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Xue P, Lv L, Liu L, Xu Y, Zhou C, Wang Y. Unveiling the role of CXCL8/CXCR2 in intervertebral disc degeneration: A path to promising therapeutic strategies. J Orthop Translat 2024; 49:119-134. [PMID: 39444419 PMCID: PMC11497097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2024.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD) is the primary etiology of low back pain and radicular pain. Recent studies have found that chemokines play a role in IVDD, but the underlying mechanism is largely unclear. Methods Bioinformatics analysis was employed to screen CXCL8 as the target gene. The expression levels of CXCL8 and CXCR2 were quantified using RT-qPCR, western blot(WB), immunohistochemistry(IHC), and enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay(ELISA). In the IVDD mouse model, X-ray images, Safranin O-fast green staining(SO-FG), IHC, and WB were conducted to assess the therapeutic effects of CXCL8 on IVDD. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), and the involvement of the NF-κB pathway were evaluated through WB, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence(IF), and Tunnel assay. Results In our study, we observed that CXCL8 emerged as one of the chemokines that were up-regulated in IVDD. The mitigation of extracellular matrix degradation (ECM) and the severity of IVDD were significantly achieved by neutralizing CXCL8 or its receptor CXCR2(SB225002, CXCR2 antagonist). The release of CXCL8 from infiltrated macrophages within intervertebral discs (IVDs) was predominantly observed upon stimulation. CXCL8 exerted its effects on NPCs by inducing apoptosis and ECM degradation through the activation of CXCR2. Specifically, the formation of the CXCL8/CXCR2 complex triggered the NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in an abnormal increase in intracellular ROS levels and ultimately contributing to the development of IVDD. Conclusion Our findings suggest that macrophage-derived CXCL8 and subsequent CXCR2 signaling play crucial roles in mediating inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in IVDD. Targeting the CXCL8/CXCR2 axis may offer promising therapeutic strategies to ameliorate IVDD. The translational potential of this article This study indicates that CXCL8 can effectively exacerbate the excessive apoptosis and oxidative stress of NPCs through activating the NF-κB pathway. This study may provide new potential targets for preventing and reversing IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xue
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Long Lv
- Central Laboratory, Gaochun Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211300, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yuzhu Xu
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Chonggang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, 332000, China
| | - Yuntao Wang
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Xue B, Peng Y, Zhang Y, Yang S, Zheng Y, Hu H, Gao X, Yu B, Gao X, Li S, Wu H, Ma T, Hao Y, Wei Y, Guo L, Yang Y, Wang Z, Xue T, Zhang J, Luo B, Xia B, Huang J. A Novel Superparamagnetic-Responsive Hydrogel Facilitates Disc Regeneration by Orchestrating Cell Recruitment, Proliferation, and Differentiation within Hostile Inflammatory Niche. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2408093. [PMID: 39373392 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202408093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
In situ disc regeneration is a meticulously orchestrated process, which involves cell recruitment, proliferation and differentiation within a local inflammatory niche. Thus far, it remains a challenge to establish a multi-staged regulatory framework for coordinating these cellular events, therefore leading to unsatisfactory outcome. This study constructs a super paramagnetically-responsive cellular gel, incorporating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and aptamer-modified palladium-hydrogen nanozymes (PdH-Apt) into a double-network polyacrylamide/hyaluronic acid (PAAm/HA) hydrogel. The Aptamer DB67 within magnetic hydrogel (Mag-gel) showed a high affinity for disialoganglioside (GD2), a specific membrane ligand of nucleus pulposus stem cells (NPSCs), to precisely recruit them to the injury site. The Mag-gel exhibits remarkable sensitivity to a magnetic field (MF), which exerts tunable micro/nano-scale forces on recruited NPSCs and triggers cytoskeletal remodeling, consequently boosting cell expansion in the early stage. By altering the parameters of MF, the mechanical cues within the hydrogel facilitates differentiation of NPSCs into nucleus pulposus cells to restore disc structure in the later stage. Furthermore, the PdH nanozymes within the Mag-gel mitigate the harsh inflammatory microenvironment, favoring cell survival and disc regeneration. This study presents a remote and multi-staged strategy for chronologically regulating endogenous stem cell fate, supporting disc regeneration without invasive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borui Xue
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
- Air Force 986(th) Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yan Peng
- College of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, 362200, P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Huiling Hu
- Air Force 986(th) Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xueli Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Beibei Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xue Gao
