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Xue P, Wang Y, Lv L, Wang D, Wang Y. Roles of Chemokines in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:95-108. [PMID: 37976014 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01188-1] [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] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intervertebral disc degeneration is the primary etiology of low back pain and radicular pain. This review examines the roles of crucial chemokines in different stages of degenerative disc disease, along with interventions targeting chemokine function to mitigate disc degeneration. RECENT FINDINGS The release of chemokines from degenerated discs facilitates the infiltration and activation of immune cells, thereby intensifying the inflammatory cascade response. The migration of immune cells into the venous lumen is concomitant with the emergence of microvascular tissue and nerve fibers. Furthermore, the presence of neurogenic factors secreted by disc cells and immune cells stimulates the activation of pain-related cation channels in the dorsal root ganglion, potentially exacerbating discogenic and neurogenic pain and intensifying the degenerative cascade response mediated by chemokines. Gaining a deeper comprehension of the functions of chemokines and immune cells in these processes involving catabolism, angiogenesis, and injury detection could offer novel therapeutic avenues for managing symptomatic disc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xue
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Central Laboratory, Gaochun Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211300, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiujiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, 332000, China
| | - Long Lv
- Central Laboratory, Gaochun Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211300, China
| | - Dongming Wang
- Central Laboratory, Gaochun Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211300, China.
| | - Yuntao Wang
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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Wirth B, Schweinhardt P. Personalized assessment and management of non-specific low back pain. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:181-198. [PMID: 37874300 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Low back pain (LBP), and in particular non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), which accounts for approximately 90% of LBP, is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. In clinical trials, LBP is often poorly categorized into 'specific' versus 'non-specific' and 'acute' versus 'chronic' pain. However, a better understanding of the underlying pain mechanisms might improve study results and reduce the number of NSLBP patients. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT Narrative review. RESULTS NSLBP is a multi-dimensional, biopsychosocial condition that requires all contributing dimensions to be assessed and prioritized. Thereby, the assessment of the contribution of nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic pain mechanisms forms the basis for personalized management. In addition, psychosocial (e.g. anxiety, catastrophizing) and contextual factors (e.g. work situation) as well as comorbidities need to be assessed and individually weighted. Personalized treatment of NSLBP further requires individually choosing treatment modalities, for example, exercising, patient education, cognitive-behavioural advice, pharmacotherapy, as well as tailoring treatment within these modalities, for example, the delivery of tailored psychological interventions or exercise programs. As the main pain mechanism and psychosocial factors may vary over time, re-assessment is necessary and treatment success should ideally be assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. CONCLUSIONS The identification of the main contributing pain mechanism and the integration of the patients' view on their condition, including beliefs, preferences, concerns and expectations, are key in the personalized clinical management of NSLBP. In research, particular importance should be placed on accurate characterization of patients and on including outcomes relevant to the individual patient. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, a comprehensive review of the challenges associated with the diagnostic label 'non-specific low back pain' is given. It outlines what is lacking in current treatment guidelines and it is summarized what is currently known with respect to individual phenotyping. It becomes clear that more research on clinically meaningful subgroups is needed to best tailor treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Wirth
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schweinhardt
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rajasekaran S, Bt P, Murugan C, Mengesha MG, Easwaran M, Naik AS, Ks SVA, Kanna RM, Shetty AP. The disc-endplate-bone-marrow complex classification: progress in our understanding of Modic vertebral endplate changes and their clinical relevance. Spine J 2024; 24:34-45. [PMID: 37690481 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The disc, endplate (EP), and bone marrow region of the spine form a single anatomical and functional interdependent unit; isolated degeneration of any one structure is rare. Modic changes (MC), however, are restricted to the subchondral bone alone and based on only T1 and T2 sequences of MRI. This results in poor reliability in differentiating fat from edema and hence may give a false impression of disease inactivity. PURPOSE To study the changes in disc, endplate, and bone marrow as a whole in degeneration and propose a classification based on the activity status of this complex with the addition of STIR MRI sequences. STUDY DESIGN Observational cohort. