pSmad1 and Smad2 levels in canine CLCs. Conclusions Human and canine (s)Link-N exerted species-specific effects on CLCs from early degenerated IVDs. Both variants, however, lacked the potency as canine IVD regeneration agent. While these studies demonstrate the challenges of translational studies in large animal models, (s)Link-N still holds a regenerative potential for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisanne T. Laagland
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michael P. Grant
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Laura B. Creemers
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Orthopedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Björn P. Meij
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fackson Mwale
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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van Uden S, Silva-Correia J, Oliveira JM, Reis RL. Current strategies for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration: substitution and regeneration possibilities. Biomater Res 2017; 21:22. [PMID: 29085662 PMCID: PMC5651638 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-017-0106-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration has an annual worldwide socioeconomic impact masked as low back pain of over 70 billion euros. This disease has a high prevalence over the working age class, which raises the socioeconomic impact over the years. Acute physical trauma or prolonged intervertebral disc mistreatment triggers a biochemical negative tendency of catabolic-anabolic balance that progress to a chronic degeneration disease. Current biomedical treatments are not only ineffective in the long-run, but can also cause degeneration to spread to adjacent intervertebral discs. Regenerative strategies are desperately needed in the clinics, such as: minimal invasive nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosus treatments, total disc replacement, and cartilaginous endplates decalcification. Main body Herein, it is reviewed the state-of-the-art of intervertebral disc regeneration strategies from the perspective of cells, scaffolds, or constructs, including both popular and unique tissue engineering approaches. The premises for cell type and origin selection or even absence of cells is being explored. Choice of several raw materials and scaffold fabrication methods are evaluated. Extensive studies have been developed for fully regeneration of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus, together or separately, with a long set of different rationales already reported. Recent works show promising biomaterials and processing methods applied to intervertebral disc substitutive or regenerative strategies. Facing the abundance of studies presented in the literature aiming intervertebral disc regeneration it is interesting to observe how cartilaginous endplates have been extensively neglected, being this a major source of nutrients and water supply for the whole disc. Conclusion Several innovative avenues for tackling intervertebral disc degeneration are being reported – from acellular to cellular approaches, but the cartilaginous endplates regeneration strategies remain unaddressed. Interestingly, patient-specific approaches show great promise in respecting patient anatomy and thus allow quicker translation to the clinics in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastião van Uden
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR Gandra, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga Portugal.,Present Address: Bioengineering Laboratories Srl, Viale Brianza 8, Meda, Italy.,Present Address: Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32 Milan, Italy
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR Gandra, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga Portugal
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR Gandra, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017 Barco Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui Luís Reis
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR Gandra, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017 Barco Guimarães, Portugal
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37
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Notochordal-cell derived extracellular vesicles exert regenerative effects on canine and human nucleus pulposus cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:88845-88856. [PMID: 29179481 PMCID: PMC5687651 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During intervertebral disc ageing, chondrocyte-like cells (CLCs) replace notochordal cells (NCs). NCs have been shown to induce regenerative effects in CLCs. Since vesicles released by NCs may be responsible for these effects, we characterized NC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and determined their effect on CLCs. EVs were purified from porcine NC-conditioned medium (NCCM) through size exclusion chromatography, ultracentrifugation or density gradient centrifugation. Additionally, the EVs were quantitatively analyzed by high-resolution flow cytometry. The effect of NCCM-derived EVs was studied on canine and human CLC micro-aggregates in vitro and compared with NCCM-derived proteins and unfractionated NCCM. Porcine NCCM contained a considerable amount of EVs. NCCM-derived EVs induced GAG deposition in canine CLCs to a comparable level as NCCM-derived proteins and unfractionated NCCM, and increased the DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of human micro-aggregates, although to a lesser extent than unfractionated NCCM. The biological EV effects were not considerably influenced by ultracentrifugation compared with size exclusion-based purification. Upon ultracentrifugation, interfering GAGs, but not collagens, were lost. Nonetheless, collagen type I or II supplemented to CLCs in a concentration as present in NCCM induced no anabolic effects. Porcine NCCM-derived EVs exerted anabolic effects comparable to NCCM-derived proteins, while unfractionated NCCM was more potent in human CLCs. GAGs and collagens appeared not to mediate the regenerative EV effects. Thus, NC-derived EVs have regenerative potential, and their effects may be influenced by the proteins present in NCCM. The optimal combination of NC-secreted factors needs to be determined to fully exploit the regenerative potential of NC-based technology.