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Shengyou Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Haining Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Hao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yitao Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Lingli Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Tingfeng Xue
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, 350108, P. R. China
| | - Beier Luo
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jinghui Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
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Deng W, Chen J, Wang X, Wang Q, Zhao L, Zhu Y, Yan J, Zheng Y. Paravertebrally-Injected Multifunctional Hydrogel for Sustained Anti-Inflammation and Pain Relief in Lumbar Disc Herniation. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2401227. [PMID: 38979866 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Pain caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) severely compromises patients' quality of life. The combination of steroid and local anesthetics is routinely employed in clinics to alleviate LDH-induced pain. However, the approach only mediates transient efficacy and requires repeated and invasive lumbar epidural injections. Here a paravertebrally-injected multifunctional hydrogel that can efficiently co-load and controlled release glucocorticoid betamethasone and anesthetics ropivacaine for sustained anti-inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-removal and pain relief in LDH is presented. Betamethasone is conjugated to hyaluronic acid (HA) via ROS-responsive crosslinker to form amphiphilic polymer that self-assemble into particles with ropivacaine loaded into the core. Solution of drug-loaded particles and thermo-sensitive polymer rapidly forms therapeutic hydrogel in situ upon injection next to the herniated disc, thus avoiding invasive epidural injection. In a rat model of LDH, multifunctional hydrogel maintains the local drug concentration 72 times longer than free drugs and more effectively inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pain-related molecules including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Therapeutic hydrogel suppresses the LDH-induced pain in rats for 12 days while the equivalent dose of free drugs is only effective for 3 days. This platform is also applicable to ameliorate pain caused by other spine-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Deng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, 199 Ren Ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jianpeng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
| | - Xinli Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, 199 Ren Ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qianliang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, 199 Ren Ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yuzheng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, 199 Ren Ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
| | - Yiran Zheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, 199 Ren Ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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Zhu D, Chen S, Sheng P, Wang Z, Li Y, Kang X. POSTN promotes nucleus pulposus cell senescence and extracellular matrix metabolism via activing Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signal pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111277. [PMID: 38944256 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent condition contributing to back pain and disability. Periostin (POSTN) has emerged as a potential molecular marker and therapeutic target in IVDD, prompting further investigation into its role and mechanisms. METHODS This study employs bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation to explore the role of POSTN in IVDD. Gene expression datasets from the GEO database were analyzed to identify genes associated with IVDD, and the effects of POSTN on rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells senescence and extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Elevated POSTN expression was observed in degenerated discs from IVDD patients, correlating with disease severity. In vitro experiments demonstrated that POSTN promotes NP cells senescence and ECM metabolism in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In vivo studies confirmed that POSTN inhibition can ameliorate the progression of IVDD. Further mechanistic insights revealed that POSTN may exert its effects by activating the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. CONCLUSION POSTN plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of IVDD, with its upregulated expression closely linked to NP cells senescence and ECM metabolism. Targeting POSTN could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for IVDD. Additionally, the study predicts small molecules that may inhibit POSTN expression, providing potential candidates for the development of new drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxue Zhu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou 730030, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Shijie Chen
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou 730030, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Pan Sheng
- The 947th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashgar, PR China
| | - Zhaoheng Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou 730030, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Yanhu Li
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou 730030, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, PR China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou 730030, PR China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, PR China.
