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Wang HS, Lin S, Yu HM. Exosome-mediated Repair of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: The Potential Role of miRNAs. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:798-808. [PMID: 37150986 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230504094233] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a serious condition that manifests as low back pain, intervertebral disc protrusion, and spinal canal stenosis. At present, the main treatment methods for IVDD are surgical interventions such as discectomy, total disc replacement, and spinal fusion. However, these interventions have shown limitations, such as recurrent lumbar disc herniation after discectomy, lesions in adjacent segments, and failure of fixation. To overcome these shortcomings, researchers have been exploring stem cell transplantation therapy, such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation, but the treatment results are still controversial. Therefore, researchers are in search of new methods that are more efficient and have better outcomes. The exosomes from stem cells contain a variety of bioactive molecules that mediate cell interactions, and these components have been investigated for their potential therapeutic role in the repair of various tissue injuries. Recent studies have shown that MSC-derived miRNAs in exosomes and vesicles have therapeutic effects on nucleus pulposus cells, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate. miRNAs play a role in many cell activities, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokine release, by acting on mRNA translation, and they may have immense therapeutic potential, especially when combined with stem cell therapy. This article reviews the current status of research on intervertebral disc repair, especially with regard to the latest research findings on the molecular biological mechanisms of miRNAs in MSC-derived exosomes in intervertebral disc repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Shi Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Group of Neuroendocrinology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hai-Ming Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
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2
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Xie G, Wu T, Ji G, Wu H, Lai Y, Wei B, Huang W. Circular RNA and intervertebral disc degeneration: unravelling mechanisms and implications. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1302017. [PMID: 38192334 PMCID: PMC10773835 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1302017] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health problem worldwide and a significant health and economic burden. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the reason for LBP. However, we have not identified effective therapeutic strategies to address this challenge. With accumulating knowledge on the role of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of IDD, we realised that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may have tremendous therapeutic potential and clinical application prospects in this field. This review presents an overview of the current understanding of characteristics, classification, biogenesis, and function of circRNAs and summarises the protective and detrimental circRNAs involved in the intervertebral disc that have been studied thus far. This review is aimed to help researchers better understand the regulatory role of circRNAs in the progression of IDD, reveal their clinical therapeutic potential, and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and targeted treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohao Xie
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Tingrui Wu
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Guangju Ji
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hang Wu
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yue Lai
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Orthopaedic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing Application, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu Y, Zhao Z, Guo C, Huang Z, Zhang W, Ma F, Wang Z, Kong Q, Wang Y. Application and development of hydrogel biomaterials for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration: a literature review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1286223. [PMID: 38130952 PMCID: PMC10733535 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1286223] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain caused by disc herniation and spinal stenosis imposes an enormous medical burden on society due to its high prevalence and refractory nature. This is mainly due to the long-term inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix in the process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), which manifests as loss of water in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the formation of fibrous disc fissures. Biomaterial repair strategies involving hydrogels play an important role in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Excellent biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, easy modification, injectability, and the ability to encapsulate drugs, cells, genes, etc. make hydrogels good candidates as scaffolds and cell/drug carriers for treating NP degeneration and other aspects of IVDD. This review first briefly describes the anatomy, pathology, and current treatments of IVDD, and then introduces different types of hydrogels and addresses "smart hydrogels". Finally, we discuss the feasibility and prospects of using hydrogels to treat IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qingquan Kong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Kulesza M, Kicman A, Motyka J, Guszczyn T, Ławicki S. Importance of Metalloproteinase Enzyme Group in Selected Skeletal System Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17139. [PMID: 38138968 PMCID: PMC10743273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417139] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone tissue is a dynamic structure that is involved in maintaining the homeostasis of the body due to its multidirectional functions, such as its protective, endocrine, or immunological role. Specialized cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are responsible for the remodeling of specific bone structures, which alters the biomechanical properties of the tissue. Imbalances in bone-forming elements lead to the formation and progression of bone diseases. The most important family of enzymes responsible for bone ECM remodeling are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-enzymes physiologically present in the body's tissues and cells. The activity of MMPs is maintained in a state of balance; disruption of their activity is associated with the progression of many groups of diseases, including those of the skeletal system. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of MMPs in bone physiology and the pathophysiology of bone tissue and describes their role in specific skeletal disorders. Additionally, this work collects data on the potential of MMPs as bio-markers for specific skeletal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kulesza
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, 15269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Aleksandra Kicman
- Department of Aesthetic Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15267 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Joanna Motyka
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, 15269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Tomasz Guszczyn
- Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15274 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Sławomir Ławicki
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, 15269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.K.); (J.M.)
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Chen DQ, Xu WB, Chen X, Xiao KY, Que ZQ, Sun NK, Feng JY, Rui G. Genetically predicted triglycerides mediate the relationship between type 2 diabetes Mellitus and intervertebral disc degeneration. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:195. [PMID: 37964277 PMCID: PMC10644578 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01963-4] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To validate the causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and to identify and quantify the role of triglycerides (TGs) as potential mediators. METHODS A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses of T2DM (61,714 cases and 1178 controls) and IVDD (20,001 cases and 164,682 controls) was performed using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Moreover, two-step MR was employed to quantify the proportionate impact of TG-mediated T2DM on IVDD. RESULTS MR analysis showed that T2DM increased IVDD risk (OR: 1.0466, 95% CI 1.0049-1.0899, P = 0.0278). Reverse MR analyses demonstrated that IVDD does not affect T2DM risk (P = 0.1393). The proportion of T2DM mediated through TG was 11.4% (95% CI 5.5%-17.4%). CONCLUSION This work further validates the causality between T2DM and IVDD, with a part of the effect mediated by TG, but the greatest impacts of T2DM on IVDD remain unknown. Further studies are needed to identify other potential mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Qiang Chen
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Bin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke-Yi Xiao
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Que
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Nai-Kun Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jin-Yi Feng
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Gang Rui
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Zou X, Zhang X, Han S, Wei L, Zheng Z, Wang Y, Xin J, Zhang S. Pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of matrix metalloproteinases in intervertebral disc degeneration: A comprehensive review. Biochimie 2023; 214:27-48. [PMID: 37268183 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is a common disorder that affects the spine and is a major cause of lower back pain (LBP). The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the structural foundation of the biomechanical properties of IVD, and its degradation is the main pathological characteristic of IDD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of endopeptidases that play an important role in the degradation and remodeling of the ECM. Several recent studies have shown that the expression and activity of many MMP subgroups are significantly upregulated in degenerated IVD tissue. This upregulation of MMPs results in an imbalance of ECM anabolism and catabolism, leading to the degradation of the ECM and the development of IDD. Therefore, the regulation of MMP expression is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IDD. Recent research has focused on identifying the mechanisms by which MMPs cause ECM degradation and promote IDD, as well as on developing therapies that target MMPs. In summary, MMP dysregulation is a crucial factor in the development of IDD, and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved is needed to develop effective biological therapies that target MMPs to treat IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Zou
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xingmin Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Song Han
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jingguo Xin
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Shaokun Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center for Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Whittal MC, Poynter SJ, Samms K, Briar KJ, Sinopoli SI, Millecamps M, Stone LS, DeWitte-Orr SJ, Gregory DE. TAK-242 treatment and its effect on mechanical properties and gene expression associated with IVD degeneration in SPARC-null mice. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2022; 31:2801-2811. [PMID: 35816198 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is accompanied by mechanical and gene expression changes to IVDs. SPARC-null mice display accelerated IVD degeneration, and treatment with (toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor) TAK-242 decreases proinflammatory cytokines and pain. This study examined if chronic TAK-242 treatment impacts mechanical properties and gene expression associated with IVD degeneration in SPARC-null mice. METHODS Male and female SPARC-null and WT mice aged 7-9 months were given intraperitoneal injections with TAK-242 or an equivalent saline vehicle for 8 weeks (3x/per week, M-W-F). L2-L5 spinal segments were tested in cyclic axial tension and compression. Gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) was performed on male IVD tissues using Qiagen RT2 PCR arrays. RESULTS SPARC-null mice had decreased NZ length (p = 0.001) and increased NZ stiffness (p < 0.001) compared to WT mice. NZ length was not impacted by TAK-242 treatment (p = 0.967) despite increased hysteresis energy (p = 0.024). Tensile stiffness was greater in SPARC-null mice (p = 0.018), and compressive (p < 0.001) stiffness was reduced from TAK-242 treatment in WT but not SPARC-null mice (p = 0.391). Gene expression analysis found upregulation of 13 ECM and 5 inflammatory genes in SPARC-null mice, and downregulation of 2 inflammatory genes after TAK-242 treatment. CONCLUSIONS TAK-242 had limited impacts on SPARC-null mechanical properties and did not attenuate NZ mechanical changes associated with IVD degeneration. Expression analysis revealed an increase in ECM and inflammatory gene expression in SPARCnull mice with a reduction in inflammatory expression due to TAK-242 treatment. This study provides insight into the role of TLR4 in SPARC-null mediated IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel C Whittal
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Sarah J Poynter
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Kayla Samms
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - K Josh Briar
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Sabrina I Sinopoli
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Magali Millecamps
- McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Laura S Stone
- McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- University of Minnesota, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stephanie J DeWitte-Orr
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Diane E Gregory
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada.
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada.