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients with isolated brain, cervical, or thoracic spine injury and patients with low back pain (LBP) who underwent MRI formed the control and study groups, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES Demographic data, the prevalence of MC and disc-endplate-bone marrow classification (DEBC) changes, EPs undergoing reclassification based on DEBC, and comparison of the prevalence of MC, DEBC, H+modifier and DEBC with H+concordance between control and LBP group. The study determined the risk of LBP patients undergoing surgery as well as the incidence of postoperative infection based on DEBC changes. Significance was calculated by binomial test and chi-square test with the effect size of 0.3 to 0.5. Prevalence and association of outcome were calculated by Altman's odds ratio with the 95% CI and the scoring of z statistics. Logistic expression was plotted for independent variables associated with each class of both Modic and DEBC against dependent variables surgery and nonsurgery. METHODS Lumbar segments in both groups were assessed for MC types. The DEBC classification was developed with the addition of STIR images and studying the interdependent complex as a whole: type-A: acute inflammation; type-B: chronic persistence; type-C: latent and type-D: inactive. Modifier H+ was added if there was disc herniation. The classification was compared with MC and correlated to clinical outcomes. RESULTS A total of 3,560 EPs of 445 controls and 8,680 EPs in 1,085 patients with LBP were assessed. Four nonMC, 560 MC-II, and 22 MC-III EPs were found to have previously undetected edema in STIR (n=542) or hyperintensity in discs (n=44) needing reclassification. The formerly undescribed type-B of DEBC, representing a chronic persistent activity state was the most common (51.8%) type. The difference between the control and LBP of H+(12% vs 28.8%) and its co-occurrence with DEBC type 1.1% vs 23.3%) was significant (p<.0001). The odds ratio for the need for surgery was highest (OR=5.2) when H+ and DEBC type change co-occurred. Postoperative deep infection (as determined by CDC criteria) was 0.47% in nonDEBC, compared with 2.4% in patients with DEBC (p=.002), with maximum occurrence in type-B. CONCLUSION Classification based on the classic MC was found to need a reclassification in 586 EPs showing the shortcomings of results of previous studies. Considering the DEBC allowed better classification and better predictability for the need for surgical intervention and incidence of postoperative infection rate than MC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pushpa Bt
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Ganga hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chandhan Murugan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mengistu G Mengesha
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugesh Easwaran
- Ganga Research Centre, 187. Mettupalayam Rd, Koundampalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashish Shankar Naik
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sri Vijay Anand Ks
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rishi Mugesh Kanna
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajoy Prasad Shetty
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, 313. Mettupalayam Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Anwar FN, Roca AM, Khosla I, Medakkar SS, Loya AC, Federico VP, Massel DH, Sayari AJ, Lopez GD, Singh K. Antibiotic use in spine surgery: A narrative review based in principles of antibiotic stewardship. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 16:100278. [PMID: 37965567 PMCID: PMC10641566 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Background A growing emphasis on antibiotic stewardship has led to extensive literature regarding antibiotic use in spine surgery for surgical prophylaxis and the treatment of spinal infections. Purpose This article aims to review principles of antibiotic stewardship, evidence-based guidelines for surgical prophylaxis and ways to optimize antibiotics use in the treatment of spinal infections. Methods A narrative review of several society guidelines and spine surgery literature was conducted. Results Antibiotic stewardship in spine surgery requires multidisciplinary investment and consistent evaluation of antibiotic use for drug selection, dose, duration, drug-route, and de-escalation. Developing effective surgical prophylaxis regimens is a key strategy in reducing the burden of antibiotic resistance. For treatment of primary spinal infection, the diagnostic work-up is vital in tailoring effective antibiotic therapy. The future of antibiotics in spine surgery will be highly influenced by improving surgical technique and evidence regarding the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of degenerative spinal pathology. Conclusions Incorporating evidence-based guidelines into regular practice will serve to limit the development of resistance while preventing morbidity from spinal infection. Further research should be conducted to provide more evidence for surgical site infection prevention and treatment of spinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima N. Anwar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Andrea M. Roca
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Ishan Khosla
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Srinath S. Medakkar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Alexandra C. Loya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Vincent P. Federico
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Dustin H. Massel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Arash J. Sayari
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Gregory D. Lopez
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Kern Singh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W. Harrison St. Suite #300, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
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Gualdi F, Smith IG, Boixader RC, Williams FMK. Modic change is associated with increased BMI but not autoimmune diseases in TwinsUK. 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 2023; 32:3379-3386. [PMID: 37555954 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low back pain (LBP) is one of the largest causes of morbidity worldwide. The aetiology of LBP is complex, and many factors contribute to the onset. Bone marrow lesions within the vertebra adjacent to an intervertebral degenerate disc named Modic change (MC) have been suggested as a diagnostic subgroup of LBP. Autoimmune response has been proposed to be one of the causes that promote the development of MC. The aim of the current investigation is to assess prevalence and severity of MC and LBP in participants with an autoimmune disease diagnosis in a well-documented cohort of adult twin volunteers. METHODS Multivariate generalized mixed linear models (GLMM) were implemented in order to calculate the association between having an autoimmune disorder and MC prevalence, width and severe and disabling LBP. The model was corrected for family structure as well as for covariates such as age, BMI and smoking. RESULTS No association was found between diagnosis of autoimmune disorder and MC. Interestingly, BMI was independently associated with MC width but not to MC prevalence. These results help to shed light on the relationship between MC and autoimmunity as well as the role of BMI in the development of the lesions. CONCLUSION This study is the first to examine autoimmune disorders and MC prevalence in a large, population-based female cohort. The study was well powered to detect a small effect. No association was found between having a diagnosis of one or more autoimmune conditions and MC prevalence, width or LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gualdi