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Li K, Yang W, Chen X, Yu Y, Liu Y, Ni F, Xiao Y, Qing X, Liu S, He Y, Wang B, Xu L, Shao Z, Zhao L, Peng Y, Lin H. A structured biomimetic nanoparticle as inflammatory factor sponge and autophagy-regulatory agent against intervertebral disc degeneration and discogenic pain. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:486. [PMID: 39143545 PMCID: PMC11323362 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain (LBP) is a common condition closely associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), causing a significant socioeconomic burden. Inflammatory activation in degenerated discs involves pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysregulated regulatory cytokines, and increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), leading to further intervertebral disc destruction and pain sensitization. Macrophage polarization is closely related to autophagy. Based on these pathological features, a structured biomimetic nanoparticle coated with TrkA-overexpressing macrophage membranes (TMNP@SR) with a rapamycin-loaded mesoporous silica core is developed. TMNP@SR acted like sponges to adsorbe inflammatory cytokines and NGF and delivers the autophagy regulator rapamycin (RAPA) into macrophages through homologous targeting effects of the outer engineered cell membrane. By regulating autophagy activation, TMNP@SR promoted the M1-to-M2 switch of macrophages to avoid continuous activation of inflammation within the degenerated disc, which prevented the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells. In addition, TMNP@SR relieved mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, reduced calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) expression in the dorsal root ganglion, and downregulated GFAP and c-FOS signaling in the spinal cord in the rat IDD model. In summary, TMNP@SR spontaneously inhibits the aggravation of disc inflammation to alleviate disc degeneration and reduce the ingress of sensory nerves, presenting a promising treatment strategy for LBP induced by disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanglu Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenbo Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xuanzuo Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yihan Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yiran Liu
- Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Feifei Ni
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiangcheng Qing
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - YuXin He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Baichuan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Emergency, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Yizhong Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Jia Y, Chen H, Huang S, Huo Z, Xu B. Causal effects of skin microbiota on intervertebral disk degeneration, low back pain and sciatica: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:476. [PMID: 39138503 PMCID: PMC11321032 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to use two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between skin microbiota, especially Propionibacterium acnes, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), low back pain (LBP) and sciatica. METHODS We conducted a two-sample MR using the aggregated data from the whole genome-wide association studies (GWAS). 150 skin microbiota were derived from the GWAS catalog and IVDD, LBP and sciatica were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was the primary research method, with MR-Egger and Weighted median as supplementary methods. Perform sensitivity analysis and reverse MR analysis on all MR results and use multivariate MR to adjust for confounding factors. RESULTS MR revealed five skin microbiota associated with IVDD, four associated with LBP, and two with sciatica. Specifically, P.acnes in sebaceous skin environments were associated with reduced risk of IVDD; IVDD was found to increase the abundance of P.acnes in moist skin. Furthermore, ASV010 [Staphylococcus (unc.)] from dry skin was a risk factor for LBP and sciatica; ASV045 [Acinetobacter (unc.)] from dry skin and Genus Rothia from dry skin exhibited potential protective effects against LBP; ASV065 [Finegoldia (unc.)] from dry skin was a protective factor for IVDD and LBP. ASV054 [Enhydrobacter (unc.)] from moist skin, Genus Bacteroides from dry skin and Genus Kocuria from dry skin were identified as being associated with an increased risk of IVDD. Genus Streptococcus from moist skin was considered to be associated with an increased risk of sciatica. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a potential causal relationship between skin microbiota and IVDD, LBP, and sciatica. No evidence suggests skin-derived P.acnes is a risk factor for IVDD, LBP and sciatica. At the same time, IVDD can potentially cause an increase in P.acnes abundance, which supports the contamination theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Jia
- Department of Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Houcong Chen
- Department of Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Shengbo Huang
- Department of Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhenxin Huo
- Department of Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Baoshan Xu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300211, China.
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Huang Z, Cai X, Shen X, Chen Z, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Lu B, Xu B, Li Y. Identification and experimental verification of immune-related hub genes in intervertebral disc degeneration. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34530. [PMID: 39130434 PMCID: PMC11315086 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation and immune factors are the core of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but the immune environment and epigenetic regulation process of IDD remain unclear. This study aims to identify immune-related diagnostic candidate genes for IDD, and search for potential pathogenesis and therapeutic targets for IDD. Methods Gene expression datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differential expression immune genes (Imm-DEGs) were identified through weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and linear models for microarray data analysis (Limma). LASSO algorithm was used to identify feature genes related to IDD, which were compared with core node genes in PPI network to obtain hub genes. Based on the coefficients of hub genes, a risk model was constructed, and the diagnostic value of hub genes was further evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Xcell, an immunocyte analysis tool, was used to estimate the infiltration of immune cells. Finally, nucleus pulposus cells were co-cultured with macrophages to create an M1 macrophage immune inflammatory environment, and the changes of hub genes were verified. Results Combined with the results of WGCNA and Limma gene differential analysis, a total of 30 Imm-DEGs were identified. Imm-DEGs enriched in multiple pathways related to immunity and inflammation. LASSO algorithm identified 10 feature genes from Imm-DEGs that significantly affected IDD, and after comparison with core node genes in the PPI network of Imm-DEGs, 6 hub genes (NR1H3, SORT1, PTGDS, AGT, IRF1, TGFB2) were determined. Results of ROC curves and external dataset validation showed that the risk model constructed with the 6 hub genes had high diagnostic value for IDD. Immunocyte infiltration analysis showed the presence of various dysregulated immune cells in the degenerative nucleus pulposus tissue. In vitro experimental results showed that the gene expression of NR1H3, SORT1, PTGDS, IRF1, and TGFB2 in nucleus pulposus cells in the immune inflammatory environment was up-regulated, but the change of AGT was not significant. Conclusions The hub genes NR1H3, SORT1, PTGDS, IRF1, and TGFB2 can be used as immunorelated biomarkers for IDD, and may be potential targets for immune regulation therapy for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeling Huang
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Xuefeng Cai
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
- Orthopaedic Traumatology Institute, Suzhou Academy of Wumen Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Qingtian Zhang
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Yujiang Liu
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Binjie Lu
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
- Orthopaedic Traumatology Institute, Suzhou Academy of Wumen Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
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Zeng Z, Qin J, Guo L, Hirai T, Gui Z, Liu T, Su C, Yu D, Yan M. Prediction and Mechanisms of Spontaneous Resorption in Lumbar Disc Herniation: Narrative Review. Spine Surg Relat Res 2024; 8:235-242. [PMID: 38868799 PMCID: PMC11165499 DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2023-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The major symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) are low back pain, radiative lower extremity pain, and lower limb movement disorder. Patients with LDH suffer from great distress in their daily life accompanied by severe economic hardship and difficulty in self-care, with an increasing tendency in the aging population. PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies of spontaneous resorption or regression in LDH after conservative treatment and for other potential studies, which included those from inception to June 30, 2023. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize previous literatures about spontaneous resorption in LDH and to discuss the mechanisms and influencing factors in order to assess the probability of spontaneous resorption by conservative treatment. Spontaneous resorption without surgical treatment is influenced by the types and sizes of the LDH, inflammatory responses, and therapeutic factors. If the lumbar disc herniated tissue comprises a higher percentage of cartilage or modic changes have been shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resorption in LDH is prevented. The bull's eye sign on enhanced MRI, which is a ring enhancement around a protruding disc, is a vital indicator for easy reabsorption. In addition, the type of extrusion and sequestration in LDH could forecast the higher feasibility of natural reabsorption. Moreover, the higher the proportion of protrusion on the intervertebral disc tissue within the spinal canal, the greater the likelihood of reabsorption. Therefore, which illustrates the feasibility of conservative treatments for LDH. Nonsurgical management of LDH with clinical symptoms is recommended by the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Takashi Hirai
- Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhiheng Gui
- Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chen Su
- Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mengmeng Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Du X, Fan R, Kong J. What improvements do general exercise training and traditional Chinese exercises have on knee osteoarthritis? A narrative review based on biological mechanisms and clinical efficacy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1395375. [PMID: 38841568 PMCID: PMC11150680 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1395375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disease that significantly affects the quality of life of patients, with a complex pathophysiology that includes degeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone, synovitis, and associations with mechanical load, inflammation, metabolic factors, hormonal changes, and aging. Objective This article aims to comprehensively review the biological mechanisms and clinical effects of general exercise training and traditional Chinese exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qigong) on the treatment of KOA, providing references for the development of clinical exercise prescriptions. Methods A systematic search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was conducted, reviewing studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Keywords included "knee osteoarthritis," "exercise therapy," "physical activity," and "traditional Chinese exercise." Results and conclusion General exercise training positively affects KOA by mechanisms such as promoting blood circulation, improving the metabolism of inflammatory factors, enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reducing cartilage cell aging. Traditional Chinese exercises, like Tai Chi and Qigong, benefit the improvement of KOA symptoms and tissue repair by regulating immune function and alleviating joint inflammation. Clinical studies have shown that both types of exercise can improve physical function, quality of life, and pain relief in patients with KOA. Both general exercise training and traditional Chinese exercises are non-pharmacological treatment options for KOA that can effectively improve patients' physiological function and quality of life. Future research should further explore the long-term effects and biological mechanisms of these exercise interventions and develop personalized exercise programs based on the specific needs of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbin Du