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Bahar ME, Hwang JS, Ahmed M, Lai TH, Pham TM, Elashkar O, Akter KM, Kim DH, Yang J, Kim DR. Targeting Autophagy for Developing New Therapeutic Strategy in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081571. [PMID: 36009290 PMCID: PMC9405341 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent cause of low back pain. IVDD is characterized by abnormal expression of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and aggrecan. In addition, it results in dysfunctional growth, senescence, and death of intervertebral cells. The biological pathways involved in the development and progression of IVDD are not fully understood. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD could aid in the development of strategies for prevention and treatment. Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged proteins and dysfunctional organelles, and its dysfunction is linked to a variety of diseases, including IVDD and osteoarthritis. In this review, we describe recent research findings on the role of autophagy in IVDD pathogenesis and highlight autophagy-targeting molecules which can be exploited to treat IVDD. Many studies exhibit that autophagy protects against and postpones disc degeneration. Further research is needed to determine whether autophagy is required for cell integrity in intervertebral discs and to establish autophagy as a viable therapeutic target for IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Jin Seok Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Trang Huyen Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Trang Minh Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Omar Elashkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Kazi-Marjahan Akter
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University Hospital and Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Jinsung Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, GyeongNam, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-8054
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Xu D, Ma X, Sun C, Han J, Zhou C, Wong SH, Chan MTV, Wu WKK. Circular RNAs in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: An Updated Review. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:781424. [PMID: 35071323 PMCID: PMC8770867 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.781424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain, a common medical condition, could result in severe disability and inflict huge economical and public health burden. Its pathogenesis is attributed to multiple etiological factors, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs), a major type of regulatory non-coding RNA, play critical roles in cellular processes that are pertinent to IDD development, including nucleus pulposus cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as extracellular matrix deposition. Increasing number of translational studies also indicated that circRNAs could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of IDD and/or predicting its clinical outcomes. Our review aims to discuss the recent progress in the functions and mechanisms of newly discovered IDD-related circRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derong Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuexiao Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chong Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jialuo Han
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuanli Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthew T V Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Ishino H, Sakonju I. Expression of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in degenerated and extruded intervertebral disks in chondrodystrophic dogs. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:637-642. [PMID: 33551382 PMCID: PMC8111347 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0317] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in degenerated and herniated intervertebral disks (IVDs) in chondrodystrophic dogs. In degenerated IVDs, MMP3, 7, 13, and 14; ADAMTS4 and 5; and TIMP1-3 expression was significantly higher vs healthy controls (P<0.05). In herniated IVDs, MMP2, 3, 9, 13, and 14; ADAMTS4 and 5; and TIMP1 expression was significantly greater, and MMP7 expression was significantly lower vs degenerated IVDs (P<0.05). These results suggest that metalloproteinase may play a role in extracellular matrix degradation in IVD degeneration. Decreased MMP7 transcription may prevent proteoglycan degradation and reduces macrophage infiltration, which might affect the resorption process of herniated IVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Ishino
- Laboratory of Small Animal Surgery 1, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1 Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Iwao Sakonju
- Laboratory of Small Animal Surgery 1, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1 Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
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11
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Li Y, Liu S, Pan D, Xu B, Xing X, Zhou H, Zhang B, Zhou S, Ning G, Feng S. The potential role and trend of HIF‑1α in intervertebral disc degeneration: Friend or foe? (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:239. [PMID: 33537810 PMCID: PMC7893690 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical advice in orthopedic clinics. Increasingly, research has shown that symptomatic intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is mostly related to LBP. This review first outlines the research and findings of studies into IDD, from the physiological structure of the intervertebral disc (IVD) to various pathological cascades. The vicious cycles of IDD are re-described in relation to the analysis of the relationship among the pathological mechanisms involved in IDD. Interestingly, a ‘chief molecule’ was found, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), that may regulate all other mechanisms involved in IDD. When the vicious cycle is established, the low oxygen tension activates the expression of HIF-1α, which subsequently enters into the hypoxia-induced HIF pathways. The HIF pathways are dichotomized as friend and foe pathways according to the oxygen tension of the IVD microenvironment. Combined with clinical outcomes and previous research, the trend of IDD development has been predicted in this paper. Lastly, an early precautionary diagnosis and treatment method is proposed whereby nucleus pulposus tissue for biopsy can be obtained through IVD puncture guided by B-ultrasound when the patient is showing symptoms but MRI imaging shows negative results. The assessment criteria for biopsy and the feasibility, superiority and challenges of this approach have been discussed. Overall, it is clear that HIF-1α is an indispensable reference indicator for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Shen Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Dayu Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Baoshan Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300000, P.R. China
| | - Xuewu Xing
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Central Clinical of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Hengxing Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Suzhe Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200034, P.R. China
| | - Guangzhi Ning
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
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12
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Song Q, Zhang F, Wang K, Chen Z, Li Q, Liu Z, Shen H. MiR-874-3p plays a protective role in intervertebral disc degeneration by suppressing MMP2 and MMP3. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173891. [PMID: 33482178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a spinal degenerative disease and one of the most important causes of musculoskeletal disability. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated extracellular matrix degradation is the core process of IDD. The regulators of MMPs in the intervertebral disc are still not fully known. In this study, using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, luciferase reporter assay, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, we found that the miR-874-3p expression level was significantly decreased in IDD patients. MiR-874-3p could target and repress MMP2 and MMP3 expression in nucleus pulposus cells. These results could improve the understanding of IDD and provide a possible diagnostic marker and treatment candidate for IDD. The miR-874-3p/MMP2/MMP3 axis might also provide direction for future cancer and inflammation investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Song
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zude Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongxing Shen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Rajasekaran S, Soundararajan DCR, Tangavel C, Nayagam SM, K S SV, R S, Matchado MS, Muthurajan R, Shetty AP, Kanna RM, K D. Uncovering molecular targets for regenerative therapy in degenerative disc disease: do small leucine-rich proteoglycans hold the key? Spine J 2021; 21:5-19. [PMID: 32344061 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) play an essential role in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and function. Recently, dysregulation of SLRPs has been implicated in degenerative disc disease (DDD). An in-depth analysis using high-throughput proteomic sequencing might provide valuable information on their implications in health and disease. PURPOSE To utilize proteomics for analyzing the expression of SLRPs in fetal, healthy adult, and degenerated discs, to identify possible molecular targets to halt or reverse the degenerative process. STUDY DESIGN Experimental analysis. METHODS Proteomic signatures of 8 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) normal lumbar discs (ND) [harvested from brain dead alive organ donors] were compared to 8 fetal disc samples (FD) [harvested from fetal spines devoid of congenital anomalies following spontaneous or medical termination of pregnancy] and 8 degenerate discs (DD) [collected from patients undergoing fusion surgery]. The various functional pathways along with the differential expression of SLRPs and the associated changes in collagens, large proteoglycans (LLRPs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have been analyzed further using bioinformatics. This project was self-funded by the Ganga Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation. RESULTS ESI-LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a total of 1,029 proteins in FD, 1,785 proteins in ND, and 1,775 proteins in DD. Fetal disc proteins were engaged mainly in ribosomal pathways (indicating active proliferation and regenerative potential). The healthy adult discs (ND) primarily participated in ECM maintenance and basic metabolic pathways, whereas the unique proteins of DD group were involved in inflammatory (Complement and coagulation cascades, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Leukocyte transendothelial migration) pathways and infective (Staphylococcus aureus infection, Prion diseases, Amoebiasis, Pertussis, and Legionellosis) channels which favor the recent concepts of inflammaging and subclinical infection as causes of DDD. Analysis of SLRPs revealed the upregulation of Biglycan in FDs and downregulation of Lumican, Decorin, Prolargin, and Chondroadherin in the DD group. The universal decrease in the abundance of SLRPs in the DD group was associated with an increase in MMPs and a reduction in TIMPs, collagen and LLRP content. CONCLUSIONS Our study documents the influence of SLRPs in the maintenance of disc health and also the need for future research in using them for disc regeneration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The various SLRPs that we identified are all known to have a beneficial influence on ECM integrity and a negative effect on the degenerative process at different stages in the evolution of degeneration. Biglycan, which is abundantly present in a fetus, may be suitable for regenerative therapy, and the other SLRPs like Lumican, Prolargin, Decorin, and Chondroadherin may serve the same purpose and/or as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chitraa Tangavel
- Ganga Research Centre, No 91, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore 641030, India
| | | | - Sri Vijayanand K S
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, India
| | - Sunmathi R
- Ganga Research Centre, No 91, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore 641030, India
| | | | - Raveendran Muthurajan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu agricultural university, Coimbatore 641003, India
| | - Ajoy Prasad Shetty
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, India
| | - Rishi Mugesh Kanna
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313, Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, India
| | - Dharmalingam K
- Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India
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14