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab (GRIB-IMIM), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Department Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Isabelle Granville Smith
- Department Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Roger Compte Boixader
- Department Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Frances M K Williams
- Department Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
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6
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Bråten LCH, Gjefsen E, Gervin K, Pripp AH, Skouen JS, Schistad E, Pedersen LM, Wigemyr M, Selmer KK, Aass HCD, Goll G, Brox JI, Espeland A, Grøvle L, Zwart JA, Storheim K. Cytokine Patterns as Predictors of Antibiotic Treatment Effect in Chronic Low Back Pain with Modic Changes: Subgroup Analyses of a Randomized Trial (AIM Study). J Pain Res 2023; 16:1713-1724. [PMID: 37252109 PMCID: PMC10224727 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s406079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Randomized trials testing the effect of antibiotics for chronic low back pain (LBP) with vertebral bone marrow changes on MRI (Modic changes) report inconsistent results. A proposed explanation is subgroups with low grade discitis where antibiotics are effective, but there is currently no method to identify such subgroups. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether distinct patterns of serum cytokine levels predict any treatment effect of oral amoxicillin at one-year follow-up in patients with chronic low back pain and Modic changes at the level of a previous lumbar disc herniation. Design We used data from an overpowered, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (the AIM study) that tested 100 days of oral 750 mg amoxicillin vs placebo three times daily in hospital outpatients with chronic (>6 months) LBP with pain intensity ≥5 on a 0-10 numerical rating scale and Modic changes type 1 (oedema type) or 2 (fatty type). We measured serum levels of 40 inflammatory cytokines at baseline and analysed six predefined potential predictors of treatment effect based on cytokine patterns in 78 randomized patients; three analyses with recursive partitioning, one based on cluster analysis and two based on principal component analyses. The primary outcome was the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score at one-year follow-up in the intention to treat population. The methodology and overall results of the AIM study were published previously. Results The 78 patients were 25-62 years old and 47 (60%) were women. None of the three recursive partitioning analyses resulted in any suggested subgroups. Of all main analyses, the largest effect estimate (mean difference between antibiotic and placebo groups) was seen in a subgroup not predefined as of main interest (Cluster category 3+4; -2.0, 95% CI: -5.2-1.3, RMDQ points; p-value for interaction 0.54). Conclusion Patterns of inflammatory serum cytokine levels did not predict treatment effect of amoxicillin in patients with chronic LBP and Modic changes. Clinical Trial Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02323412).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Christian Haugli Bråten
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Gjefsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Gervin
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Are Hugo Pripp
- Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Support Services, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Sture Skouen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elina Schistad
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Margareth Pedersen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Monica Wigemyr
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaja Kristine Selmer
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Guro Goll
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Ivar Brox
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ansgar Espeland
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Grøvle
- Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway
| | - John-Anker Zwart
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo, Norway
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Issa TZ, Lambrechts MJ, Toci GR, Brush PL, Schilken MM, Torregrossa F, Grasso G, Vaccaro AR, Canseco JA. Evaluating Nonoperative Treatment for Low Back Pain in the Presence of Modic Changes: A Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2023; 171:e108-e119. [PMID: 36442780 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.11.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to summarize and assess the current literature evaluating nonoperative treatments for patients with Modic changes (MCs) and low back pain (LBP). METHODS A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed database was searched from its inception until May 1, 2022 for studies evaluating MC and clinical outcomes. Key findings, treatment details, and patient information were extracted from included studies. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included in this review, encompassing a total of 2452 patients, 1713 of whom displayed baseline MC. Seventy-eight percent of studies were high quality. Of included studies, 2 evaluated antibiotics, 5 evaluated steroid injections, 6 evaluated conservative therapies, and 5 evaluated other treatment modalities. Antibiotics and bisphosphonates improved treatment in patients with MC. Patients with MC without disc herniation benefited from conservative therapy, while those with Type I Modic changes and disc herniation experienced poorer improvement. Significant variability exists in reported outcomes following steroid injections. CONCLUSIONS Nonoperative therapy may provide patients with MC with significant benefits. Patients may benefit from therapies not traditionally utilized for LBP such as antibiotics or bisphosphonates, but conservative therapy is not recommended for patients with concomitant MC and disc herniation. The large variation in follow-up times and outcome measures contributes to significant heterogeneity in studies and inability to predict long-term patient outcomes. More long-term studies are needed to assess nonoperative treatments for LBP in patients with MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Z Issa