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38
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Vedicherla S, Buckley CT. In vitro extracellular matrix accumulation of nasal and articular chondrocytes for intervertebral disc repair. Tissue Cell 2017; 49:503-513. [PMID: 28515001 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chondrocyte based regenerative therapies for intervertebral disc repair such as Autologous Disc Cell Transplantation (ADCT, CODON) and allogeneic juvenile chondrocyte implantation (NuQu®, ISTO Technologies) have demonstrated good outcomes in clinical trials. However concerns remain with the supply demand reconciliation and issues surrounding immunoreactivity which exist for allogeneic-type technologies. The use of stem cells is challenging due to high growth factor requirements, regulatory barriers and differentiation towards a stable phenotype. Therefore, there is a need to identify alternative non-disc cell sources for the development and clinical translation of next generation therapies for IVD regeneration. In this study, we compared Nasal Chondrocytes (NC) as a non-disc alternative chondrocyte source with Articular Chondrocytes (AC) in terms of cell yield, morphology, proliferation kinetics and ability to produce key extracellular matrix components under 5% and 20% oxygen conditions, with and without exogenous TGF-β supplementation. Results indicated that NC maintained proliferative capacity with high amounts of sGAG and lower collagen accumulation in the absence of TGF-β supplementation under 5% oxygen conditions. Importantly, osteogenesis and calcification was inhibited for NC when cultured in IVD-like microenvironmental conditions. The present study provides a rationale for the exploration of nasal chondrocytes as a promising, potent and clinically feasible autologous cell source for putative IVD repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vedicherla
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - C T Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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Bowles RD, Setton LA. Biomaterials for intervertebral disc regeneration and repair. Biomaterials 2017; 129:54-67. [PMID: 28324865 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc contributes to motion, weight bearing, and flexibility of the spine, but is susceptible to damage and morphological changes that contribute to pathology with age and injury. Engineering strategies that rely upon synthetic materials or composite implants that do not interface with the biological components of the disc have not met with widespread use or desirable outcomes in the treatment of intervertebral disc pathology. Here we review bioengineering advances to treat disc disorders, using cell-supplemented materials, or acellular, biologically based materials, that provide opportunity for cell-material interactions and remodeling in the treatment of intervertebral disc disorders. While a field still in early development, bioengineering-based strategies employing novel biomaterials are emerging as promising alternatives for clinical treatment of intervertebral disc disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Bowles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Lori A Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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40
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Bach FC, Miranda-Bedate A, van Heel FW, Riemers FM, Müller MC, Creemers LB, Ito K, Benz K, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, But Not Mesenchymal Stromal Cells, Exert Regenerative Effects on Canine and Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 23:233-242. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto Miranda-Bedate
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ferdi W.M. van Heel
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank M. Riemers
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Margot C.M.E. Müller
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura B. Creemers
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Björn P. Meij
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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41
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Zhu Q, Gao X, Brown MD, Temple HT, Gu W. Simulation of water content distributions in degenerated human intervertebral discs. J Orthop Res 2017; 35:147-153. [PMID: 27153106 PMCID: PMC5097704 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of water content in intervertebral discs during degeneration and repair processes. We hypothesized that the patterns of water content distribution in the discs are related to the intensity patterns observed in T2-weighted MRI images. Water content distributions in the mildly (e.g., 80% viable cells in the disc, 2.3% decrease in disc height) and moderately (e.g., 40% viable cells in the disc, 9.3% decrease in disc height) degenerated discs were predicted using a finite element model. The variation of water content in the degenerated discs treated with three biological therapies (i.e., increasing the cell density in the nucleus pulposus [Case I], increasing glycosaminoglycan synthesis rate in the nucleus pulposus [Case II], and decreasing glycosaminoglycan degradation rate in the nucleus pulposus [Case III]) were also predicted. It was found that two patterns of water content distributions, a horizontal region with lower water content at the mid-axial plane of nucleus pulposus and a spot with higher water content at the posterior region, were shown during the degeneration progress for the disc simulated in this study. These two patterns disappeared after treatment in Case I, but in Case II and Case III. The implication of these patterns for the horizontal gray band and high intensity zone in T2-weighted MRI images was discussed. This study provided new guidance to develop a novel method for diagnosing disc degeneration and assessing outcomes of biological therapies with MRI techniques. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:147-153, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Zhu