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Ding F, Li X. Apigenin Mitigates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration through the Amelioration of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) Signaling Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e924587. [PMID: 32949455 PMCID: PMC7523418 DOI: 10.12659/msm.924587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common spinal disease affected by environmental and lifestyle factors that has a significant pathological cascade toward inflammation and partial disability. There is currently no therapy that can completely restore the cellular derangement in IDD. Hence, in this study, the therapeutic effects of apigenin on IDD were evaluated using a rat model. Material/Methods Animals were separated into 4 groups: Grp 1, sham-operated control; Grp 2, IDD-induced; Grp 3, IDD-induced+apigenin treatment; Grp 4, apigenin control. The animals were assessed for inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandin signaling. Results There were significant increases in the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 in the IDD-induced group compared to that of control. Moreover, with increased levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, ADAMTS-4, and syndecan-4, the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, prostaglandin E2, and cyclooxygenase 2 were directly increased in the IDD-induced group. In contrast, apigenin protectively restored levels of prostaglandin signaling and reduced cytokine levels. In addition, nucleus pulposus cells cultured separately with either TNF-α inhibitor or apigenin significantly attenuated the levels of extracellular matrix proteins. Conclusions The reduction of cytokine levels under apigenin treatment suggests it may be a promising target drug therapy for the treatment of deleterious IDD conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ding
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Jingmen, Jingmen, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Jingmen, Jingmen, Hubei, China (mainland)
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15
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Guo W, Zhang B, Sun C, Duan HQ, Liu WX, Mu K, Zhao L, Li HR, Dong ZY, Cui Q. Circular RNA derived from TIMP2 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA and regulates intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting miR‑185‑5p and matrix metalloproteinase 2. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:621-632. [PMID: 32626912 PMCID: PMC7307854 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an important cause of lower back pain, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to examine the role of a circular RNA derived from tissue inhibitor of metallopeptidases 2 (circ-TIMP2) in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues, and to validate its function in cultured human NP cells. Overexpression of miR-185-5p in NP cells markedly inhibited the enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) treatment. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was a potential target of miR-185-5p. MMP2 protein expression levels were increased following treatment with TNF-α and IL-1β in NP cells compared with those in untreated cells, and this effect was attenuated by transfection with miR-185-5p. Compared with normal NP tissues, IDD samples exhibited higher circ-TIMP2 expression levels. In addition, overexpres-sion of circ-TIMP2 promoted ECM catabolism and suppressed ECM anabolism. Furthermore, circ-TIMP2 sequestered miR-185-5p, which may potentially upregulate the target genes associated with ECM degradation. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that circ-TIMP2 promoted TNF-α- and IL-1β-induced NP cell imbalance between ECM anabolism and catabolism via miR-185-5p-MMP2 signaling. These findings provide a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Cangzhou No. 2 Hospital), Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Quan Duan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Xiao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Kun Mu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Cangzhou No. 2 Hospital), Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Cangzhou No. 2 Hospital), Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Ran Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Cangzhou No. 2 Hospital), Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, P.R. China
| | - Zhan-Yin Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Cangzhou No. 2 Hospital), Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, P.R. China
| | - Qing Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Cangzhou No. 2 Hospital), Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, P.R. China
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16
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Zwambag DP, Molladavoodi S, Guerreiro MJ, DeWitte-Orr SJ, Gregory DE. Immuno-stimulatory capacity of decorin in the rat tail intervertebral disc and the mechanical consequence of resultant inflammation. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2020; 29:1641-1648. [PMID: 32451779 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-020-06469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Determine whether decorin is immuno-stimulatory to rat tail IVD cells and to characterize the mechanical consequence of inflammation at the whole rat tail IVD level. METHODS Cultured rat tail annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were exposed to decorin, a resident IVD small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP), with and without the presence of a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor, TAK-242. Resultant expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokines (MCP-1; MIP-2; RANTES; IL-6; TNFα) were quantified over 24 h. Whole rat tail IVD cultures (n = 50) were also treated with decorin (two concentrations: 0.5 and 5.0 μg/mL) with and without TAK-242 (via nucleus pulpous injection with a 33-gauge needle), and resultant mechanical properties were measured. RESULTS AF cells exposed to decorin showed significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production; this was significantly blunted with the presence of TAK-242. Whole IVDs injected with decorin showed a dose-dependent decrease in neutral zone and tensile stiffness and an increase in neutral zone size. When TAK-242 was injected into the IVD with the decorin, mechanical stiffness was preserved and not different from sham controls (injected with PBS). CONCLUSION AF cells are capable of detecting decorin and inducing inflammation. Decorin further resulted in a functional deterioration in IVD mechanical integrity. TAK- 242, a TLR4 inhibitor, blunted chemokine production at the cellular level and preserved mechanical stiffness in the whole IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P Zwambag
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Sara Molladavoodi
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Matthew J Guerreiro
- Department of Integrative Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie J DeWitte-Orr
- Department of Integrative Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Diane E Gregory
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada. .,Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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17
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Wang R, Xu C, Zhong H, Hu B, Wei L, Liu N, Zhang Y, Shi Q, Wang C, Qi M, Gu Y, Shen X, Tian Y, Liu Y, Cao P, Chen H, Yuan W. Inflammatory-sensitive CHI3L1 protects nucleus pulposus via AKT3 signaling during intervertebral disc degeneration. FASEB J 2020; 34:3554-3569. [PMID: 31997395 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902096r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain and the mechanism of which is far from fully revealed. Although inflammation directed nucleus pulposus (NP) extracellular matrix metabolism dysregulation is known to be the main cause of the degeneration process, few is known about the protective factors. Using high-throughput label-free proteomics, we found that inflammation-related autocrine factor Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1, or YKL-40) is highly expressed in the NP cells during degeneration. Immunohistochemical analysis show that the expression of CHI3L1 is NP tissue specific, and increase significantly during degeneration. Overexpression of CHI3L1 significantly decrease the catabolism, and increase the anabolism of extracellular matrix. Knockdown of CHI3L1 using siRNAs show the opposite results, which imply that the protective role of CHI3L1 in IDD. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing and functional analyses, we find that AKT3 expression and its phosphorylation is mainly regulated by CHI3L1. And lastly, the mechanism of which is also validated using human and mouse degenerated NP tissues. In summary, our findings show that the inflammation-related autocrine factor CHI3L1 is NP specific, and it protects IDD by promoting the AKT3 signaling, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target in intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhe Wang
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huajian Zhong
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leixin Wei
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhi Zhang
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianghui Shi
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Qi
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Gu
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Shen
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huajiang Chen
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Spine Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Chan AK, Tang X, Mummaneni NV, Coughlin D, Liebenberg E, Ouyang A, Dudli S, Lauricella M, Zhang N, Waldorff EI, Ryaby JT, Lotz JC. Pulsed electromagnetic fields reduce acute inflammation in the injured rat-tail intervertebral disc. JOR Spine 2019; 2:e1069. [PMID: 31891118 PMCID: PMC6920683 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines are recognized contributors to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and discogenic pain. We have recently reported the anti-inflammatory effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on IVD cells in vitro. Whether these potentially therapeutic effects are sufficiently potent to influence disc health in vivo has not been demonstrated. We report here the effect of PEMF on acute inflammation arising from a rat-tail IVD injury model. Disc degeneration was induced by percutaneously stabbing the Co6-7, Co7-8, and Co8-9 levels using a 20-gauge needle. Seventy-two (72) rats were divided into three groups: sham control, needle stab, needle stab+PEMF. Treated rats were exposed to PEMF immediately following surgery and for either 4 or 7 days (4 hr/d). Stab and PEMF effects were evaluated by measuring inflammatory cytokine gene expression (RT-PCR) and protein levels (ELISA assay), anabolic and catabolic gene expression (RT-PCR), and histologic changes. We observed in untreated animals that at day 7 after injury, inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-1β) were significantly increased at both gene and protein levels (P < .05). Similarly, catabolic factors (MMP [metalloproteinases]-2, MMP-13 and the transcriptional factor NF-kβ gene expression) were significantly increased (P < .05). At day 7, PEMF treatment significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokine gene and protein expression induced by needle stab injury (P < .05). At day 4, PEMF downregulated FGF-1 and upregulated MMP-2 compared to the stab-only group. These data demonstrate that previously reported anti-inflammatory effects of PEMF on disc cells carry over to the in vivo situation, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. Though we observed an inhibitory effect of PEMF on acute inflammatory cytokine expression, a consistent effect was not observed for acute changes in disc histology and anabolic and catabolic factor expression. Therefore, these findings should be further investigated in studies of longer duration following needle-stab injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. Chan
- Department of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Xinyan Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Nikhil V. Mummaneni
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Dezba Coughlin
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Ellen Liebenberg
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Annie Ouyang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Michael Lauricella
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey C. Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
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19
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Dong W, Liu J, Lv Y, Wang F, Liu T, Sun S, Liao B, Shu Z, Qian J. miR-640 aggravates intervertebral disc degeneration via NF-κB and WNT signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12664. [PMID: 31343104 PMCID: PMC6797513 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Low back pain becomes a common orthopaedic disease today. It is mainly induced by the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. In this study, we tried to reveal the pathogenesis of the degeneration and the relative therapeutic strategy, which are still elusive. Materials and Methods We collected 15 degenerative intervertebral tissues and five healthy donors. Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells were subcultured. miR‐640 expression was determined by qPCR. Computer analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm miR‐640 target genes. Immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical staining was used to trace the proinflammatory cytokines and key transductor of signalling pathways. We also used β‐galactosidase staining, flow cytometry, and cell viability assay to monitor the degenerative index. Results miR‐640 overexpressed in patients derived degenerative nucleus pulposus tissues and cells. The inflammatory environment promoted miR‐640 expression via NF‐κB signalling pathway. In addition, miR‐640 targeted to LRP1 and enhances NF‐κB signal activity, which built a positive feedback loop. miR‐640 inhibited the expression of β‐catenin and EP300, therefore, restrained WNT signal and induced the degeneration in nucleus pulposus cells. miR‐640 inhibitor treatment exhibited the effects of anti‐inflammation, reverse WNT signalling pathway exhaustion, and remission of degenerative characteristics in vitro. Conclusions miR‐640 plays an important role in the degeneration of intervertebral disc and the relative inflammatory microenvironment. It is a promising potential therapeutic target for the low back pain biotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wengang Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Disease Control and Prevention Center of PLA's Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, China.,Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of China PLA, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siguo Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Shu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jixian Qian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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20