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark J Lambrechts
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory R Toci
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Parker L Brush
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meghan M Schilken
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fabio Torregrossa
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosurgical Unit, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grasso
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosurgical Unit, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jose A Canseco
- Rothman Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, Khella H, Injeyan HS. Clinical Biomarker of Sterile Inflammation, HMGB1, in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020468. [PMID: 36836824 PMCID: PMC9959829 DOI: 10.3390/life13020468] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study explores whether the inflammatory biomarker of sterile inflammation, high mobility box 1 (HMGB1), contributes to the inflammatory/nociceptive pathophysiology that characterizes chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). Patients with chronic LBP (N = 10, >3 pain score on a 11-point Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) and asymptomatic participants (N = 12) provided peripheral blood (PB) samples. The proportion of classical CD14++ monocytes within PB leukocytes was determined by flow cytometry. The plasma and extracellular HMGB1 levels in unstimulated adherent cell (AC) cultures were measured using specific immunoassays. HMGB1 localization in ACs was assessed by immunofluorescent staining. The relative gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and HMGB1 were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in relation to the pain intensity (11-point VAS scores) in patients with LBP. The extracellular release of HMGB1 in the LBP patient AC cultures was significantly elevated (p = 0.001) and accompanied by its relocation into the cytoplasm from the nuclei. The number of CD14++ monocytes in the patients' PB was significantly (p = 0.03) reduced, while the HMGB1 plasma levels remained comparable to those of the controls. The mRNA levels of TNFα, IL-1β and HMGB1 were overexpressed relative to the controls and those of HMGB1 and IL-1β were correlated with the VAS scores at a significant level (p = 0.01-0.03). The results suggest that HMGB1 may play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic non-specific LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julita A. Teodorczyk-Injeyan
- Graduate Education and Research Programs, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-647-805-2030
| | - Heba Khella
- Department of Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1, Canada
| | - H. Stephen Injeyan
- Graduate Education and Research Programs, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1, Canada
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9
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Lutz GE. Intradiscal Leukocyte Rich Platelet Rich Plasma for Degenerative Disc Disease. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2023; 34:117-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Bermudez-Lekerika P, Crump KB, Tseranidou S, Nüesch A, Kanelis E, Alminnawi A, Baumgartner L, Muñoz-Moya E, Compte R, Gualdi F, Alexopoulos LG, Geris L, Wuertz-Kozak K, Le Maitre CL, Noailly J, Gantenbein B. Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Intervertebral Disc Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:924692. [PMID: 35846355 PMCID: PMC9277224 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.924692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a highly prevalent, chronic, and costly medical condition predominantly triggered by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). IDD is often caused by structural and biochemical changes in intervertebral discs (IVD) that prompt a pathologic shift from an anabolic to catabolic state, affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) production, enzyme generation, cytokine and chemokine production, neurotrophic and angiogenic factor production. The IVD is an immune-privileged organ. However, during degeneration immune cells and inflammatory factors can infiltrate through defects in the cartilage endplate and annulus fibrosus fissures, further accelerating the catabolic environment. Remarkably, though, catabolic ECM disruption also occurs in the absence of immune cell infiltration, largely due to native disc cell production of catabolic enzymes and cytokines. An unbalanced metabolism could be induced by many different factors, including a harsh microenvironment, biomechanical cues, genetics, and infection. The complex, multifactorial nature of IDD brings the challenge of identifying key factors which initiate the degenerative cascade, eventually leading to back pain. These factors are often investigated through methods including animal models, 3D cell culture, bioreactors, and computational models. However, the crosstalk between the IVD, immune system, and shifted metabolism is frequently misconstrued, often with the assumption that the presence of cytokines and chemokines is synonymous to inflammation or an immune response, which is not true for the intact disc. Therefore, this review will tackle immunomodulatory and IVD cell roles in IDD, clarifying the differences between cellular involvements and implications for therapeutic development and assessing models used to explore inflammatory or catabolic IVD environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bermudez-Lekerika
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katherine B Crump
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Andrea Nüesch
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Exarchos Kanelis
- ProtATonce Ltd., Athens, Greece.,School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Ahmad Alminnawi
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Roger Compte
- Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Gualdi
- Institut Hospital Del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- ProtATonce Ltd., Athens, Greece.,School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Liesbet Geris
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Biomechanics Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States.,Spine Center, Schön Klinik München Harlaching Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Private Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, Germany
| | - Christine L Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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11
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Fan Y, Liu F, Li M, Ruan X, Wu M, Su K, Gao J, Feng X. Observation of curative effect on meridian theory-based extracorporeal shock wave therapy for non-specific low back pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:265. [PMID: 35562830 PMCID: PMC9107249 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03146-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-specific low back pain (NLBP) is a major global socioeconomic burden, and the prevalence of NLBP is still on the rise. At present, there is no ideal drug to cure this disease. This may be the reason why patients often use complementary therapies. Among them, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has gradually received more attention and has become the main treatment method for NLBP. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific evidence for the effect and safety of meridian theory-based ESWT on NLBP. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect and safety of meridian theory-based ESWT on NLBP. This study will also provide more high-quality experimental evidence for the clinical application of meridian theory-based ESWT for the treatment of NLBP in future. Methods The study design is a single-blind, multi-center, randomized controlled trial. 66 patients with NLBP, aged 18 to 60 years, will be randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (N = 33), which will receive meridian theory-based ESWT application, and the control group (N = 33) which will receive conventional ESWT treatment. These two applications will be carried out twice a week for two weeks. The primary outcome will be the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the secondary outcomes will be Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Surface Electromyography (sEMG), and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and after the intervention (7 days, 14 days). Discussion Results of this trial will contribute to providing rigorous clinical evidence for the efficacy and security of meridian theory-based ESWT for NLBP. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100051049. Registered on 10 September 2021, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=46316.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu Fan
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Feilai Liu
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19# Renmin Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Mengna Li
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Xiaodi Ruan
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Mingli Wu
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19# Renmin Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Kaiqi Su
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19# Renmin Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19# Renmin Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiaodong Feng
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19# Renmin Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
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12
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Wang EJ, Cohen SP. Chronic Postoperative Pain and Microorganisms: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Anesth Analg 2022; 134:696-698. [PMID: 35299210 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Wang
- From the Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven P Cohen
- From the Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.,Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.,Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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13
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Herger N, Bermudez-Lekerika P, Farshad M, Albers CE, Distler O, Gantenbein B, Dudli S. Should Degenerated Intervertebral Discs of Patients with Modic Type 1 Changes Be Treated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052721. [PMID: 35269863 PMCID: PMC8910866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) has been among the leading causes of disability for the past 30 years. This highlights the need for improvement in LBP management. Many clinical trials focus on developing treatments against degenerative disc disease (DDD). The multifactorial etiology of DDD and associated risk factors lead to a heterogeneous patient population. It comes as no surprise that the outcomes of clinical trials on intradiscal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections for patients with DDD are inconsistent. Intradiscal MSC injections have demonstrated substantial pain relief and significant disability-related improvements, yet they have failed to regenerate the intervertebral disc (IVD). Increasing evidence suggests that the positive outcomes in clinical trials might be attributed to the immunomodulatory potential of MSCs rather than to their regenerative properties. Therefore, patient stratification for inflammatory DDD phenotypes may (i) better serve the mechanisms of action of MSCs and (ii) increase the treatment effect. Modic type 1 changes—pathologic inflammatory, fibrotic changes in the vertebral bone marrow—are frequently observed adjacent to degenerated IVDs in chronic LBP patients and represent a clinically distinct subpopulation of patients with DDD. This review discusses whether degenerated IVDs of patients with Modic type 1 changes should be treated with an intradiscal MSC injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Herger
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.H.); (O.D.)
| | - Paola Bermudez-Lekerika
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (P.B.-L.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Mazda Farshad
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Christoph E. Albers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.H.); (O.D.)
