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Tao Y, Yu X, Li X, Xu Y, Wang H, Zhang L, Lin R, Wang Y, Fan P. M6A methylation-regulated autophagy may be a new therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:389-403. [PMID: 38317355 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12135] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Degeneration of intervertebral discs is considered one of the most important causes of low back pain and disability. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is characterized by its susceptibility to various stressors that accelerate the senescence and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells, resulting in the loss of these cells and dysfunction of the intervertebral disc. Therefore, how to reduce the loss of nucleus pulposus cells under stress environment is the main problem in treating intervertebral disc degeneration. Autophagy is a kind of programmed cell death, which can provide energy by recycling substances in cells. It is considered to be an effective method to reduce the senescence and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells under stress. However, further research is needed on the mechanisms by which autophagy of nucleus pulposus cells is regulated under stress environments. M6A methylation, as the most extensive RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, participates in various cellular biological functions and is believed to be related to the regulation of autophagy under stress environments, may play a significant role in nucleus pulposus responding to stress. This article first summarizes the effects of various stressors on the death and autophagy of nucleus pulposus cells. Then, it summarizes the regulatory mechanism of m6A methylation on autophagy-related genes under stress and the role of these autophagy genes in nucleus pulposus cells. Finally, it proposes that the methylation modification of autophagy-related genes regulated by m6A may become a new treatment approach for intervertebral disc degeneration, providing new insights and ideas for the clinical treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuao Tao
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuzhu Xu
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rubing Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuntao Wang
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pan Fan
- Department of Spine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Khaleque MA, Kim JH, Lee HH, Kim GH, You WY, Lee WJ, Kim YY. Comparative Analysis of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Disc Degeneration: Understanding the Dynamics of Temporary-Compression-Induced Early Autophagy and Sustained-Compression-Triggered Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2352. [PMID: 38397026 PMCID: PMC10889391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042352] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the initiation of autophagy activation and apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells under temporary compression (TC) and sustained compression (SC) to identify ideal research approaches in intervertebral disc degeneration. Various techniques were used: radiography (X-ray), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transmission electron microscope (TEM), H&E staining, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) (LC3, beclin-1, and cleaved caspase-3), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for autophagy-related (beclin-1, LC3, and P62) and apoptosis-related (caspase-3 and PARP) gene expression analysis. X-ray and MRI revealed varying degrees of disc degeneration, ranging from moderate to severe in both groups. The severity was directly linked to compression duration, with SC resulting in notably severe central NP cell degeneration. Surprisingly, TC also caused similar, though less severe, degeneration. Elevated expression of LC3 and beclin-1 was identified after 6 weeks, but it notably declined after 12 weeks. Central NP cells in both groups exhibited increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 that was positively correlated with the duration of SC. TC showed fewer apoptotic markers compared to SC. LC3, beclin-1, and P62 mRNA expression peaked after 6 weeks and declined after 12 weeks in both groups. Cleaved caspase-3 and PARP expression peaked in SC, positively correlating with longer compression duration, while TC showed lower levels of apoptosis gene expression. Furthermore, TEM results revealed different events of the autophagic degradation process after 2 weeks of compression. TCmay be ideal for studying early triggered autophagy-mediated degeneration, while SC may be ideal for studying late or slower-triggered apoptosis-mediated degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Young-Yul Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon 34943, Republic of Korea; (M.A.K.); (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.L.); (G.-H.K.); (W.-Y.Y.); (W.-J.L.)
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3
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Montgomery-Song A, Ashraf S, Santerre P, Kandel R. Senescent response in inner annulus fibrosus cells in response to TNFα, H2O2, and TNFα-induced nucleus pulposus senescent secretome. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0280101. [PMID: 38181003 PMCID: PMC10769024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Senescence, particularly in the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disc degeneration, however, the mechanism(s) of annulus fibrosus (AF) cell senescence is still not well understood. Both TNFα and H2O2, have been implicated as contributors to the senescence pathways, and their levels are increased in degenerated discs when compared to healthy discs. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify factor(s) that induces inner AF (iAF) cell senescence. Under TNFα exposure, at a concentration previously shown to induce senescence in NP cells, bovine iAF cells did not undergo senescence, indicated by their ability to continue to proliferate as demonstrated by Ki67 staining and growth curves and lack of expression of the senescent markers, p16 and p21. The lack of senescent response occurred even though iAF express higher levels of TNFR1 than NP cells. Interestingly, iAF cells showed no increase in intracellular ROS or secreted H2O2 in response to TNFα which contrasted to NP cells that did. Following TNFα treatment, only iAF cells had increased expression of the superoxide scavengers SOD1 and SOD2 whereas NP cells had increased NOX4 gene expression, an enzyme that can generate H2O2. Treating iAF cells with low dose H2O2 (50 μM) induced senescence, however unlike TNFα, H2O2 did not induce degenerative-like changes as there was no difference in COL2, ACAN, MMP13, or IL6 gene expression or number of COL2 and ACAN immunopositive cells compared to untreated controls. The latter result suggests that iAF cells may have distinct degenerative and senescent phenotypes. To evaluate paracrine signalling by senescent NP cells, iAF and TNFα-treated NP cells were co-cultured. In contact co-culture the NP cells induced iAF senescence. Thus, senescent NP cells may secrete soluble factors that induce degenerative and senescent changes within the iAF. This may contribute to a positive feedback loop of disc degeneration. It is possible these factors may include H2O2 and cytokines (such as TNFα). Further studies will investigate if human disc cells respond similarly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sajjad Ashraf