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Feng G, Zha Z, Huang Y, Li J, Wang Y, Ke W, Chen H, Liu L, Song Y, Ge Z. Sustained and Bioresponsive Two-Stage Delivery of Therapeutic miRNA via Polyplex Micelle-Loaded Injectable Hydrogels for Inhibition of Intervertebral Disc Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1800623. [PMID: 30296017 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is frequently caused by gradual pathological changes inside intervertebral discs (IVDs) and progressive fibrosis. MicroRNA-29 (miR-29) family possesses potent fibrosis suppression capability, but their application for treatment of chronic IDD is limited due to lack of suitable local delivery systems. In this report, given various overexpressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during IDD, injectable MMP-degradable hydrogels encapsulating MMP-responsive polyplex micelles are developed for sustained and bioresponsive delivery of miR-29a into nucleus pulposus cells via a two-stage process. Cationic block copolymers are designed to complex miR-29a, and subsequently mixed with the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) gelation precursors and MMP-cleavable peptide cross-linkers for in situ formation of polyplex micelle-encapsulated hydrogels in the diseased IVDs. In the presence of MMPs, the polyplex micelles are first released by MMP cleavage of the hydrogels, and subsequently, MMPs-responsive detachment of PEG shells from polyplex micelles contributes to efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape. MiR-29a is demonstrated to effectively silence the expression of MMP-2, inhibit the fibrosis process, and reverse IDD in animal models through blocking the β-catenin translocation pathway from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This two-stage bioresponsive local miRNA delivery system represents a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of chronic IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganjun Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Zengshi Zha
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering; University of Science and Technology of China; Hefei 230026 Anhui China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Junjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering; University of Science and Technology of China; Hefei 230026 Anhui China
| | - Yuheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering; University of Science and Technology of China; Hefei 230026 Anhui China
| | - Wendong Ke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering; University of Science and Technology of China; Hefei 230026 Anhui China
| | - Hongying Chen
- Technology Center for Public Research; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Limin Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Yueming Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Zhishen Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering; University of Science and Technology of China; Hefei 230026 Anhui China
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Matrix metalloproteinase promotes elastic fiber degradation in ligamentum flavum degeneration. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200872. [PMID: 30067795 PMCID: PMC6070248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy in lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is characterized by a loss of elastic fibers and fibrosis. Chronic inflammation is thought to be responsible for the histological change but the mechanism underlying elastic fiber degradation remains unclear. Given that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 have elastolytic activity and are partly regulated by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, in this study, we investigated whether MMPs mediate LF degeneration using 52 LF samples obtained during lumbar surgery, including 31 LSCS and 21 control specimens. We confirmed by histological analysis that the LSCS samples exhibited severe degenerative changes compared with the controls. We found that MMP-2 was upregulated in LF tissue from patients with LSCS at the mRNA and protein levels, whereas MMP-9 expression did not differ between the two groups. The MMP-2 level was positively correlated with LF thickness and negatively correlated with the area occupied by elastic fibers. IL-6 mRNA expression was also increased in LF tissue from patients with LSCS and positively correlated with that of MMP-2. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, a component of the IL-6 signaling pathway, was activated in hypertrophied LF tissues. Our in vitro experiments using fibroblasts from LF tissue revealed that IL-6 increased MMP-2 expression, secretion, and activation via induction of STAT3 signaling, and this effect was reversed by STAT3 inhibitor treatment. Moreover, elastin degradation was promoted by IL-6 stimulation in LF fibroblast culture medium. These results indicate that MMP-2 induction by IL-6/STAT3 signaling in LF fibroblasts can degrade elastic fibers, leading to LF degeneration in LSCS.
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Li LY, Wu XL, Roman RJ, Fan F, Qiu CS, Chen BH. Diffusion-weighted 7.0T Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Assessment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Rats. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 131:63-68. [PMID: 29271382 PMCID: PMC5754960 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.221261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of disc protrusion, likely to be associated with decrease of water content. This research aimed to evaluate IDD by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with a 7.0 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Methods: A total of 24 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D), each consisting of 3 male and 3 female rats (28, 42, 56, and 70 days old, respectively). All the rats were imaged with a 7.0T MRI, producing T2WI, T1WI, and functional DWI sequences. Data were collected and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) charts were constructed. Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus regions were identified, several regions of interest were chosen, and their ADC values were obtained. After imaging, rats were sacrificed and their intervertebral discs (L1–L6) were dissected, yielding a total of 144 discs. Protein was extracted for the purpose of Western blotting. Comparison among multiple samples used one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference methods. Results: 7.0T MRI revealed evident decrease in signal intensity within intervertebral discs of Sprague-Dawley rats with age. Intervertebral disc ADC values significantly decreased from Group A (0.00154 ± 0.00008) to Group D (0.00107 ± 0.00007; P < 0.01); nucleus pulposus ADC values significantly decreased from Group A (0.00164 ± 0.00005) to Group D (0.00140 ± 0.00007; P < 0.01) and annulus fibrosus ADC values significantly decreased from Group A (0.00129 ± 0.00014) to Group D (0.00082 ± 0.00012; P < 0.01). Meanwhile, it also revealed evident decrease from high spinal level to low spinal level: nucleus pulposus ADC values in Group A significantly decreased from L1/L2 (0.00163 ± 0.00006) to L6/S1 (0.00139 ± 0.00004; P < 0.01). While annulus fibrosus ADC values did not differ significantly between levels in Group A (P > 0.05). Western blotting showed that aggrecan content of intervertebral discs decreased from Group A (1.88 ± 0.16) to Group D (0.17 ± 0.04) with age (P < 0.01); Type II collagen content of intervertebral discs decreased from Group A (2.22 ± 0.04) to Group D (0.20 ± 0.01) with age (P < 0.01). No significant differences in aggrecan and Type II collagen content of L1–L6 intervertebral discs in Group A were noted (P > 0.05). Mean ADC values of different intervertebral regions were positively correlated with aggrecan and Type II collagen content (aggrecan: r = 0.631, P < 0.01; Type II collagen: r = 0.680, P < 0.01). Conclusion: 7.0T MRI-DWI could be applied to effectively diagnose and research early IDD in tiny variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Yang Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, MS 39216, USA
| | - Xiao-Lin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Richard J Roman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, MS 39216, USA
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, MS 39216, USA
| | - Chen-Sheng Qiu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Bo-Hua Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
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Ageing affects chondroitin sulfates and their synthetic enzymes in the intervertebral disc. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2017; 2:17049. [PMID: 29263929 PMCID: PMC5661628 DOI: 10.1038/sigtrans.2017.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The depletion of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) within the intervertebral disc (IVD) during degenerative disc disease (DDD) results in a decrease in tissue hydration, a loss of fluid movement, cell apoptosis, a loss of nerve growth inhibition and ultimately, the loss of disc function. To date, little is known with regards to the structure and content of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) during IVD ageing. The behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), specifically CSs, as well as xylosyltransferase I (XT-I) and glucuronyltransferase I (GT-I), two key enzymes involved in CS synthesis as a primer of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain elongation and GAG synthesis in the nucleus pulposus (NP), respectively, were evaluated in a bovine ageing IVD model. Here, we showed significant changes in the composition of GAGs during the disc ageing process (6-month-old, 2-year-old and 8-year-old IVDs representing the immature to mature skeleton). The CS quantity and composition of annulus fibrosus (AF) and NP were determined. The expression of both XT-I and GT-I was detected using immunohistochemistry. A significant decrease in GAGs was observed during the ageing process. CSs are affected at both the structural and quantitative levels with important changes in sulfation observed upon maturity, which correlated with a decrease in the expression of both XT-I and GT-I. A progressive switch of the sulfation profile was noted in both NP and AF tissues from 6 months to 8 years. These changes give an appreciation of the potential impact of CSs on the disc biology and the development of therapeutic approaches for disc regeneration and repair.
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Vamvakas SS, Mavrogonatou E, Kletsas D. Human nucleus pulposus intervertebral disc cells becoming senescent using different treatments exhibit a similar transcriptional profile of catabolic and inflammatory genes. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2017. [PMID: 28646455 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic low back pain has been associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, which is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteases and inflammatory molecules in the degenerate tissue. IVD degeneration could be the outcome of natural organismal ageing and/or of the exposure of the disc to cumulative stressful environmental stimuli and is accompanied by an increased population of senescent cells in the tissue. On the other hand, senescent cells are known to secrete proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory molecules, which can contribute to ECM catabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional profile of selected metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory mediators in human nucleus pulposus IVD cells that became senescent using three different approaches: serial subculturing, exposure to ionizing radiation and p16INK4a overexpression. METHODS Gene expression was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR and protein levels were determined by western blot analysis. The proliferative potential of the cells, as well as the percentage of senescent cells in the population were estimated by nuclear BrdU incorporation and by senescence-associated β galactosidase staining, respectively. RESULTS All senescent cells showed a similar regulation of MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, interleukin (IL) 6, IL8 and interferon γ at the level of transcription, with only some quantitative differentiations observed in p16INK4a-overexpressing cells. CONCLUSIONS Data described here suggest that senescent cells may have similar functions in IVD homeostasis, irrespective of the origin of senescence induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotiris-Spyros Vamvakas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Mavrogonatou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Athens, Greece.
