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Tang SN, Salazar-Puerta AI, Heimann MK, Kuchynsky K, Rincon-Benavides MA, Kordowski M, Gunsch G, Bodine L, Diop K, Gantt C, Khan S, Bratasz A, Kokiko-Cochran O, Fitzgerald J, Laudier DM, Hoyland JA, Walter BA, Higuita-Castro N, Purmessur D. Engineered extracellular vesicle-based gene therapy for the treatment of discogenic back pain. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122562. [PMID: 38583365 PMCID: PMC11164054 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122562] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Painful musculoskeletal disorders such as intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration associated with chronic low back pain (termed "Discogenic back pain", DBP), are a significant socio-economic burden worldwide and contribute to the growing opioid crisis. Yet there are very few if any successful interventions that can restore the tissue's structure and function while also addressing the symptomatic pain. Here we have developed a novel non-viral gene therapy, using engineered extracellular vesicles (eEVs) to deliver the developmental transcription factor FOXF1 to the degenerated IVD in an in vivo model. Injured IVDs treated with eEVs loaded with FOXF1 demonstrated robust sex-specific reductions in pain behaviors compared to control groups. Furthermore, significant restoration of IVD structure and function in animals treated with FOXF1 eEVs were observed, with significant increases in disc height, tissue hydration, proteoglycan content, and mechanical properties. This is the first study to successfully restore tissue function while modulating pain behaviors in an animal model of DBP using eEV-based non-viral delivery of transcription factor genes. Such a strategy can be readily translated to other painful musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Ana I Salazar-Puerta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Mary K Heimann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Kyle Kuchynsky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | | | - Mia Kordowski
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Gilian Gunsch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Lucy Bodine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Khady Diop
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Connor Gantt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Safdar Khan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, USA
| | - Anna Bratasz
- Small Animal Imaging Center Shared Resources, Wexner Medical Center, USA
| | - Olga Kokiko-Cochran
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Julie Fitzgerald
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Damien M Laudier
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University, NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Benjamin A Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, USA
| | - Natalia Higuita-Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA; Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, USA.
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, USA.
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Heimann MK, Thompson K, Gunsch G, Tang SN, Klamer B, Corps K, Walter BA, Moore SA, Purmessur D. Characterization and modulation of the pro-inflammatory effects of immune cells in the canine intervertebral disk. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1333. [PMID: 38660017 PMCID: PMC11039810 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration affects both humans and canines and is a major cause of low back pain (LBP). Mast cell (MC) and macrophage (MØ) infiltration has been identified in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration (IVDD) in the human and rodent model but remains understudied in the canine. MC degranulation in the IVD leads to a pro-inflammatory cascade and activates protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) on IVD cells. The objectives of the present study are to: (1) highlight the pathophysiological changes observed in the degenerate canine IVD, (2) further characterize the inflammatory effect of MCs co-cultured with canine nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, (3) evaluate the effect of construct stiffness on NP and MCs, and (4) identify potential therapeutics to mitigate pathologic changes in the IVD microenvironment. Methods Canine IVD tissue was isolated from healthy autopsy research dogs (beagle) and pet dogs undergoing laminectomy for IVD herniation. Morphology, protein content, and inflammatory markers were assessed. NP cells isolated from healthy autopsy (Mongrel hounds) tissue were co-cultured with canine MCs within agarose constructs and treated with cromolyn sodium (CS) and PAR2 antagonist (PAR2A). Gene expression, sulfated glycosaminoglycan content, and stiffness of constructs were assessed. Results CD 31+ blood vessels, mast cell tryptase, and macrophage CD 163+ were increased in the degenerate surgical canine tissue compared to healthy autopsy. Pro-inflammatory genes were upregulated when canine NP cells were co-cultured with MCs and the stiffer microenvironment enhanced these effects. Treatment with CS and PAR2 inhibitors mediated key pro-inflammatory markers in canine NP cells. Conclusion There is increased MC, MØs, and vascular ingrowth in the degenerate canine IVD tissue, similar to observations in the clinical population with IVDD and LBP. MCs co-cultured with canine NP cells drive inflammation, and CS and PAR2A are potential therapeutics that may mitigate the pathophysiology of IVDD in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Heimann
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Kelly Thompson
- Department of Veterinary BiosciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Gilian Gunsch
- Center for Life Sciences Education, College of Arts and SciencesThe Ohio State UniversityOhioUSA
| | - Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Brett Klamer
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Kara Corps
- Department of Veterinary BiosciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Orthopedics, College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityOhioUSA
| | - Sarah A. Moore