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Xin Gao
- Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Mark D. Brown
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - H. Thomas Temple
- Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, NOVA Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | - Weiyong Gu
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL,Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL,Corresponding author: Weiyong Gu, PhD, 1251 Memorial Drive, MEB206, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0624, 305-284-8553, 305-284-2580 (Fax),
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42
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Cai F, Zhu L, Wang F, Shi R, Xie XH, Hong X, Wang XH, Wu XT. The Paracrine Effect of Degenerated Disc Cells on Healthy Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells Is Mediated by MAPK and NF-κB Pathways and Can Be Reduced by TGF-β1. DNA Cell Biol 2016; 36:143-158. [PMID: 28005398 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is thought to have a major role in the pathogenesis of disc degeneration. Studies have shown that nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) respond to one or two specific cytokines by regulating cell proliferation or matrix synthesis. However, the effects of a cocktail of factors secreted by degenerated disc cells on transplanted exogenous healthy NPCs remain unknown. Concentrations of multiple cytokines in degenerated disc tissue-conditioned medium (dCM) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Ki67 immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the proliferation of cells in dCM. The function of exogenous NPCs cultured in dCM was evaluated by examining catabolic markers (ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13), anabolic markers (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3), and the extracellular matrix protein-aggrecan (ACAN) and collagen II (COL2)-expression with real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activation was observed using Western blotting. Finally, we examined the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in reducing dCM-mediated exogenous NPC dysfunction. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were higher and TGF-β1 levels were lower in dCM compared with the control medium. Treatment with dCM increased the proliferation of healthy NPCs. NPCs exhibited significantly higher expression of ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 and decreased TIMP-2, ACAN, and COL2 expression in the dCM group in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Treatment with dCM moderately increased TIMP-1 expression and had no effect on TIMP-3 mRNA levels. The MAPK and NF-κB pathways were implicated in dCM-mediated responses of healthy NPCs. TGF-β1 partially reversed the dCM-mediated NPC dysfunction. Increased levels of inflammatory factors and decreased TGF-β1 levels in dCM suggest an inflammatory environment in degenerated disc tissue. The catabolic effect of dCM on human healthy NPCs is mediated by MAPK and NF-κB pathways and can be reduced by TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Cai
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China .,2 Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University , Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Shi
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-Hui Xie
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Hong
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Hu Wang
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Wu
- 1 Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
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Bendtsen M, Bunger C, Colombier P, Le Visage C, Roberts S, Sakai D, Urban JPG. Biological challenges for regeneration of the degenerated disc using cellular therapies. Acta Orthop 2016; 87:39-46. [PMID: 28287303 PMCID: PMC5389430 DOI: 10.1080/17453674.2017.1297916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cody Bunger
- Department of Orthopaedics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Pauline Colombier
- INSERM UMR 1229, Regenerative Medecine and Skeleton, University of Nantes, France
| | - Catherine Le Visage
- INSERM UMR 1229, Regenerative Medecine and Skeleton, University of Nantes, France
| | - Sally Roberts
- Spinal Studies and ISTM (Keele University), Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tokai University Hospital, Japan
| | - Jill P G Urban