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Zhang W, Chen Y, Meng H, Du J, Luan G, Wang H, Yang M, Luo Z. Role of miR-155 in the regulation of MMP-16 expression in intervertebral disc degeneration. J Orthop Res 2017; 35:1323-1334. [PMID: 27227700 PMCID: PMC5485035 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remain elusive. We found that miR-155 is down-regulated in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP), and more severe degeneration is correlated with higher matrix metallopeptidase 16 (MMP-16) expression. MMP-16 also degraded matrix aggrecan. Here, we addressed the in vivo miR-155-mediated pathological impact on IDD using a classic puncture mouse model. Lentiviral upregulated-miR-155 or downregulated-miR-155 was transduced into the discs of C57 mice, which was validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting revealed that up-regulation of miR-155 resulted in down-regulation of MMP-16 and an increase in aggrecan and collagen type II in mouse NP; whereas, down-regulation of miR-155 resulted in up-regulation of MMP-16 and a decrease in aggrecan in mouse NP. Radiographic and histological analysis showed that the up-regulation of miR-155 attenuated IDD, while down-regulation of miR-155 resulted in the deterioration of IDD. These findings indicate that decreased miR-155 contributed to the up-regulation of MMP-16 in vivo, and MMP-16 further degraded aggrecan and collagen type II, leading to the dehydration and degeneration of discs. Our findings revealed a therapeutic role for miR-155 in IDD. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:1323-1334, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Lin Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Hospital of China Medical University155 North Nanjing StreetShenyang 110001LiaoningChina,Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing HospitalFourth Military Medical University127 Changle Western RoadXi'an 710032China
| | - Yu‐Fei Chen
- Department of OrthopaedicsAir Force General Hospital, PLABeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Zheng Meng
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Hospital of China Medical University155 North Nanjing StreetShenyang 110001LiaoningChina
| | - Jun‐Jie Du
- Department of OrthopaedicsAir Force General Hospital, PLABeijingChina
| | - Guan‐Nan Luan
- Institute of Medical InformationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hai‐Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing HospitalFourth Military Medical University127 Changle Western RoadXi'an 710032China
| | - Mao‐Wei Yang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Hospital of China Medical University155 North Nanjing StreetShenyang 110001LiaoningChina
| | - Zhuo‐Jing Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing HospitalFourth Military Medical University127 Changle Western RoadXi'an 710032China
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Chen B, Huang SG, Ju L, Li M, Nie FF, Zhang Y, Zhang YH, Chen X, Gao F. Effect of microRNA-21 on the proliferation of human degenerated nucleus pulposus by targeting programmed cell death 4. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 49:S0100-879X2016000600602. [PMID: 27240294 PMCID: PMC4897996 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20155020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effect of microRNA-21 (miR-21) on the proliferation of
human degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4)
tumor suppressor. NP tissues were collected from 20 intervertebral disc degeneration
(IDD) patients, and from 5 patients with traumatic spine fracture. MiR-21 expressions
were tested. NP cells from IDD patients were collected and divided into blank control
group, negative control group (transfected with miR-21 negative sequences), miR-21
inhibitor group (transfected with miR-21 inhibitors), miR-21 mimics group
(transfected with miR-21 mimics) and PDCD4 siRNA group (transfected with PDCD4
siRNAs). Cell growth was estimated by Cell Counting Kit-8; PDCD4, MMP-2,MMP-9 mRNA
expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR; PDCD4, c-Jun and p-c-Jun expressions were
tested using western blot. In IDD patients, the expressions of miR-21 and PDCD4 mRNA
were respectively elevated and decreased (both P<0.05). The miR-21 expressions
were positively correlated with Pfirrmann grades, but negatively correlated with
PDCD4 mRNA (both P<0.001). In miR-21 inhibitor group, cell growth, MMP-2 and MMP-9
mRNA expressions, and p-c-Jun protein expressions were significantly lower, while
PDCD4 mRNA and protein expressions were higher than the other groups (all P<0.05).
These expressions in the PDCD4 siRNA and miR-21 mimics groups was inverted compared
to that in the miR-21 inhibitor group (all P<0.05). MiR-21 could promote the
proliferation of human degenerated NP cells by targeting PDCD4, increasing
phosphorylation of c-Jun protein, and activating AP-1-dependent transcription of
MMPs, indicating that miR-21 may be a crucial biomarker in the pathogenesis of
IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - S G Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - L Ju
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - M Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - F F Nie
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Y H Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - X Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - F Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi Second People's Hospital, Linyi, China
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Lv FJ, Peng Y, Lim FL, Sun Y, Lv M, Zhou L, Wang H, Zheng Z, Cheung KMC, Leung VYL. Matrix metalloproteinase 12 is an indicator of intervertebral disc degeneration co-expressed with fibrotic markers. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2016; 24:1826-1836. [PMID: 27211863 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent evidence suggests a role of fibrogenesis in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. We aim to explore if fibrotic genes may serve as IVD degeneration indicators, and if their expression is associated with myofibroblast activity. DESIGN Transcriptional expression of fibrosis markers (COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, HSP47, MMP12, RASAL1) were analyzed in degenerated (D) and non-degenerated (ND) human nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, along with traditional (SOX9, ACAN) and newly established degeneration markers (CDH2, KRT19, KRT18, FBLN1, MGP, and COMP). Protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in human IVDs, and in rodent IVDs undergoing natural ageing or puncture-induced degeneration. Co-expression with myofibroblast markers was examined by double staining on human and rat specimens. Disc degeneration severity and extent of fibrosis were determined by histological scoring and picrosirius red staining respectively. RESULTS Human D-NP showed more intensive staining for picrosirius red than ND-NP. Among the genes examined, D-NP showed significantly higher MMP12 expression along with lower KRT19 expression. Protein expression analysis revealed increased MMP12(+) cells in human D-IVD. Histological scoring indicated mild degeneration in the punctured rat discs and discs of ageing mouse. Higher MMP12 positivity was found in peripheral NP and AF of the degenerative rat discs and in NP of the aged mice. In addition, human D-NP and D-AF showed increased α-SMA(+) cells, indicating enhanced myofibroblast activity. MMP12 was found co-expressed with α-SMA, FSP1 and FAP-α in human and rat degenerative IVDs. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that in addition to a reduced KRT19 expression, an increased expression of MMP12, a profibrotic mediator, is characteristic of disc degenerative changes. Co-expression study indicates an association of the increased MMP12 positivity with myofibroblast activity in degenerated IVDs. Overall, our findings implicate an impact of MMP12 in disc cell homeostasis. The precise role of MMP12 in IVD degeneration warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F-J Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; HKU Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, China; Center for Reproduction, Development and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Y Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - F L Lim
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Y Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - M Lv
- Advanced Technology Research Institution of China Science Institution, Shenzhen, China.
| | - L Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - H Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Gaungdong, China.
| | - Z Zheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Gaungdong, China.
| | - K M C Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Center for Reproduction, Development and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - V Y L Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; HKU Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, China; Center for Reproduction, Development and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells seeded on cartilaginous endplates promote Intervertebral Disc Regeneration through Extracellular Matrix Remodeling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33836. [PMID: 27652931 PMCID: PMC5031983 DOI: 10.1038/srep33836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by significant biochemical and histomorphological alterations, such as loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, by abnormal synthesis of ECM main components, resultant from altered anabolic/catabolic cell activities and cell death. Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell (MSC) migration towards degenerated IVD may represent a viable strategy to promote tissue repair/regeneration. Here, human MSCs (hMSCs) were seeded on top of cartilaginous endplates (CEP) of nucleotomized IVDs of bovine origin and cultured ex vivo up to 3 weeks. hMSCs migrated from CEP towards the lesion area and significantly increased expression of collagen type II and aggrecan in IVD, namely in the nucleus pulposus. Concomitantly, hMSCs stimulated the production of growth factors, promoters of ECM synthesis, such as fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF-6) and 7 (FGF-7), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1sR). Overall, our results demonstrate that CEP can be an alternative route to MSC-based therapies for IVD regeneration through ECM remodeling, thus opening new perspectives on endogenous repair capacity through MSC recruitment.