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul Santerre
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rita Kandel
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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4
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Wang Y, Hu S, Zhang W, Zhang B, Yang Z. Emerging role and therapeutic implications of p53 in intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:433. [PMID: 38040675 PMCID: PMC10692240 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01730-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain (LBP) is a common degenerative musculoskeletal disease that imposes a huge economic burden on both individuals and society. With the aggravation of social aging, the incidence of LBP has increased globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the primary cause of LBP. Currently, IDD treatment strategies include physiotherapy, medication, and surgery; however, none can address the root cause by ending the degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, in recent years, targeted therapy based on specific molecules has brought hope for treating IDD. The tumor suppressor gene p53 produces a transcription factor that regulates cell metabolism and survival. Recently, p53 was shown to play an important role in maintaining IVD microenvironment homeostasis by regulating IVD cell senescence, apoptosis, and metabolism by activating downstream target genes. This study reviews research progress regarding the potential role of p53 in IDD and discusses the challenges of targeting p53 in the treatment of IDD. This review will help to elucidate the pathogenesis of IDD and provide insights for the future development of precision treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidian Wang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shouye Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weisong Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Binfei Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Veronesi F, Contartese D, Di Sarno L, Borsari V, Fini M, Giavaresi G. In Vitro Models of Cell Senescence: A Systematic Review on Musculoskeletal Tissues and Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15617. [PMID: 37958603 PMCID: PMC10650924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115617] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is an irreversible and inevitable biological process and a significant risk factor for the development of various diseases, also affecting the musculoskeletal system, resulting from the accumulation of cell senescence. The aim of this systematic review was to collect the in vitro studies conducted over the past decade in which cell senescence was induced through various methods, with the purpose of evaluating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying senescence and to identify treatments capable of delaying senescence. Through three electronic databases, 22 in vitro studies were identified and included in this systematic review. Disc, cartilage, or muscle cells or tissues and mesenchymal stem cells were employed to set-up in vitro models of senescence. The most common technique used to induce cell senescence was the addition to the culture medium of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and/or interleukin (IL)1β, followed by irradiation, compression, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), microgravity, in vitro expansion up to passage 10, and cells harvested from damaged areas of explants. Few studies evaluated possible treatments to anti-senescence effects. The included studies used in vitro models of senescence in musculoskeletal tissues, providing powerful tools to evaluate age-related changes and pathologies, also contributing to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Veronesi
- Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.V.); (L.D.S.); (V.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Deyanira Contartese
- Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.V.); (L.D.S.); (V.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Di Sarno
- Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.V.); (L.D.S.); (V.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Veronica Borsari
- Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.V.); (L.D.S.); (V.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Milena Fini
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Giavaresi
- Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.V.); (L.D.S.); (V.B.); (G.G.)
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Yang L, Li Z, Zhang C, Li S, Chen L, Yang S, Guo Y. Psoralen synergizes with exosome-loaded SPC25 to alleviate senescence of nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc degeneration. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:622. [PMID: 37872583 PMCID: PMC10594823 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04085-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of psoralen synergized with exosomes (exos)-loaded SPC25 on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). METHODS IVDD cellular models were established on NP cells by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) induction, followed by the treatment of psoralen or/and exos from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) transfected with SPC25 overexpression vector (ADSCs-oe-SPC25-Exos). The viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and senescence of NP cells were examined, accompanied by the expression measurement of aggrecan, COL2A1, Bcl-2, Bax, CDK2, p16, and p21. RESULTS After TBHP-induced NP cells were treated with psoralen or ADSCs-oe-SPC25-Exos, cell proliferation and the expression of aggrecan, COL2A1, Bcl-2, and CDK2 were promoted; however, the expression of Bax, p16, p21, and inflammatory factors was decreased, and cell senescence, cycle arrest, and apoptosis were inhibited. Of note, psoralen combined with ADSCs-oe-SPC25-Exos further decelerated NP cell senescence and cycle arrest compared to psoralen or ADSCs-oe-SPC25-Exos alone. CONCLUSION Combined treatment of psoralen and ADSCs-oe-SPC25-Exos exerted an alleviating effect on NP cell senescence, which may provide an insightful idea for IVDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyong Li
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuofu Li
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaofeng Yang
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yantao Guo