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Balkovec C, Vernengo AJ, Stevenson P, McGill SM. Evaluation of an injectable hydrogel and polymethyl methacrylate in restoring mechanics to compressively fractured spine motion segments. Spine J 2016; 16:1404-1412. [PMID: 27374112 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Compressive fracture can produce profound changes to the mechanical profile of a spine segment. Minimally invasive repair has the potential to restore both function and structural integrity to an injured spine. Use of both hydrogels to address changes to the disc, combined with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to address changes to the vertebral body, has the potential to facilitate repair. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the combined use of hydrogel injection and PMMA could restore the mechanical profile of an axially injured spinal motion segment. STUDY DESIGN This is a basic science study evaluating a combination of hydrogel injection and vertebroplasty on restoring mechanics to compressively injured porcine spine motion segments. METHODS Fourteen porcine spine motion segments were subject to axial compression until fracture using a dynamic servohydraulic testing apparatus. Rotational and compressive stiffness was measured for each specimen under the following conditions: initial undamaged, fractured, fatigue loading under compression, hydrogel injection, PMMA injection, and fatigue loading under compression. Group 1 received hydrogel injection followed by PMMA injection, whereas Group 2 received PMMA injection followed by hydrogel injection. This study was funded under a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada discovery grant. RESULTS PMMA injection was found to alter the compressive stiffness properties of axially injured spine motion segments, restoring values from Groups 1 and 2 to 89.3%±29.3% and 81%±27.9% of initial values respectively. Hydrogel injection was found to alter the rotational stiffness properties, restoring specimens in Groups 1 and 2 to 151.5%±81% and 177.2%±54.9% of initial values respectively. Prolonged restoration of function was not possible, however, after further fatigue loading. CONCLUSIONS Using this repair technique, replication of the mechanism of injury appears to cause a rapid deterioration in function of the motion segments. Containment of the hydrogel appears to be an issue with large breaches in the end plate, as it is posited to migrate into the cancellous bone of the vertebral body. Future work should attempt to evaluate methods in fully sealing the disc space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Balkovec
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1.
| | | | - Peter Stevenson
- Grand River Hospital, 835 King St West, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2G 1G3
| | - Stuart M McGill
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
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Moriguchi Y, Alimi M, Khair T, Manolarakis G, Berlin C, Bonassar LJ, Härtl R. Biological Treatment Approaches for Degenerative Disk Disease: A Literature Review of In Vivo Animal and Clinical Data. Global Spine J 2016; 6:497-518. [PMID: 27433434 PMCID: PMC4947401 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1571955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Literature review. OBJECTIVE Degenerative disk disease (DDD) has a negative impact on quality of life and is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. There has been a growing interest in the biological repair of DDD by both researchers and clinicians alike. To generate an overview of the recent progress in reparative strategies for the treatment of DDD highlighting their promises and limitations, a comprehensive review of the current literature was performed elucidating data from in vivo animal and clinical studies. METHODS Articles and abstracts available in electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as of December 2014 were reviewed. Additionally, data from unpublished, ongoing clinical trials was retrieved from clinicaltrials.gov and available abstracts from research forums. Data was extracted from the most recent in vivo animal or clinical studies involving any of the following: (1) treatment with biomolecules, cells, or tissue-engineered constructs and (2) annulus fibrosus repair. RESULTS Seventy-five articles met the inclusion criteria for review. Among these, 17 studies involved humans; 37, small quadrupeds; and 21, large quadrupeds. Findings from all treatments employed demonstrated improvement either in regenerative capacity or in pain attenuation, with the exception of one clinical study. CONCLUSION Published clinical studies on cell therapy have reported encouraging results in the treatment of DDD and resultant back pain. We expect new data to emerge in the near future as treatments for DDD continue to evolve in parallel to our greater understanding of disk health and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Moriguchi
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - Marjan Alimi
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - Thamina Khair
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - George Manolarakis
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - Connor Berlin
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - Lawrence J. Bonassar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Roger Härtl
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, United States
