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Pang H, Chen S, Klyne DM, Harrich D, Ding W, Yang S, Han FY. Low back pain and osteoarthritis pain: a perspective of estrogen. Bone Res 2023; 11:42. [PMID: 37542028 PMCID: PMC10403578 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is the world's leading cause of disability and is increasing in prevalence more rapidly than any other pain condition. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) are two common causes of LBP, and both occur more frequently in elderly women than in other populations. Moreover, osteoarthritis (OA) and OA pain, regardless of the joint, are experienced by up to twice as many women as men, and this difference is amplified during menopause. Changes in estrogen may be an important contributor to these pain states. Receptors for estrogen have been found within IVD tissue and nearby joints, highlighting the potential roles of estrogen within and surrounding the IVDs and joints. In addition, estrogen supplementation has been shown to be effective at ameliorating IVD degeneration and OA progression, indicating its potential use as a therapeutic agent for people with LBP and OA pain. This review comprehensively examines the relationship between estrogen and these pain conditions by summarizing recent preclinical and clinical findings. The potential molecular mechanisms by which estrogen may relieve LBP associated with IVD degeneration and FJOA and OA pain are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Pang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Shihui Chen
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David M Klyne
- NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David Harrich
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Wenyuan Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
- Hebei Joint International Research Center for Spinal Diseases, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Sidong Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China.
- Hebei Joint International Research Center for Spinal Diseases, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China.
| | - Felicity Y Han
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Hydroxysafflor Yellow A (HSYA) Protects Endplate Chondrocytes Against IL-1 β-Induced Injury Through Promoting Autophagy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6326677. [PMID: 35832517 PMCID: PMC9273358 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6326677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) refers to intractable pain in patients' waist and legs, which is caused by internal structural disorder and degeneration of intervertebral. This disease severely affects the quality-of-life of people. It has been reported that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the active ingredient in safflower extract, could inhibit IL-1β-induced apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes. However, the mechanism by which HSYA regulates the occurrence and progression of IDD remains unclear. Methods Rat endplate chondrocytes were isolated from the intervertebral disc. Next, toluidine blue staining and collagen II immunofluorescence staining were used to identify endplate chondrocytes. Then, MDC staining was used to detect the autophagy of endplate chondrocytes. In addition, Western blot was used to measure the expression of cleaved caspase 3, LC-3I/II and ATG7 in endplate chondrocytes. Results IL-1β obviously inhibited the viability and proliferation of endplate chondrocytes, while these phenomena were notably reversed by HSYA. Additionally, HSYA was able to inhibit IL-1β-induced apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes. Moreover, HSYA protected endplate chondrocytes against IL-1β-induced inflammation via inducing autophagy. Conclusion HSYA protected rat endplate chondrocytes against IL-1β-induced injury via promoting autophagy. Therefore, the present study might provide some theoretical basis for exploring novel and effective methods for patients with IDD.
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Correlation Analysis between Tamoxifen and Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Retrospective Case-Control Study. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:3330260. [PMID: 35685675 PMCID: PMC9173976 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3330260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the correlation between tamoxifen (TAM) and lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD). Methods The patients who visited the department of spine surgery from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Those with a history of breast cancer surgery were identified and their data were collected. These data included patients' age, body mass index (BMI), menstrual history, postoperative history, drug treatment plan, and imaging data. The participants were divided into the TAM group and the non-TAM group. Lumbar IVDD was assessed by lumbar lordosis (LL), vertebral CT density, lumbar disc height index (DHI), Modic changes, and modified Pfirrmann grading score. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 75 patients were included in this study, 46 patients in the TAM group and 29 patients in the non-TAM group. No significant differences were present in age, BMI, postoperative history, LL, and vertebral CT density between the two groups. The DHI of L1/2 and L2/3 in the TAM group was lower compared to the non-TAM group (P=0.038 and P=0.034, respectively), while comparisons regarding the DHI of L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1, and the average DHI between TAM and non-TAM groups were not significant. The modified Pfirrmann grading scores of the L1/2 and L2/3 IVDs in the TAM group were higher than those in the non-TAM group (P=0.004 and P=0.025, respectively). Comparisons of L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 between the two groups were not significant. The comparisons regarding the occurrence of Modic changes did not show a significant difference between the TAM and non-TAM groups. Conclusions This study indicates that there might be some positive correlation between TAM use and lumbar IVDD. In particular, the degeneration of L1/2 and L2/3 has shown a correlation with TAM use.