- Shandong Huayu University of Technology, Dezhou, China
- Faculty of Education, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Rao Fan
- College of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Jianda Kong
- College of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
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10
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Bonilla AF, Sikes KJ, Burton LH, Chow L, Kurihara J, Santangelo K, Dow SW, Easley JT. Immunization against nucleus pulposus antigens to accelerate degenerative disc disease in a rabbit model. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1382652. [PMID: 38803805 PMCID: PMC11128595 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1382652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain poses a significant societal burden, with progressive intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) emerging as a pivotal contributor to chronic pain. Improved animal models of progressive IDD are needed to comprehensively investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to managing IDD. Recent studies underscore the immune system's involvement in IDD, particularly with regards to the role of immune privileged tissues such as the nucleus pulposus (NP) becoming an immune targeting following initial disc injury. We therefore hypothesized that generating an active immune response against NP antigens with an NP vaccine could significantly accelerate and refine an IDD animal model triggered by mechanical puncture of the disc. To address this question, rabbits were immunized against NP antigens following disc puncture, and the impact on development of progressive IDD was assessed radiographically, functionally, and histologically compared between vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals over a 12-week period. Immune responses to NP antigens were assessed by ELISA and Western blot. We found that the vaccine elicited strong immune responses against NP antigens, including a dominant ~37 kD antigen. Histologic evaluation revealed increases IDD in animals that received the NP vaccine plus disc puncture, compared to disc puncture and vaccine only animals. Imaging evaluation evidenced a decrease in disc height index and higher scores of disc degeneration in animals after disc punctures and in those animals that received the NP vaccine in addition to disc puncture. These findings therefore indicate that it is possible to elicit immune responses against NP antigens in adult animals, and that these immune responses may contribute to accelerated development of IDD in a novel immune-induced and accelerated IDD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Katie J. Sikes
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lindsey H. Burton
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jade Kurihara
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kelly Santangelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Steven W. Dow
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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11
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He Y, Liu S, Lin H, Ding F, Shao Z, Xiong L. Roles of organokines in intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1340625. [PMID: 38532900 PMCID: PMC10963452 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1340625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc is not isolated from other tissues. Recently, abundant research has linked intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration to various systemic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Organokines are a group of diverse factors named for the tissue of origin, including adipokines, osteokines, myokines, cardiokines, gastrointestinal hormones, and hepatokines. Through endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms, organokines modulate energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, and metabolic balance in various tissues to mediate cross-organ communication. These molecules are involved in the regulation of cellular behavior, inflammation, and matrix metabolism under physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we aimed to summarize the impact of organokines on disc homeostasis and degeneration and the underlying signaling mechanism. We focused on the regulatory mechanisms of organokines to provide a basis for the development of early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, JingMen Central Hospital, Jingmen, China
- Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liming Xiong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Leão Monteiro R. Future of low back pain: unravelling IVD components and MSCs' potential. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38227139 PMCID: PMC10792145 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) mainly emerges from intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the failing mechanism of IVD ́s components, like the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP), leading to IVD degeneration/herniation is still poorly understood. Moreover, the specific role of cellular populations and molecular pathways involved in the inflammatory process associated with IVD herniation remains to be highlighted. The limited knowledge of inflammation associated with the initial steps of herniation and the lack of suitable models to mimic human IVD ́s complexity are some of the reasons for that. It has become essential to enhance the knowledge of cellular and molecular key players for AF and NP cells during inflammatory-driven degeneration. Due to unique properties of immunomodulation and pluripotency, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attained diverse recognition in this field of bone and cartilage regeneration. MSCs therapy has been particularly valuable in facilitating repair of damaged tissues and may benefit in mitigating inflammation' degenerative events. Therefore, this review article conducts comprehensive research to further understand the intertwine between the mechanisms of action of IVD components and therapeutic potential of MSCs, exploring their characteristics, how to optimize their use and establish them safely in distinct settings for LPB treatment.