- Department of Veterinary BiosciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Orthopedics, College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityOhioUSA
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Ji Z, Li J, Tao S, Li H, Kong X, Huang B, Feng Z, Wei X, Zheng Z, Chen J, Chen B, Liu J, Zhao F. Mrgprb2-mediated mast cell activation exacerbates Modic changes by regulating immune niches. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1178-1192. [PMID: 38689089 PMCID: PMC11148035 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01230-1] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Modic changes are radiographic features associated with microfracture, low-virulence organism infection and chronic inflammation with inflammatory cell infiltration in the vertebral endplate region. Mast cells, as innate immune cells similar to macrophages, are present in painful degenerated intervertebral discs. However, the involvement and mechanisms of mast cells in the development of Modic changes remain unclear. Herein, we found increased mast cell infiltration in samples from patients with Modic changes and in mouse models of Modic changes. To clarify the role of mast cells in the progression of Modic changes, we used mast cell-deficient (KITW-SH/W-SH) mice to construct a model of Modic changes and found that the severity of Modic changes in KITW-SH/W-SH mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. These findings were further supported by the use of a mast cell-specific activator (compound 48/80) and a stabilizer (cromolyn). Furthermore, we found that mast cells were not activated via the classic IgE pathway in the Modic change models and that Mrgprb2 is the specific receptor for mast cell activation reported in recent studies. Then, we utilized Mrgprb2 knockout mice to demonstrate that Mrgprb2 knockout inhibited mast cell activation and thus reduced the degree of Modic changes. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed aberrant PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathway activation in the Mrgprb2-deficient mast cells. Additionally, Mrgpbrb2-activated mast cells regulate immune niches by recruiting macrophages, promoting M1 polarization and reducing M2 polarization, thereby promoting the progression of Modic changes. These findings suggest that mast cells may serve as a novel therapeutic target for addressing Modic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyin Ji
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyue Tao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Xiangxi Kong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Bao Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Zhenhua Feng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoan Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Zeyu Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Binhui Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China.
| | - Fengdong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, P. R. China.
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Jha R, Bernstock JD, Chalif JI, Hoffman SE, Gupta S, Guo H, Lu Y. Updates on Pathophysiology of Discogenic Back Pain. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6907. [PMID: 37959372 PMCID: PMC10647359 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216907] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Discogenic back pain, a subset of chronic back pain, is caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, and imparts a notable socioeconomic health burden on the population. However, degeneration by itself does not necessarily imply discogenic pain. In this review, we highlight the existing literature on the pathophysiology of discogenic back pain, focusing on the biomechanical and biochemical steps that lead to pain in the setting of IVD degeneration. Though the pathophysiology is incompletely characterized, the current evidence favors a framework where degeneration leads to IVD inflammation, and subsequent immune milieu recruitment. Chronic inflammation serves as a basis of penetrating neovascularization and neoinnervation into the IVD. Hence, nociceptive sensitization emerges, which manifests as discogenic back pain. Recent studies also highlight the complimentary roles of low virulence infections and central nervous system (CNS) metabolic state alteration. Targeted therapies that seek to disrupt inflammation, angiogenesis, and neurogenic pathways are being investigated. Regenerative therapy in the form of gene therapy and cell-based therapy are also being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jha
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua D. Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua I. Chalif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samantha E. Hoffman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Zheng B, Li S, Xiang Y, Zong W, Ma Q, Wang S, Wu H, Song H, Ren H, Chen J, Liu J, Zhao F. Netrin-1 mediates nerve innervation and angiogenesis leading to discogenic pain. J Orthop Translat 2022; 39:21-33. [PMID: 36605621 PMCID: PMC9804017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Discogenic low back pain (LBP) is associated with nociceptive nerve fibers that grow into degenerated intervertebral discs (IVD) but the etiopathogenesis of disease is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of Netrin-1 in causing discogenic LBP. Methods The level of nociceptive nerve innervation was examined in disc degenerative patients and rat needle-punctured models by immunohistochemistry. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were isolated from IVD tissues of rats and induced degeneration by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The candidate genes related to neuron outgrowth and migration were selected by Next-generation sequencing (NGS). CRISPR/Cas9 was used to knockdown Netrin-1 in NP cells. The impact of Netrin-1 on nerve innervation were evaluated with P2X2、NF200 staining and microfluidics assay. Meanwhile the CD31 staining and transwell assay were used to evaluate the impact of Netrin-1 in angiogenesis. The proteins and RNA extracted from NP cells related to catabolism and anabolism were examined by western blot assay and RT-qPCR experiment. ChIP and luciferase experiments were used to assess the intracellular transcriptional regulation of Netrin-1. Further, a needle-punctured rat model followed by histomorphometry and immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to explore the potential effect of Netrin-1 on LBP in vivo. Results The level of nerve innervation was increased in severe disc degenerative patients while the expression of Netrin-1 was upregulated. The supernatants of NP cells stimulated with IL-1β or TNFα containing more Netrin-1 could promote axon growth and vascular endothelial cells migration. Knocking down Netrin-1 or overexpressing transcription factor TCF3 as a negative regulator of Netrin-1 attenuated this effect. The needle-punctured rat model brought significant spinal hypersensitivity, nerve innervation and angiogenesis, nevertheless knocking down Netrin-1 effectively prevented disc degeneration-induced adverse impacts. Conclusion Discogenic LBP was induced by Netrin-1, which mediated nerve innervation and angiogenesis in disc degeneration. Knocking down Netrin-1 by CRISPR/Cas9 or negatively regulating Netrin1 by transcription factor TCF3 could alleviate spinal hypersensitivity. The translational potential of this article This study on Netrin-1 could provide a new target and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment for discogenic back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Shengwen Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, 215003, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Second Department of Orthopaedics Haining People's Hospital, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314400, China
| | - Yufeng Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Wentian Zong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Qingliang Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Haihao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Department of Orthopedics, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 41 Northwest Street, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315010, China
| | - Haixin Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China.
| | - Fengdong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China.
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Tang SN, Walter BA, Heimann MK, Gantt CC, Khan SN, Kokiko-Cochran ON, Askwith CC, Purmessur D. In vivo Mouse Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Models and Their Utility as Translational Models of Clinical Discogenic Back Pain: A Comparative Review. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:894651. [PMID: 35812017 PMCID: PMC9261914 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.894651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and studies have demonstrated intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration as a major risk factor. While many in vitro models have been developed and used to study IVD pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies, the etiology of IVD degeneration is a complex multifactorial process involving crosstalk of nearby tissues and systemic effects. Thus, the use of appropriate in vivo models is necessary to fully understand the associated molecular, structural, and functional changes and how they relate to pain. Mouse models have been widely adopted due to accessibility and ease of genetic manipulation compared to other animal models. Despite their small size, mice lumbar discs demonstrate significant similarities to the human IVD in terms of geometry, structure, and mechanical properties. While several different mouse models of IVD degeneration exist, greater standardization of the methods for inducing degeneration and the development of a consistent set of output measurements could allow mouse models to become a stronger tool for clinical translation. This article reviews current mouse models of IVD degeneration in the context of clinical translation and highlights a critical set of output measurements for studying disease pathology or screening regenerative therapies with an emphasis on pain phenotyping. First, we summarized and categorized these models into genetic, age-related, and mechanically induced. Then, the outcome parameters assessed in these models are compared including, molecular, cellular, functional/structural, and pain assessments for both evoked and spontaneous pain. These comparisons highlight a set of potential key parameters that can be used to validate the model and inform its utility to screen potential therapies for IVD degeneration and their translation to the human condition. As treatment of symptomatic pain is important, this review provides an emphasis on critical pain-like behavior assessments in mice and explores current behavioral assessments relevant to discogenic back pain. Overall, the specific research question was determined to be essential to identify the relevant model with histological staining, imaging, extracellular matrix composition, mechanics, and pain as critical parameters for assessing degeneration and regenerative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mary K. Heimann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Connor C. Gantt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Safdar N. Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Olga N. Kokiko-Cochran
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Candice C. Askwith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Devina Purmessur ;
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7