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Depleted Long Noncoding RNA GAS5 Relieves Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via microRNA-17-3p/Ang-2. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1792412. [PMID: 35340210 PMCID: PMC8941580 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1792412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) remains a clinical challenge and requires more effective therapeutic targets. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical modulators of multiple biological processes, such as cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Accordingly, the current study sets out to explore the influence of the lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) on IVDD and investigate the possible involvement of microRNA-17-3p (miR-17-3p)/Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) axis. Firstly, the expression patterns of GAS5, miR-17-3p, and Ang-2 were characterized by RNA quantification from the isolated human degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. miR-17-3p was found to express at an abnormal low level while GAS5 and Ang-2 expressed at aberrant high level in the human degenerative NP tissues. Utilizing dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays, GAS5 was found to competitively bound to miR-17-3p and further upregulate the expression of Ang-2, a target gene of miR-17-3p. Employing gain- and loss-of-function approaches, their expressions were altered in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), followed by IL-1β treatment, in order to identify their roles in NP cell proliferation, apoptosis, and ECM metabolism. Silencing of GAS5 expression restrained the levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-7, cleaved caspase-9, MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS5 and increased collagen II and aggrecan levels. In vitro experiments also revealed that GAS5 depletion inhibited apoptosis and ECM degradation in HDNPCs, while elevating the proliferation through downregulation of Ang-2 by increasing miR-17-3p. Furthermore, in vivo data further validated that either GAS5 silencing or miR-17-3p reexpression alleviated IVDD degree with the help of IVDD mouse models. Altogether, our findings substantiated that downregulation of GAS5 reduced NPC apoptosis and promoted ECM remodeling, ultimately ameliorating the IVDD via miR-17-3p-dependent inhibition of Ang-2. We hope our discoveries offer a fresh molecular insight that can aid the development of novel therapies against IVDD.
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Effects of Androgen Receptor Overexpression on Chondrogenic Ability of Rabbit Articular Chondrocytes. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:641-650. [PMID: 34275104 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of sex hormones and their receptors has drawn much attention in the process of cartilage regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of androgen receptor (AR) on the chondrogenic ability of articular chondrocytes and the related mechanism. METHODS Articular chondrocytes were isolated, cultured, identified by toluidine blue staining and then transduced with lentivirus carrying the AR gene. The cell viability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry analysis. The effects of AR overexpression on the expression of cartilage-specific proteins and some signalling molecules were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Using 24 New Zealand rabbits, the regeneration of rabbit articular cartilage defects was further investigated in vivo and evaluated histologically. RESULTS The overexpression of AR significantly reduced the apoptosis rate of chondrocytes but did not affect their proliferation. The overexpression of AR also promoted the expression of Sry-related HMG box 9, collagen II and aggrecan, decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13, and downregulated p-S6 and RICTOR. The experimental group with AR-overexpressing chondrocytes exhibited superior regeneration of cartilage defects. CONCLUSION AR overexpression can maintain the phenotype of chondrocytes and promote chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. mTOR-related signalling was inhibited.
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Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Induced by Needle Puncture and Ovariectomy: A Rat Coccygeal Model. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5510124. [PMID: 34055972 PMCID: PMC8147532 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5510124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To establish a novel animal model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in rats and to investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) intervention in this model. Methods This study was divided into two parts: animal model (four groups: Sham, ovariectomy (OVX), Puncture, and OVX+Puncture; three-time points: 4, 8, and 12 weeks; three female rats/group/time point) and drug intervention (Sham, OVX+Puncture+corn oil, and OVX+Puncture+E2; three female rats/group). The rats were analyzed by micromagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and safranin-O staining. Results MRI and histological scores significantly differed among the four groups at the three-time points (all P < 0.05). IVDD progressed with time in the OVX, Puncture, and OVX+Puncture groups (all P < 0.05). The changes were the most obvious in the OVX+Puncture group. In the E2 intervention part, the Veh group had the worst MRI signals and histological scores (P < 0.05). The MRI scores in the E2 group were less obvious compared to the Sham group (P > 0.05). Also, the histological scores were significantly different between the Sham and E2 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The combination of ovariectomy and needle puncture can synergically induce IVDD in rat coccygeal discs. Estrogen treatment can effectively ameliorate IVDD progression in the newly established IVDD models.
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Tian D, Liu J, Chen L, Zhu B, Jing J. The protective effects of PI3K/Akt pathway on human nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells against hypoxia and nutrition deficiency. J Orthop Surg Res 2020; 15:29. [PMID: 31992313 PMCID: PMC6988348 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-1551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study the effects of hypoxia and nutrition deficiency mimicking degenerated intervertebral disc on the biological behavior of human nucleus-derived pulposus mesenchymal stem cells (hNP-MSCs) and the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in the process in vitro. METHODS hP-MSCs were isolated from lumbar disc and were further identified by their immunophenotypes and multilineage differentiation. Then, cells were divided into the control group, hypoxia and nutrition deficiency group, the LY294002 group, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) group. Then cell apoptosis, the cell viability, the caspase 3 activity, and the expression of PI3K, Akt, and functional genes (aggrecan, collagen I, and collagen II) were evaluated. RESULT Our work showed that isolated cells met the criteria of International Society for cellular Therapy. Therefore, cells obtained from degenerated nucleus pulposus were definitely hNP-MSCs. Our results showed that hypoxia and nutrition deficiency could significantly increase cell apoptosis, the caspase 3 activity, and inhibit cell viability. Gene expression results demonstrated that hypoxia and nutrition deficiency could increase the relative expression of PI3K and Akt gene and inhibit the expression of functional genes. However, when the PI3K/Akt pathway was inhibited by LY294002, the cell apoptosis and caspase 3 activity significantly increased while the cell viability was obviously inhibited. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the expression of functional genes was more significantly inhibited. Our study further verified that the above-mentioned biological activities of hNP-MSCs could be significantly improved by IGF1. CONCLUSIONS PI3K/Akt signal pathway may have protective effects on human nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells against hypoxia and nutrition deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- DaSheng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678#Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678#Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678#Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678#Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Juehua Jing
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678#Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People's Republic of China.
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