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Dysregulated miR-133a Mediates Loss of Type II Collagen by Directly Targeting Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2016; 41:E717-E724. [PMID: 26656045 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A microRNA (miRNA) study using Solexa sequencing. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD)-specific miRNA expression profile, and to validate its biological function. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs play a critical role in IDD, but the role of specific miRNAs involved in this entity remains unclear. METHODS MiRNA expression profile was determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from patients with IDD and controls, employing Solexa sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Biological functions of differential expression miRNAs were further investigated. Luciferase reporter assays and western blotting were performed to determine miRNA targets. RESULTS We identified 31 miRNAs that were differentially expressed (22 upregulated and nine downregulated) in patients compared with controls. After qRT-PCR confirmation, miR-133a was significantly down-regulated in degenerative NP tissues. Moreover, its level was inversely correlated with grade of disc degeneration. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies, miR-133a was demonstrated to significantly promote type II collagen expression in NP cells. MMP9 was identified as a target of miR-133a. Knockdown of MMP9 induced effects on NP cells similar to those induced by miR-133a. Expression of MMP9 was inversely correlated with miR-133a expression in degenerative NP tissues. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the downregulation of miR-133a induces type II collagen loss by directly targeting MMP9. Our findings also highlight miR-133a as a novel hopeful therapeutic target for IDD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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Miller SL, Coughlin DG, Waldorff EI, Ryaby JT, Lotz JC. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment reduces expression of genes associated with disc degeneration in human intervertebral disc cells. Spine J 2016; 16:770-6. [PMID: 26780754 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapies have been applied to stimulate bone healing and to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but the effects of PEMF on intervertebral disc (IVD) biology is unknown. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine how PEMF affects gene expression of IVD cells in normal and inflammatory environments. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This was an in vitro human cell culture and microarray gene expression study. METHODS Human annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were separately encapsulated in alginate beads and exposed to interleukin 1α (IL-1α) (10 ng/mL) to stimulate the inflammatory environment associated with IVD degeneration and/or stimulated by PEMF for 4 hours daily for up to 7 days. RNA was isolated from each treatment group and analyzed via microarray to assess IL-1α- and PEMF-induced changes in gene expression. RESULTS Although PEMF treatment did not completely inhibit the effects of IL-1α, PEMF treatment lessened the IL-1α-induced upregulation of genes expressed in degenerated IVDs. Consistent with our previous results, after 4 days, PEMF tended to reduce IL-1α-associated gene expression of IL-6 (25%, p=.07) in NP cells and MMP13 (26%, p=.10) in AF cells. Additionally, PEMF treatment significantly diminished IL-1α-induced gene expression of IL-17A (33%, p=.01) and MMP2 (24%, p=.006) in NP cells and NFκB (11%, p=.04) in AF cells. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that IVD cells are responsive to PEMF and motivate future studies to determine whether PEMF may be helpful for patients with IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Miller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1161, Box 0514, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Dezba G Coughlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1161, Box 0514, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Erik I Waldorff
- Orthofix, Inc., 3451 Plano Parkway, Lewisville, TX 75056, USA
| | - James T Ryaby
- Orthofix, Inc., 3451 Plano Parkway, Lewisville, TX 75056, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 513 Parnassus Ave, S-1161, Box 0514, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Chen CH, Chiang CJ, Wu LC, Yang CH, Kuo YJ, Tsuang YH, Tsai TH. Time course investigation of intervertebral disc degeneration in a rat-tail puncture model. Life Sci 2016; 156:15-20. [PMID: 27197027 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration was believed to contribute to lower back pain. The aim of the study was to investigate the pathogenesis and regulatory mechanism of puncture-induced IVD degeneration. MAIN METHODS We established a rat-tail puncture model using Kirschner wire and a homemade stopper. The progress of disc degeneration was evaluated by histological examination and the quantitative measurement of type I, type II collagen and other factors expression at 0.5, 1, 2, 6, and 12weeks after puncture and was compared with control rats of the same age. KEY FINDINGS Histological examination and Safranin-O staining revealed progressive degeneration of the punctured disc. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) was increased at 1week after puncture but did not change in the control group. The interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA expression level was elevated at the acute stage after puncture compared with the control group. The hypoxia inducible factor 2 (HIF-2) increased expression in punctured groups. Additionally, compare to adjacent non-punctured segments, HIF-2α expression level transiently increased and then decreased in the nucleus pulposus immediately following puncture, and it then increased 12weeks after puncture. SIGNIFICANCE The degenerative changes observed in this rat-tail puncture model are similar to human disc degeneration and that this model may be valuable for elucidating the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsian Chen
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Jung Chiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lien-Chen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Everan Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jie Kuo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hwei Tsuang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Ji ML, Zhang XJ, Shi PL, Lu J, Wang SZ, Chang Q, Chen H, Wang C. Downregulation of microRNA-193a-3p is involved in invertebral disc degeneration by targeting MMP14. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 94:457-68. [PMID: 26620678 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but the precise role of specific miRNAs involved in this disease remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to identify IDD-specific miRNAs, followed by functional validation of results. MiRNA expression profile was determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from patients with IDD and controls, employing Solexa sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Biological functions of differential expression miRNAs were further investigated in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting were performed to determine miRNA targets. We identified 28 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in patients compared with controls. Following qRT-PCR confirmation, miR-193a-3p was significantly down-regulated in degenerative NP tissues. Moreover, its level was correlated with grade of disc degeneration. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies, miR-193a-3p was demonstrated to significantly promote type II collagen expression in NP cells. Knockdown of MMP14 induced effects on NP cells similar to those induced by miR-193a-3p. Bioinformatics target prediction identified MMP14 as a putative target of miR-193a-3p. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting demonstrated that miR-193a-3p directly targets MMP14. MiR-193a-3p inhibited IDD in vitro and in vivo. The downregulation of miR-193a-3p induces the expression of MMP14, which promotes loss of type II collagen and thereby contributes to the development of human IDD. Our findings extend the role of miR-193a-3p in the pathogenesis of IDD and provide a potential novel therapeutic target for degenerative disc disease. KEY MESSAGES Intervertebral disc degeneration (ICC)-specific miRNA profile generated by next generation sequencing. Downregulation of miR-193a-3p promoted loss of type II collagen by directly targeting MMP14 in IDD. miR-193a-3p inhibited IDD in vitro and in vivo. miR-193a-3p may be a promising candidate for prevention of degenerative disc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Liang Ji
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xue-Jun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Pei-Liang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Model Animal Research Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shan-Zheng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao road 87, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Ji ML, Lu J, Shi PL, Zhang XJ, Wang SZ, Chang Q, Chen H, Wang C. Dysregulated miR-98 Contributes to Extracellular Matrix Degradation by Targeting IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. J Bone Miner Res 2016; 31:900-9. [PMID: 26587789 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is associated with dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that miRNAs modulate IDD through effects on the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, a potential regulator of IDD. The miRNA expression profile was determined in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from patients with IDD and controls, employing miRNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Biological functions of differential expression miRNAs were further investigated using immunofluorescent staining. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting were performed to determine miRNA targets. We identified 41 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in patients compared with controls. Following RT-qPCR confirmation, miR-98 was significantly downregulated in degenerative NP tissues. Moreover, its level was inversely correlated with grade of disc degeneration. Through gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies, miR-98 was shown to significantly promote type II collagen expression in NP cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was identified as a target of miR-98. Knockdown of IL-6 induced effects on NP cells similar to those induced by miR-98. In contrast, IL-6 treatment abrogated the effects induced by miR-98 upregulation. Moreover, miR-98 dramatically suppressed expression of STAT3 target gene, MMP2. IL-6 treatment antagonized this effect, whereas knockdown of IL-6 by IL-6 short hairpin RNA (shIL-6) induced inhibitory effects on the expression of p-STAT3 and its main target genes, similar to miR-98. The mRNA level of IL-6 was inversely correlated with that of miR-98 in degenerative NP tissues. These results suggest the downregulation of miR-98 could promote IDD through the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our findings also highlight miR-98 as a novel hopeful therapeutic target for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-liang Ji
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Lu
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei-liang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Model Animal Research Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-jun Zhang
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shan-zheng Wang
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Chang
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Chen
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Yee A, Lam MPY, Tam V, Chan WCW, Chu IK, Cheah KSE, Cheung KMC, Chan D. Fibrotic-like changes in degenerate human intervertebral discs revealed by quantitative proteomic analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2016; 24:503-13. [PMID: 26463451 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) can lead to symptomatic conditions including sciatica and back pain. The purpose of this study is to understand the extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in disc biology through comparative proteomic analysis of degenerated and non-degenerated human intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues of different ages. DESIGN Seven non-degenerated (11-46 years of age) and seven degenerated (16-53 years of age) annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) samples were used. Proteins were extracted using guanidine hydrochloride, separated from large proteoglycans (PGs) by caesium chloride (CsCl) density gradient ultracentrifugation, and identified using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). For quantitative comparison, proteins were labeled with iTRAQ reagents. Collagen fibrils in the NP were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS In the AF, quantitative analysis revealed increased levels of HTRA1, COMP and CILP in degeneration when compared with samples from older individuals. Fibronectin showed increment with age and degeneration. In the NP, more CILP and CILP2 were present in degenerated samples of younger individuals. Reduced protein solubility was observed in degenerated and older non-degenerated samples correlated with an accumulation of type I collagen in the insoluble fibers. Characterization of collagen fibrils in the NP revealed smaller mean fibril diameters and decreased porosity in the degenerated samples. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified distinct matrix changes associated with aging and degeneration in the intervertebral discs (IVDs). The nature of the ECM changes, together with observed decreased in solubility and changes in fibril diameter is consistent with a fibrotic-like environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - M P Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - V Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - W C W Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - I K Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - K S E Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - K M C Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - D Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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Yin P, Lv H, Zhang L, Zhang L, Tang P. Semaphorin 3A: A Potential Target for Low Back Pain. Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:216. [PMID: 26635602 PMCID: PMC4659908 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a common disorder. Pathological innervation and intervertebral disc degeneration are two major factors associated with this disease. Semaphorin 3A, originally known for its potent inhibiting effect on axonal outgrowth, is recently found to correlate with disease activity and histological features in some skeletal disorders. Based on its effects on innervation and vascularization, as well as enzyme secretion, we presume that semaphorin 3A may act as a potential target for low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbin Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Houchen Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Lihai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Licheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Peifu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing, China
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Zhang J, Sun X, Liu J, Liu J, Shen B, Nie L. The role of matrix metalloproteinase 14 polymorphisms in susceptibility to intervertebral disc degeneration in the Chinese Han population. Arch Med Sci 2015; 11:801-6. [PMID: 26322093 PMCID: PMC4548033 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2015.53301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The present study aimed to determine whether two single nucleotide polymorphisms (-378 T/C and -364 G/T) of MMP14 were associated with the risk and severity of IVDD in the Chinese Han population. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 908 patients with IVDD and 906 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The grade of disc degeneration was determined according to Schneiderman's classification for magnetic resonance imaging. The polymorphisms of MMP14 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. RESULTS The genotype distribution of -364G/T did not show a significant difference between IVDD patients and healthy controls. The frequencies of the -378T/C and CC genotypes were significantly lower among IVDD patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001); unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that the CT and CC genotypes were significantly associated with a decreased risk of IVDD compared with the TT genotype (p < 0.001). Patients with IVDD showed significantly higher frequencies of the T allele at -378T/C than healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, the -375 CC genotype, as well as the C allele, was associated with lower degenerative grades of IVDD compared with the TT genotype and the T allele, respectively (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The -378T/C polymorphism of MMP14 may be associated with the risk and severity of IVDD in the Chinese Han population. It shows potential to become a biomarker to predict risk and severity of IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, JiNan City, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, YanTai City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiujiang Sun
- Department of Bone and Joint, Yantaishan Hospital, YanTai City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Basic Research, Occupation College of Yantai, YanTai City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jianqing Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, YanTai City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Binghua Shen
- Department of Bone and Joint, Yantaishan Hospital, YanTai City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Nie
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, JiNan City, Shandong Province, China
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Wang WJ, Yu XH, Wang C, Yang W, He WS, Zhang SJ, Yan YG, Zhang J. MMPs and ADAMTSs in intervertebral disc degeneration. Clin Chim Acta 2015; 448:238-46. [PMID: 26162271 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2015.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common diagnosis in patients with low back pain, a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability worldwide. The major components of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the discs are type II collagen (Col II) and aggrecan. Excessive destruction of ECM, especially loss of Col II and aggrecan, plays a critical role in promoting the occurrence and development of IDD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) are primary enzymes that degrade collagens and aggrecan. There is a large and growing body of evidence that many members of MMPs and ADAMTSs are highly expressed in degenerative IVD tissue and cells, and are closely involved in ECM breakdown and the process of disc degeneration. In contrast, targeting these enzymes has shown promise for promoting ECM repair and mitigating disc regeneration. In the current review, after a brief description regarding the biology of MMPs and ADAMTSs, we mainly focus on their expression profiles, roles and therapeutic potential in IDD. A greater understanding of the catabolic pathways involved in IDD will help to develop potential prophylactic or regenerative biological treatment for degenerative disc disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Life Science Research Center, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wen-Si He
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Shu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yi-Guo Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Hand and Micro-surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Expression of matrix metalloproteinases is positively related to the severity of disc degeneration and growing age in the East Asian lumbar disc herniation patients. Cell Biochem Biophys 2015; 70:1219-25. [PMID: 24874308 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-0045-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been known to play a pivotal role in the age- and/or disease-related degradation of intervertebral discs. We aimed to explore as to whether the expression of these enzymes is correlated to disc degeneration caused by increasing age and severity of herniation in the East Asian population. Thus, we studied the expressions of MMP-1 (collagenase), MMP-2 (gelatinase) and MMP-14 (membrane-type protease) in 65 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their age, and the severity of herniation was graded on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Immunohistochemistry analysis was conducted to determine the expression of different MMPs in the post-surgery disc specimens. The results showed that expressions of these three enzymes were directly and positively related to the degree of disc degradation. Whereas, the MMP-1 expression was found to be elevated with the increasing age, the MMP-2 and MMP-14 remained unchanged in groups of different ages. A direct correlation between the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-14 suggested a role of MMP-14 in the modulation of MMP-2 expression.