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Subramaniam S, Ruf W, Bosmann M. Advocacy of targeting protease-activated receptors in severe coronavirus disease 2019. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2086-2099. [PMID: 34235728 PMCID: PMC8794588 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying drug targets mitigating vascular dysfunction, thrombo-inflammation and thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 is essential. COVID-19 coagulopathy differs from sepsis coagulopathy. Factors that drive severe lung pathology and coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19 are not understood. Protein-protein interaction studies indicate that the tagged viral bait protein ORF9c directly interacts with PAR2, which modulates host cell IFN and inflammatory cytokines. In addition to direct interaction of SARS-CoV-2 viral protein with PARs, we speculate that activation of PAR by proteases plays a role in COVID-19-induced hyperinflammation. In COVID-19-associated coagulopathy elevated levels of activated coagulation proteases may cleave PARs in association with TMPRSS2. PARs activation enhances the release of cytokines, chemokines and tissue factor expression to propagate IFN-dependent inflammation, leukocyte-endothelial interaction, vascular permeability and coagulation responses. This hypothesis, corroborated by in vitro findings and emerging clinical evidence, will focus targeted studies of PAR1/2 blockers as adjuvant drugs against cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Subramaniam
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolfram Ruf
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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8
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McDonnell EE, Buckley CT. Investigating the physiological relevance of ex vivo disc organ culture nutrient microenvironments using in silico modeling and experimental validation. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1141. [PMID: 34337330 PMCID: PMC8313156 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ex vivo disc organ culture systems have become a valuable tool for the development and pre-clinical testing of potential intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration strategies. Bovine caudal discs have been widely selected due to their large availability and comparability to human IVDs in terms of size and biochemical composition. However, despite their extensive use, it remains to be elucidated whether their nutrient microenvironment is comparable to human degeneration. AIMS This work aims to create the first experimentally validated in silico model which can be used to predict and characterize the metabolite concentrations within ex vivo culture systems. MATERIALS & METHODS Finite element models of cultured discs governed by previously established coupled reaction-diffusion equations were created using COMSOL Multiphysics. Experimental validation was performed by measuring oxygen, glucose and pH levels within discs cultured for 7 days, in a static compression bioreactor. RESULTS The in silico model was successfully validated through good agreement between the predicted and experimentally measured concentrations. For an ex vivo organ cultured in high glucose medium (4.5 g/L or 25 mM) and normoxia, a larger bovine caudal disc (Cd1-2 to Cd3-4) had a central concentration of ~2.6 %O2, ~8 mM of glucose and a pH value of 6.7, while the smallest caudal discs investigated (Cd6-7 and Cd7-8), had a central concentration of ~6.5 %O2, ~12 mM of glucose and a pH value of 6.9. DISCUSSION This work advances the knowledge of ex vivo disc culture microenvironments and highlights a critical need for optimization and standardization of culturing conditions. CONCLUSION Ultimately, for assessment of cell-based therapies and successful clinical translation based on nutritional demands, it is imperative that the critical metabolite values within organ cultures (minimum glucose, oxygen and pH values) are physiologically relevant and comparable to the stages of human degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. McDonnell
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Conor T. Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative MedicineRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandDublinIreland
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9
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della Rocca G, Gamba D. Chronic Pain in Dogs and Cats: Is There Place for Dietary Intervention with Micro-Palmitoylethanolamide? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:952. [PMID: 33805489 PMCID: PMC8065429 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic pain is an integral challenge of small animal veterinary practitioners. Multiple pharmacological agents are usually employed to treat maladaptive pain including opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others. In order to limit adverse effects and tolerance development, they are often combined with non-pharmacologic measures such as acupuncture and dietary interventions. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-neuronal cells such as mast cells and microglia play active roles in the pathogenesis of maladaptive pain. Accordingly, these cells are currently viewed as potential new targets for managing chronic pain. Palmitoylethanolamide is an endocannabinoid-like compound found in several food sources and considered a body's own analgesic. The receptor-dependent control of non-neuronal cells mediates the pain-relieving effect of palmitoylethanolamide. Accumulating evidence shows the anti-hyperalgesic effect of supplemented palmitoylethanolamide, especially in the micronized and co-micronized formulations (i.e., micro-palmitoylethanolamide), which allow for higher bioavailability. In the present paper, the role of non-neuronal cells in pain signaling is discussed and a large number of studies on the effect of palmitoylethanolamide in inflammatory and neuropathic chronic pain are reviewed. Overall, available evidence suggests that there is place for micro-palmitoylethanolamide in the dietary management of chronic pain in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia della Rocca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centro di Ricerca sul Dolore Animale (CeRiDA), Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Davide Gamba
- Operational Unit of Anesthesia, Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Roma, Italy;
- Freelance, DG Vet Pain Therapy, 24124 Bergamo, Italy
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10