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (P.B.-L.); (B.G.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.H.); (O.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-4451-07511
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14
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Cohen SP, Wang EJ, Doshi TL, Vase L, Cawcutt KA, Tontisirin N. Chronic pain and infection: mechanisms, causes, conditions, treatments, and controversies. BMJ MEDICINE 2022; 1:e000108. [PMID: 36936554 PMCID: PMC10012866 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2021-000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Throughout human history, infection has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with pain being one of the cardinal warning signs. However, in a substantial percentage of cases, pain can persist after resolution of acute illness, manifesting as neuropathic, nociplastic (eg, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome), or nociceptive pain. Mechanisms by which acute infectious pain becomes chronic are variable and can include immunological phenomena (eg, bystander activation, molecular mimicry), direct microbe invasion, central sensitization from physical or psychological triggers, and complications from treatment. Microbes resulting in a high incidence of chronic pain include bacteria such as the Borrelia species and Mycobacterium leprae, as well as viruses such as HIV, SARS-CoV-2 and herpeses. Emerging evidence also supports an infectious cause in a subset of patients with discogenic low back pain and inflammatory bowel disease. Although antimicrobial treatment might have a role in treating chronic pain states that involve active infectious inflammatory processes, their use in chronic pain conditions resulting from autoimmune mechanisms, central sensitization and irrevocable tissue (eg, arthropathy, vasculitis) or nerve injury, are likely to cause more harm than benefit. This review focuses on the relation between infection and chronic pain, with an emphasis on common viral and bacterial causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eric J Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tina L Doshi
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kelly A Cawcutt
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nuj Tontisirin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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15
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Granville Smith I, Danckert NP, Freidin MB, Wells P, Marchesi JR, Williams FMK. Evidence for infection in intervertebral disc degeneration: a systematic review. 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 2021; 31:414-430. [PMID: 34862912 PMCID: PMC8873132 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-07062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Back pain is a major problem worldwide and is linked to intervertebral disc degeneration and Modic change. Several studies report growth of bacteria following extraction of degenerate discs at spine surgery. A pathophysiological role for infection in back pain has been proposed. Method We conducted a PRISMA systematic review. MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched with the terms Modic change, intervertebral dis*, bacteria, microb*, and infect*. Date limits of 2001–2021 were set. Human studies investigating the role of bacteria in disc degeneration or Modic change in vertebrae were included. Results Thirty-six articles from 34 research investigations relating to bacteria in human degenerate discs were found. Cutibacterium acnes was identified in pathological disc material. A ‘candidate bacterium’ approach has been repeatedly adopted which may have biased results to find species a priori, with disc microbial evidence heavily weighted to find C. acnes. Conclusion Evidence to date implicates C. acnes identified through culture, microscopy and sequencing, with some suggestion of diverse bacterial colonisation in the disc. This review found studies which used culture methods and conventional PCR for bacterial detection. Further agnostic investigation using newer methods should be undertaken. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00586-021-07062-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Granville Smith
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, 3rd and 4th Floor, Block D, South Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd., London, SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Nathan P Danckert
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Maxim B Freidin
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, 3rd and 4th Floor, Block D, South Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd., London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Philippa Wells
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, 3rd and 4th Floor, Block D, South Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd., London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Julian R Marchesi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Frances M K Williams
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, 3rd and 4th Floor, Block D, South Wing, St. Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd., London, SE1 7EH, UK
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16
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Manniche C, Hall GM. Chronic low back pain, Modic changes and low-grade virulent infection: efficacy of antibiotic treatment. Future Sci OA 2021; 7:FSO703. [PMID: 34046205 PMCID: PMC8147823 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) has consistently been associated with the longest number of years lived with a disability in global studies, while commonly used treatments for CLBP are largely ineffective. In 2013 a randomized, double-blind, controlled study demonstrated significant improvements in CLBP patients demonstrating Modic changes type 1 on their MRI scans and undergoing long-term oral antibiotic treatment (100 days). Much of the ensuing debate has focused on whether this was a true infection or contamination. Newer and more advanced technologies clearly point to an ongoing low-grade infection. We have reviewed all of the clinical trials published in the recent past and conclude that there is compelling evidence for the effect of long-term oral antibiotic treatment for this patient group. Long-term oral antibiotic therapy has been shown to be effective for a subgroup of patients experiencing chronic low back pain and with Modic changes seen on their MRI scans. Newer and more sophisticated analyses have demonstrated that these Modic changes are often due to an ongoing low-grade infection. We provide an update of treatment results from the published literature and conclude that the evidence for the effectiveness of this new therapy is compelling and that further studies should focus on identifying which patients are best suited to undergo this form of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Manniche
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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