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Current trends in biologics delivery to restore intervertebral disc anabolism. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 84:146-58. [PMID: 25174310 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain is generally attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This is a multifactorial disease induced by genetic and environmental factors and that progresses with aging. Disc degeneration is characterized by a limited ability of IVD cells to produce functional matrix while producing abnormal amounts of matrix-degrading enzymes. The prolonged imbalance between anabolism and catabolism in degenerative discs alters their composition and hydration. In turn, this results in increased angiogenesis and the loss of the disc's ability to maintain its aneural condition. Inflammation in the IVD, in particular the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, was found to favor innervation and also sensitization of the nociceptive pathways, thereby exacerbating degenerative symptoms. In this review, we discuss anti-inflammatory approaches to encounter disc catabolism, potential treatments to lower discogenic pain and pro-anabolic approaches in the form of protein delivery, gene therapy and cell delivery, to trigger regeneration in the IVD.
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Jing W, Jiang W. MicroRNA-93 regulates collagen loss by targeting MMP3 in human nucleus pulposus cells. Cell Prolif 2015; 48:284-92. [PMID: 25818544 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Degenerated disc disease is one of the most common medical conditions in patients suffering from low back pain. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs can regulate cell function in many pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate expression and role of miR-93 in disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to investigate level of miR-93 in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. Then, functional analysis of miR-93 in regulating collagen II expression was performed. Subsequently, western blotting and luciferase reporter assay were used to detect the target gene. RESULTS We showed that miR-93 was significantly down-regulated in degenerative NP tissues and its levels were associated with grade of disc degeneration. Overexpression of miR-93 stimulated type II collagen expression in NP cells. Moreover, MMP3 was identified as a putative target of miR-93. MiR-93 inhibited MMP3 expression by directly targeting its 3'UTR, and this was abolished by miR-93 binding site mutations. Additionally, restoration of MMP3 in miR-93-overexpressed NP cells reversed effects of type II collagen expression. Expression of MMP3 inversely correlated with miR-93 expression in degenerative NP tissues. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we demonstrated that miR-93 contributed to abnormal NP cell type II collagen expression by targeting MMP3, involved in intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli Jing
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
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Kim SH, Kuh SU, Kim KN, Park JY, Cho KH, Chin DK, Kim KS, Cho YE. Biologic response of degenerative living human nucleus pulposus cells to treatment with cytokines. Yonsei Med J 2015; 56:277-86. [PMID: 25510775 PMCID: PMC4276767 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.1.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the molecular responses of various genes and proteins related to disc degeneration upon treatment with cytokines that affect disc-cell proliferation and phenotype in living human intervertebral discs (IVDs). Responsiveness to these cytokines according to the degree of disc degeneration was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The disc specimens were classified into two groups: group 1 (6 patients) showed mild degeneration of IVDs and group 2 (6 patients) exhibited severe degeneration of IVDs. Gene expression was analyzed after treatment with four cytokines: recombinant human bone morphogenic protein (rhBMP-2), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Molecular responses were assessed after exposure of cells from the IVD specimens to these cytokines via real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS mRNA gene expression was significantly greater for aggrecan, type I collagen, type II collagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and Sox9 in group 1 than mRNA gene expression in group 2, when the samples were not treated with cytokines. Analysis of mRNA levels for these molecules after morphogen treatment revealed significant increases in both groups, which were much higher in group 1 than in group 2. The average number of IVD cells that were immunofluorescence stained positive for alkaline phosphatase increased after treatment with rhBMP-2 and TGF-β in group 1. CONCLUSION The biologic responsiveness to treatment of rhBMP-2, TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the degenerative living human IVD can be different according to the degree of degeneration of the IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sung Uk Kuh
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Keung Nyun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Yoon Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Hong Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dong Kyu Chin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keun Su Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Eun Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Wang X, Wang H, Yang H, Li J, Cai Q, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. Tumor necrosis factor-α- and interleukin-1β-dependent matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression in nucleus pulposus cells requires cooperative signaling via syndecan 4 and mitogen-activated protein kinase-NF-κB axis: implications in inflammatory disc disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:2560-72. [PMID: 25063530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration, a ubiquitous condition closely linked to low back pain and disability. Elevated expression of syndecan 4, a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan, actively controls disc matrix catabolism. However, the relationship between MMP-3 expression and syndecan 4 in the context of inflammatory disc disease has not been clearly defined. We investigated the mechanisms by which cytokines control MMP-3 expression in rat and human nucleus pulposus cells. Cytokine treatment increased MMP-3 expression and promoter activity. Stable silencing of syndecan 4 blocked cytokine-mediated MMP-3 expression; more important, syndecan 4 did not mediate its effects through NF-κB or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. However, treatment with MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors resulted in partial blocking of the inductive effect of cytokines on MMP-3 expression. Loss-of-function studies confirmed that NF-κB, p38α/β2/γ/δ, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2, but not ERK1, contributed to cytokine-dependent induction of MMP3 promoter activity. Similarly, inhibitor treatments, lentiviral short hairpin-p65, and short hairpin-IκB kinase β significantly decreased cytokine-dependent up-regulation in MMP-3 expression. Finally, we show that transforming growth factor-β can block the up-regulation of MMP-3 induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by counteracting the NF-κB pathway and syndecan 4 expression. Taken together, our results suggest that cooperative signaling through syndecan 4 and the TNF receptor 1-MAPK-NF-κB axis is required for TNF-α-dependent expression of MMP-3 in nucleus pulposus cells. Controlling these pathways may slow the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration and matrix catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Bone and Soft Tissue, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqing Cai
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Effects of Transplantation of hTIMP-1-Expressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Extracellular Matrix of Degenerative Intervertebral Discs in an In Vivo Rabbit Model. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2014; 39:E669-E675. [PMID: 24718065 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, and controlled animal study. OBJECTIVE To observe extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) after transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) virally transfected with a construct expressing "human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1" (hTIMP-1), and to discuss the feasibility of using this approach to treat IVD degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by decreased cell numbers, bioactivity of the nucleus pulposus, and remodeled ECM. Exogenous genes can be targeted into cells to produce inhibition of ECM degradation and increase ECM content in IVDs, and thereby potentially stop or reverse degenerative processes and modify disc structure. METHODS BMSCs were isolated from a pure New Zealand white rabbit and identified by flow cytometry. Transgenic BMSCs were acquired by transfection with a recombinant adenovirus vector carrying the hTIMP-1 gene. Animal models of IVD degeneration were established by annulus puncture and then given intra-nucleus pulposus injections according to their random assignment into 3 groups: (1) a transgenic BMSC transplantation (TgBT) group that received BMSCs transfected with an hTIMP-1-expressing adenovirus vector; (2) a BMSC transplantation (BT) group that received unaltered BMSCs; and (3) a control group that received cell-free phosphate-buffered saline. Degree of degeneration was evaluated 12 weeks after modeling. ECM content was quantified using immunohistochemistry and spectrophotography. Expression of hTIMP-1 was observed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Significantly fewer degenerative changes and increased ECM content were observed in the TBT and BT groups than the control group animals (P < 0.05). The TBT group had greater ECM content than did the BT group (P < 0.05), as well as higher levels of hTIMP-1 mRNA and protein. CONCLUSION Transplantation of BMSCs transfected with hTIMP-1 can increase ECM content by inhibiting ECM degradation and promoting ECM synthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Cell type and transfection reagent-dependent effects on viability, cell content, cell cycle and inflammation of RNAi in human primary mesenchymal cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2014; 53:35-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Mercuri J, Addington C, Pascal R, Gill S, Simionescu D. Development and initial characterization of a chemically stabilized elastin-glycosaminoglycan-collagen composite shape-memory hydrogel for nucleus pulposus regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res A 2014; 102:4380-93. [PMID: 24497431 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus (NP) is a resilient and hydrophilic tissue which plays a significant role in the biomechanical function of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Destruction of the NP extracellular matrix (ECM) is observed during the early stages of IVD degeneration. Herein, we describe the development and initial characterization of a novel biomaterial which attempts to recreate the resilient and hydrophilic nature of the NP via the construction of a chemically stabilized elastin-glycosaminoglycan-collagen (EGC) composite hydrogel. Results demonstrated that a resilient, hydrophilic hydrogel which displays a unique "shape-memory" sponge characteristic could be formed from a blend of soluble elastin aggregates, chondroitin-6-sulfate, hyaluronic acid and collagen following freeze-drying, stabilization with a carbodiimide and penta-galloyl glucose-based fixative, and subsequent partial degradation with glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes. The resultant material exhibited the ability to restore its original dimensions and water content following multi-cycle mechanical compression and illustrated resistance to accelerated enzymatic degradation. Preliminary in vitro studies utilizing human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) demonstrated that the material was cytocompatible and supported differentiation towards an NP cell-like phenotype. In vivo biocompatibility studies illustrated host cell infiltration and evidence of active remodeling following 4 weeks of implantation. Feasibility studies demonstrated that the EGC hydrogel could be delivered via minimally invasive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Mercuri