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Tang S, Salazar-Puerta A, Richards J, Khan S, Hoyland JA, Gallego-Perez D, Walter B, Higuita-Castro N, Purmessur D. Non-viral reprogramming of human nucleus pulposus cells with FOXF1 via extracellular vesicle delivery: an in vitro and in vivo study. Eur Cell Mater 2021; 41:90-107. [PMID: 33465243 PMCID: PMC8514169 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v041a07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by decreased cellularity and proteoglycan synthesis and increased inflammation, catabolism, and neural/vascular ingrowth. Regenerative methods for IVD degeneration are largely cell-therapy-based or involve viral vectors, which are associated with mutagenesis and undesired immune responses. The present study used bulk electroporation and engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver forkhead-box F1 (FOXF1) mRNA to degenerate human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells as a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy for IVD regeneration. Bulk electroporation was used to investigate FOXF1 effects on human NP cells during a 4-week culture in 3D agarose constructs. Engineered EV delivery of FOXF1 into human IVD cells in monolayer was determined, with subsequent in vivo validation in a pilot mouse IVD puncture model. FOXF1 transfection significantly altered gene expression by upregulating healthy NP markers [FOXF1, keratin 19 (KRT19)], decreasing inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, -6], catabolic enzymes [metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13)] and nerve growth factor (NGF), with significant increases in glycosaminoglycan accumulation in human NP cells. Engineered EVs loaded with FOXF1 demonstrated successful encapsulation of FOXF1 cargo and effective uptake by human NP cells cultured in monolayer. Injection of FOXF1-loaded EVs into the mouse IVD in vivo resulted in a significant upregulation of FOXF1 and Brachyury, compared to controls at 7 d post-injection, with no evidence of cytotoxicity. This is the first study to demonstrate non-viral delivery of FOXF1 and reprogramming of human NP cells in vitro and mouse IVD cells in vivo. This strategy represents a non-addictive approach for treating IVD degeneration and associated back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - D Purmessur
- 3155 Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex, 140 W. 19th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210,
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11
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Ocak U, Eser Ocak P, Huang L, Xu W, Zuo Y, Li P, Gamdzyk M, Zuo G, Mo J, Zhang G, Zhang JH. Inhibition of mast cell tryptase attenuates neuroinflammation via PAR-2/p38/NFκB pathway following asphyxial cardiac arrest in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:144. [PMID: 32366312 PMCID: PMC7199326 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac arrest survivors suffer from neurological dysfunction including cognitive impairment. Cerebral mast cells, the key regulators of neuroinflammation contribute to neuroinflammation-associated cognitive dysfunction. Mast cell tryptase was demonstrated to have a proinflammatory effect on microglia via the activation of microglial protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). This study investigated the potential anti-neuroinflammatory effect of mast cell tryptase inhibition and the underlying mechanism of PAR-2/p-p38/NFκB signaling following asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest in rats. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats resuscitated from 10 min of asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest were randomized to four separate experiments including time-course, short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes and mechanism studies. The effect of mast cell tryptase inhibition on asphyxial cardiac arrest outcomes was examined after intranasal administration of selective mast cell tryptase inhibitor (APC366; 50 μg/rat or 150 μg/rat). AC55541 (selective PAR-2 activator; 30 μg/rat) and SB203580 (selective p38 inhibitor; 300 μg/rat) were used for intervention. Short-term neurocognitive functions were evaluated using the neurological deficit score, number of seizures, adhesive tape removal test, and T-maze test, while long-term cognitive functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Hippocampal neuronal degeneration was evaluated by Fluoro-Jade C staining. Results Mast cell tryptase and PAR-2 were dramatically increased in the brain following asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest. The inhibition of mast cell tryptase by APC366 improved both short- and long-term neurological outcomes in resuscitated rats. Such behavioral benefits were associated with reduced expressions of PAR-2, p-p38, NFκB, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the brain as well as less hippocampal neuronal degeneration. The anti-neuroinflammatory effect of APC366 was abolished by AC55541, which when used alone, indeed further exacerbated neuroinflammation, hippocampal neuronal degeneration, and neurologic deficits following cardiac arrest. The deleterious effects aggregated by AC55541 were minimized by p38 inhibitor. Conclusions The inhibition of mast cell tryptase attenuated neuroinflammation, led to less hippocampal neuronal death and improved neurological deficits following cardiac arrest. This effect was at least partly mediated via inhibiting the PAR-2/p-p38/NFκB signaling pathway. Thus, mast cell tryptase might be a novel therapeutic target in the management of neurological impairment following cardiac arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Ocak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 16310, Bursa, Turkey.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Bursa City Hospital, 16110, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Pinar Eser Ocak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Uludag University School of Medicine, 16069, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Weilin Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuchun Zuo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Marcin Gamdzyk
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Gang Zuo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Taicang Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Taicang, 215400, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Mo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Guangyu Zhang
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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