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Tekari A, Chan SCW, Sakai D, Grad S, Gantenbein B. Angiopoietin-1 receptor Tie2 distinguishes multipotent differentiation capability in bovine coccygeal nucleus pulposus cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:75. [PMID: 27216150 PMCID: PMC4878031 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0337-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intervertebral disc (IVD) has limited self-healing potential and disc repair strategies require an appropriate cell source such as progenitor cells that could regenerate the damaged cells and tissues. The objective of this study was to identify nucleus pulposus-derived progenitor cells (NPPC) and examine their potential in regenerative medicine in vitro. METHODS Nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) were obtained from 1-year-old bovine coccygeal discs by enzymatic digestion and were sorted for the angiopoietin-1 receptor Tie2. The obtained Tie2- and Tie2+ fractions of cells were differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages in vitro. Colony-forming units were prepared from both cell populations and the colonies formed were analyzed and quantified after 8 days of culture. In order to improve the preservation of the Tie2+ phenotype of NPPC in monolayer cultures, we tested a selection of growth factors known to have stimulating effects, cocultured NPPC with IVD tissue, and exposed them to hypoxic conditions (2 % O2). RESULTS After 3 weeks of differentiation culture, only the NPC that were positive for Tie2 were able to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes as characterized by calcium deposition (p < 0.0001), fat droplet formation (p < 0.0001), and glycosaminoglycan content (p = 0.0095 vs. Tie2- NPC), respectively. Sorted Tie2- and Tie2+ subpopulations of cells both formed colonies; however, the colonies formed from Tie2+ cells were spheroid in shape, whereas those from Tie2- cells were spread and fibroblastic. In addition, Tie2+ cells formed more colonies in 3D culture (p = 0.011) than Tie2- cells. During expansion, a fast decline in the fraction of Tie2+ cells was observed (p < 0.0001), which was partially reversed by low oxygen concentration (p = 0.0068) and supplementation of the culture with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that the bovine nucleus pulposus contains NPPC that are Tie2+. These cells fulfilled formally progenitor criteria that were maintained in subsequent monolayer culture for up to 7 days by addition of FGF2 or hypoxic conditions. We propose that the nucleus pulposus represents a niche of precursor cells for regeneration of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Tekari
- Tissue and Organ Mechanobiology, Institute for Surgical Technology & Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Samantha C W Chan
- Tissue and Organ Mechanobiology, Institute for Surgical Technology & Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department for Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.,AO Spine Research Network, AO Spine International, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Grad
- AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.,AO Spine Research Network, AO Spine International, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue and Organ Mechanobiology, Institute for Surgical Technology & Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,AO Spine Research Network, AO Spine International, Davos, Switzerland
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Zhu Q, Gao X, Temple HT, Brown MD, Gu W. Simulation of biological therapies for degenerated intervertebral discs. J Orthop Res 2016; 34:699-708. [PMID: 26425965 PMCID: PMC4833445 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of biological therapies on intervertebral disc repair was quantitatively studied using a three-dimensional finite element model based on a cell-activity coupled multiphasic mixture theory. In this model, cell metabolism and matrix synthesis and degradation were considered. Three types of biological therapies-increasing the cell density (Case I), increasing the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis rate (Case II), and decreasing the GAG degradation rate (Case III)-to the nucleus pulposus (NP) of each of two degenerated discs [one mildly degenerated (e.g., 80% viable cells in the NP) and one severely degenerated (e.g., 30% viable cells in the NP)] were simulated. Degenerated discs without treatment were also simulated as a control. The cell number needed, nutrition level demanded, time required for the repair, and the long-term outcomes of these therapies were analyzed. For Case I, the repair process was predicted to be dependent on the cell density implanted and the nutrition level at disc boundaries. With sufficient nutrition supply, this method was predicted to be effective for treating both mildly and severely degenerated discs. For Case II, the therapy was predicted to be effective for repairing the mildly degenerated disc, but not for the severely degenerated disc. Similar results were predicted for Case III. No change in cell density for Cases II and III were predicted under normal nutrition level. This study provides a quantitative guide for choosing proper strategies of biological therapies for different degenerated discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Zhu
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - Xin Gao
- Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - H. Thomas Temple
- Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, NOVA Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | - Mark D. Brown
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Weiyong Gu
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL,Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL,Corresponding author: Weiyong Gu, PhD, 1251 Memorial Drive, MEB206, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0624, 305-284-8553, 305-284-2580 (Fax),
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Wang SZ, Jin JY, Guo YD, Ma LY, Chang Q, Peng XG, Guo FF, Zhang HX, Hu XF, Wang C. Intervertebral disc regeneration using platelet‑rich plasma‑containing bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells: A preliminary investigation. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3475-81. [PMID: 26956080 PMCID: PMC4805096 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) is a promising strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the short half‑life of growth factors released from PRP cannot continuously stimulate the degenerated discs. Thus, the present study hypothesized that the combined use of PRP and bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may repair the early degenerated discs in the long term for their synergistic reparative effect. In the present study, following the induction of early IDD by annular puncture in rabbits, PRP was prepared and mixed with BMSCs (PRP‑BMSC group) for injection into the early degenerated discs. As controls, phosphate‑buffered saline (PBS; PBS group) and PRP (PRP group) were similarly injected. Rabbits without any intervention served as a control group. At 8 weeks following treatment, histological changes of the injected discs were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to detect the T2‑weighted signal intensity of the targeted discs at weeks 1, 2 and 8 following treatment. Annular puncture resulted in disc narrowing and decreased T2‑weighted signal intensity. At weeks 1 and 3, MRI examinations showed regenerative changes in the PRP‑BMSC group and PRP group, whereas the PBS group exhibited a continuous degenerative process of the discs. At 8 weeks post‑injection, the PRP‑BMSCs induced a statistically significant restoration of discs, as shown by MRI (PRP‑BMSCs, vs.PRP and PBS; P<0.05), which was also confirmed by histological evaluations. Thus, compared with PRP, the administration of PRP‑containing BMSCs resulted in a superior regenerative effect on the early degenerated discs, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the restoration of early degenerated discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Zheng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Yang Jin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Dong Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Liang-Yu Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Gui Peng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Fang-Fang Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Xiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Feng Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qidong People's Hospital, Qidong, Jiangsu 226200, P.R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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Han I, Ropper AE, Konya D, Kabatas S, Toktas Z, Aljuboori Z, Zeng X, Chi JH, Zafonte R, Teng YD. Biological approaches to treating intervertebral disk degeneration: devising stem cell therapies. Cell Transplant 2015. [PMID: 26223943 DOI: 10.3727/096368915x688650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration is a common, chronic, and complex degeneration process that frequently leads to back pain and disability, resulting in a major public health issue. In this review we describe biological therapies under preclinical or clinical development with an emphasis on stem cell-based multimodal approaches that target prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration. Systematical review of the basic science and clinical literature was performed to summarize the current status of devising biological approaches to treating IVD degeneration. Since the exact mechanisms underlying IVD degeneration have not yet been fully elucidated and conservative managements appear to be mostly ineffective, current surgical treatment focuses on removal of the pathological disk tissues combined with spinal fusion. The treatment options, however, often produce insufficient efficacy and even serious complications. Therefore, there have been growing demands and endeavors for developing novel regenerative biology-guided strategies for repairing the IVD via delivery of exogenous growth factors, introduction of therapeutic genes, and transplantation of stem cells, or combinatorial therapies. Overall, the data suggest that when applied under a recovery neurobiology principle, multimodal regimens comprising ex vivo engineered stem cell-based disks hold a high potential promise for efficacious clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Dlaska CE, Andersson G, Brittberg M, Suedkamp NP, Raschke MJ, Schuetz MA. Clinical Translation in Tissue Engineering—The Surgeon’s View. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40610-015-0013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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