- Department of Bioengineering, Biocompatibility and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Clemson University, Rhodes Engineering Research Center, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
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Xu H, Mei Q, He J, Liu G, Zhao J, Xu B. Correlation of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 with Patient Age and Grade of Lumbar Disk Herniation. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 69:439-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-9815-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Paul CPL, Schoorl T, Zuiderbaan HA, Zandieh Doulabi B, van der Veen AJ, van de Ven PM, Smit TH, van Royen BJ, Helder MN, Mullender MG. Dynamic and static overloading induce early degenerative processes in caprine lumbar intervertebral discs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62411. [PMID: 23638074 PMCID: PMC3640099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical overloading of the spine is associated with low back pain and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. How excessive loading elicits degenerative changes in the IVD is poorly understood. Comprehensive knowledge of the interaction between mechanical loading, cell responses and changes in the extracellular matrix of the disc is needed in order to successfully intervene in this process. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether dynamic and static overloading affect caprine lumbar discs differently and what mechanisms lead to mechanically induced IVD degeneration. Lumbar caprine IVDs (n = 175) were cultured 7, 14 and 21 days under simulated-physiological loading (control), high dynamic or high static loading. Axial deformation and stiffness were continuously measured. Cell viability, cell density, and gene expression were assessed in the nucleus, inner- and outer annulus. The extracellular matrix (ECM) was analyzed for water, glycosaminoglycan and collagen content. IVD height loss and changes in axial deformation were gradual with dynamic and acute with static overloading. Dynamic overloading caused cell death in all IVD regions, whereas static overloading mostly affected the outer annulus. IVDs expression of catabolic and inflammation-related genes was up-regulated directly, whereas loss of water and glycosaminoglycan were significant only after 21 days. Static and dynamic overloading both induced pathological changes to caprine lumbar IVDs within 21 days. The mechanism by which they inflict biomechanical, cellular, and extracellular changes to the nucleus and annulus differed. The described cascades provide leads for the development of new pharmacological and rehabilitative therapies to halt the progression of DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis P. L. Paul
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Schoorl
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik A. Zuiderbaan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Behrouz Zandieh Doulabi
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J. van der Veen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Skeletal Tissue Engineering Group Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. van de Ven
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo H. Smit
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Skeletal Tissue Engineering Group Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barend J. van Royen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Skeletal Tissue Engineering Group Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco N. Helder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Skeletal Tissue Engineering Group Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet G. Mullender
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rastogi A, Kim H, Twomey JD, Hsieh AH. MMP-2 mediates local degradation and remodeling of collagen by annulus fibrosus cells of the intervertebral disc. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R57. [PMID: 23621950 PMCID: PMC4060574 DOI: 10.1186/ar4224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is characterized by marked degradation and restructuring of the annulus fibrosus (AF). Although several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been found to be more prevalent in degenerate discs, their coordination and function within the context of the disease process are still not well understood. In this study, we sought to determine whether MMP-2 is associated with degenerative changes in the AF and to identify the manner by which AF cells use MMP-2. METHODS Two established animal models of disc degeneration, static compression and transannular needle puncture of rodent caudal discs, were examined for MMP-2 immunopositivity. With lentiviral transduction of an shRNA expression cassette, we screened and identified an effective shRNA sequence for generating stable RNA interference to silence MMP-2 expression in primary rat AF cells. Gelatin films were used to compare gelatinase activity and spatial patterns of degradation between transduced cells, and both noninfected and nonsense shRNA controls. The functional significance of MMP-2 was determined by assessing the ability for cells to remodel collagen gels. RESULTS Both static compression and 18-g annular puncture of rodent caudal discs stimulated an increase in MMP-2 activity with concurrent lamellar disorganization in the AF, whereas 22-g and 26-g needle injuries did not. To investigate the functional role of MMP-2, we established lentivirus-mediated RNAi to induce stable knockdown of transcript levels by as much as 88%, and protein levels by as much as 95% over a 10-day period. Culturing transduced cells on gelatin films confirmed that MMP-2 is the primary functional gelatinase in AF cells, and that MMP-2 is used locally in regions immediately around AF cells. In collagen gels, transduced cells demonstrated an inability to remodel collagen matrices. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that increases in MMP-2 observed in human degenerate discs are mirrored in experimentally induced degenerative changes in rodent animal models. AF cells appear to use MMP-2 in a very directed fashion for local matrix degradation and collagen remodeling. This suggests that MMP-2 may have a functionally significant role in the etiology of degenerative disc disease and could be a potential therapeutic target.
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Increased periostin gene expression in degenerative intervertebral disc cells. Spine J 2013; 13:289-98. [PMID: 23453657 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Disc degeneration is a multifactorial disease that may cause clinical symptoms such as chronic back pain or radiculopathy in the extremities. Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein involved in the process of fibrosis, expressed in tissues subjected to mechanical stress such as intervertebral disc. However, the expression of periostin during disc degeneration has not yet been studied. PURPOSE The aim of this study is to elucidate the difference in gene expression profiles between degenerative and nondegenerative intervertebral discs for a better understanding of disc degeneration. STUDY DESIGN Degenerative and nondegenerative nucleus pulposus cells were isolated from elderly patients with degenerative disc disease and younger patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, respectively. METHODS Affymetrix GeneChip Human arrays were used to derive gene expression profiles for disc degeneration, and gene expressions of periostin and other degeneration-related markers were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of periostin and Gomori trichrome stain was performed to show the relationship of periostin, fibrosis, and disc degeneration. The mechanical stress experiment was designed to demonstrate the relationship of periostin, stress, and disc degeneration. RESULTS Fourteen genes were identified to express at significantly different levels between degenerative and nondegenerative groups. An increase of periostin gene expression was observed in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells for the messenger RNA and protein levels. Histological examination demonstrated an increased positive staining of periostin in degenerative discs from human tissues and rat needle-punctured tails and more fibrosis with architectural disorder and fragmentation in human degenerative disc as compared with nondegenerative discs. The expression of periostin was significantly induced by stress in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells but not in nondegenerative cells. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates for the first time an upregulation of periostin in addition to the expression levels of Type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human disc degeneration. It suggests that periostin may be a candidate gene that shows promise as a new prognostic marker and a therapeutic target that is worth further study to expand our knowledge of its role in disc degeneration.
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Huang YC, Leung VYL, Lu WW, Luk KDK. The effects of microenvironment in mesenchymal stem cell-based regeneration of intervertebral disc. Spine J 2013; 13:352-62. [PMID: 23340343 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Recent studies have demonstrated new therapeutic strategy using transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), especially bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), to preserve intervertebral disc (IVD) structure and functions. It is important to understand whether and how the MSCs survive and thrive in the hostile microenvironment of the degenerated IVD. Therefore, this review majorly examines how resident disc cells, hypoxia, low nutrition, acidic pH, mechanical loading, endogenous proteinases, and cytokines regulate the behavior of the exogenous MSCs. PURPOSE To review and summarize the effect of the microenvironment in biological characteristics of BM-MSCs for IVD regeneration; the presence of endogenous stem cells and the state of the art in the use of BM-MSCs to regenerate the IVD in vivo were also discussed. STUDY DESIGN Literature review. METHODS MEDLINE electronic database was used to search for articles concerning stem/progenitor cell isolation from the IVD, regulation of the components of microenvironment for MSCs, and MSC-based therapy for IVD degeneration. The search was limited to English language. RESULTS Stem cells are probably resident in the disc, but exogenous stem cells, especially BM-MSCs, are currently the most popular graft cells for IVD regeneration. The endogenous disc cells and the biochemical and biophysical components in the degenerating disc present a complicated microenvironment to regulate the transplanted BM-MSCs. Although MSCs regenerate the mildly degenerative disc effectively in the experimental and clinical trials, many underlying questions are in need of further investigation. CONCLUSIONS There has been a dramatic improvement in the understanding of potential MSC-based therapy for IVD regeneration. The use of MSCs for IVD degeneration is still at the stage of preclinical and Phase 1 studies. The effects of the disc microenvironment in MSCs survival and function should be closely studied for transferring MSC transplantation from bench to bedside successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Can Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F Professor Block, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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