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13
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Belluzzi E, Pozzuoli A, Ruggieri P. Musculoskeletal Diseases: From Molecular Basis to Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 12:32. [PMID: 38255139 PMCID: PMC10813464 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) comprise a plethora of different disorders (more than 150 conditions) affecting the locomotor system [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Belluzzi
- Musculoskeletal Pathology and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Assunta Pozzuoli
- Musculoskeletal Pathology and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Wang N, Mi Z, Chen S, Fang X, Xi Z, Xu W, Xie L. Analysis of global research hotspots and trends in immune cells in intervertebral disc degeneration: A bibliometric study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2274220. [PMID: 37941392 PMCID: PMC10760394 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2274220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is an important pathological basis for spinal degenerative diseases. The imbalance of the immune microenvironment and the involvement of immune cells has been shown to lead to nucleus pulposus cells death. This article presents a bibliometric analysis of studies on immune cells in IDD in order to clarify the current status and hotspots. We searched the WOSCC, Scopus and PubMed databases from 01/01/2001 to 08/03/2023. We analyzed and visualized the content using software such as Citespace, Vosviewer and the bibliometrix. This study found that the number of annual publications is increasing year on year. The journal study found that Spine had the highest number of articles and citations. The country/regions analysis showed that China had the highest number of publications, the USA had the highest number of citations and total link strength. The institutional analysis found that Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Huazhong University of Science Technology had the highest number of publications, Tokai University had the highest citations, and the University of Bern had the highest total link strength. Sakai D and Risbud MV had the highest number of publications. Sakai D had the highest total link strength, and Risbud MV had the highest number of citations. The results of the keyword analysis suggested that the current research hotspots and future directions continue to be the study of the mechanisms of immune cells in IDD, the therapeutic role of immune cells in IDD and the role of immune cells in tissue engineering for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zehua Mi
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyang Fang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Xi
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wenqiang Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Lin Xie
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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15
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Chirumbolo S, Valdenassi L, Tirelli U, Ricevuti G, Pandolfi S, Vaiano F, Galoforo A, Loprete F, Simonetti V, Chierchia M, Bellardi D, Richelmi T, Franzini M. The Oxygen-Ozone Adjunct Medical Treatment According to the Protocols from the Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy: How Ozone Applications in the Blood Can Influence Clinical Therapy Success via the Modulation of Cell Biology and Immunity. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1512. [PMID: 38132338 PMCID: PMC10740843 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ozone is an allotrope of oxygen whose use in medicine has rapidly grown in recent years. Ozonated blood allows for the use of ozone in a safe modality, as plasma and blood cells are endowed with an antioxidant system able to quench ozone's pro-oxidant property and to elicit the Nrf2/Kwap1/ARE pathway. METHODS We present two clinical studies, a case-series (six patients) observational study adopting ozone as a major autohemotherapy and topical ozone to address infected post-surgical wounds with multi-drug resistant bacteria and an observational study (250 patients) using ozonated blood for treating knee osteoarthritis. RESULTS Ozonated blood via major autohemotherapy reduced the extent of infections in wounds, reduced the inflammatory biomarkers by more than 75% and improved patients' QoL, whereas ozonated blood via minor autohemotherapy improved significantly (p < 0.001) WOMAC and Lequesne's parameters in knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS The models described, i.e., ozone autohemotherapy in wound antimicrobial treatment and ozonated blood in knee osteoarthrosis, following our protocols, share the outstanding ability of ozone to modulate the innate immune response and address bacterial clearance as well as inflammation and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Valdenassi
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Giovanni Ricevuti
- Department of Drug Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Sergio Pandolfi
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Francesco Vaiano
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Antonio Galoforo
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Fortunato Loprete
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Simonetti
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Marianna Chierchia
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Tommaso Richelmi
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Marianno Franzini
- Italian Scientific Society of Oxygen–Ozone Therapy (SIOOT), High Master School of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.V.); (S.P.); (F.V.); (A.G.); (F.L.); (V.S.); (M.C.); or (T.R.); (M.F.)
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Guo S, Yan M, Li X, Zhang S, Liu Z, Li K, Liu P, Liu Y, Sun G, Fu Q. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis reveals that immune cells induce human nucleus pulposus ossification and degeneration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1224627. [PMID: 37638033 PMCID: PMC10449260 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Determining the transcriptomes and molecular mechanism underlying human degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) is of critical importance for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Here, we aimed to elucidate the detailed molecular mechanism of NP ossification and IDD using single-cell RNA sequencing. Methods Single-cell RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis were performed to identify NP cell populations with gene signatures, biological processes and pathways, and subpopulation analysis, RNA velocity analysis, and cell-to-cell communication analysis were performed in four IDD patients. We also verified the effects of immune cells on NP ossification using cultured NP cells and a well-established rat IDD model. Results We identified five cell populations with gene expression profiles in degenerative NP at single-cell resolution. GO database analysis showed that degenerative NP-associated genes were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization, immune response, and ossification. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that rheumatoid arthritis signaling, antigen processing and presentation signaling were activated in the blood cell cluster. We revealed that stromal cells, which are progenitor cells, differentiated toward an ossification phenotype and delineated interactions between immune cells (macrophages and T cells) and stromal cells. Immune factors such as TNF-α, CD74 and CCL-3 promoted the differentiation of stromal cells toward an ossification phenotype in vitro. Blocking TNF-α with a specific inhibitor successfully reversed NP ossification and modified NP morphology in vivo. Conclusion Our study revealed an increase in macrophages and T cells in degenerative NP, which induced stromal cell differentiation toward an ossification phenotype, and contributed to the identification of a novel therapeutic target to delay IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijun Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuya Zhang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Zhong Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Kewei Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbin Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Guixin Sun
- Department of Traumatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University First People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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