- Department of Spine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang Y, Liu C, Li Y, Xu H. Mechanism of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway in the Process of Cartilage Endplate Stem Cell Degeneration Induced by Tension Load. Global Spine J 2023; 13:2396-2408. [PMID: 35400210 PMCID: PMC10538332 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221085226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Basic Research. OBJECTIVE Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is caused by the cartilage endplate (CEP). Cartilage endplate stem cell (CESC) is involved in the recovery of CEP degeneration. Tension load (TL) contributes a lot to the initiation and progression of IVDD. This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanism of the Mitogen-activated protein kinases/Mammalian target of rapamycin (MAPK/mTOR) pathway during TL-induced CESC degeneration. METHODS CESCs were isolated from New Zealand big-eared white female rabbits (6 months old). FX-4000T cell stress loading system was applied to establish a TL-induced degeneration model of CESCs. Western blotting was used to detect the level of mTOR pathway-related proteins and autophagy markers LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin-1, and p62 in degenerative CESCs. The expression of MAPK pathway-related proteins JNK and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in degenerated CESCs was inhibited by cell transfection to explore whether JNK and ERK play a regulatory role in TL-induced autophagy in CESCs. RESULTS In the CESC degeneration model, the mTOR pathway was activated. After inhibition of mTOR, the autophagy level of CESCs was increased, and the degeneration of CESCs was alleviated. The MAPK pathway was also activated in the CESC degeneration model. Inhibition of JNK expression may alleviate TL-induced CEP degeneration by inhibiting Raptor phosphorylation and activating autophagy. Inhibition of ERK expression may alleviate TL-induced CEP degeneration by inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation and activating autophagy. CONCLUSION Inhibition of JNK and ERK in the MAPK signaling family alleviated TL-induced CESC degeneration by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Raptor and mTOR in the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
| | - Chen Liu
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
| | - Yu Li
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
| | - Hongguang Xu
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P.R. China
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Mavrogonatou E, Papadopoulou A, Pratsinis H, Kletsas D. Senescence-associated alterations in the extracellular matrix: deciphering their role in the regulation of cellular function. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C633-C647. [PMID: 37486063 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00178.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic structural network that provides a physical scaffolding, as well as biochemical factors that maintain normal tissue homeostasis and thus its disruption is implicated in many pathological conditions. On the other hand, senescent cells express a particular secretory phenotype, affecting the composition and organization of the surrounding ECM and modulating their microenvironment. As accumulation of senescent cells may be linked to the manifestation of several age-related conditions, senescence-associated ECM alterations may serve as targets for novel anti-aging treatment modalities. Here, we will review characteristic changes in the ECM elicited by cellular senescence and we will discuss the complex interplay between ECM and senescent cells, in relation to normal aging and selected age-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mavrogonatou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Harris Pratsinis
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
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Silwal P, Nguyen-Thai AM, Mohammad HA, Wang Y, Robbins PD, Lee JY, Vo NV. Cellular Senescence in Intervertebral Disc Aging and Degeneration: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Opportunities. Biomolecules 2023; 13:686. [PMID: 37189433 PMCID: PMC10135543 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Closely associated with aging and age-related disorders, cellular senescence (CS) is the inability of cells to proliferate due to accumulated unrepaired cellular damage and irreversible cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells are characterized by their senescence-associated secretory phenotype that overproduces inflammatory and catabolic factors that hamper normal tissue homeostasis. Chronic accumulation of senescent cells is thought to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in an aging population. This IDD is one of the largest age-dependent chronic disorders, often associated with neurological dysfunctions such as, low back pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Senescent cells (SnCs) increase in number in the aged, degenerated discs, and have a causative role in driving age-related IDD. This review summarizes current evidence supporting the role of CS on onset and progression of age-related IDD. The discussion includes molecular pathways involved in CS such as p53-p21CIP1, p16INK4a, NF-κB, and MAPK, and the potential therapeutic value of targeting these pathways. We propose several mechanisms of CS in IDD including mechanical stress, oxidative stress, genotoxic stress, nutritional deprivation, and inflammatory stress. There are still large knowledge gaps in disc CS research, an understanding of which will provide opportunities to develop therapeutic interventions to treat age-related IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanta Silwal
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Allison M. Nguyen-Thai
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haneef Ahamed Mohammad
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Yanshan Wang
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Paul D. Robbins
- Institute of the Biology of Aging and Metabolism and Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joon Y. Lee
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Nam V. Vo
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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10
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Fine N, Lively S, Séguin CA, Perruccio AV, Kapoor M, Rampersaud R. Intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis: a common molecular disease spectrum. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:136-152. [PMID: 36702892 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00888-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and osteoarthritis (OA) affecting the facet joint of the spine are biomechanically interdependent, typically occur in tandem, and have considerable epidemiological and pathophysiological overlap. Historically, the distinctions between these degenerative diseases have been emphasized. Therefore, research in the two fields often occurs independently without adequate consideration of the co-dependence of the two sites, which reside within the same functional spinal unit. Emerging evidence from animal models of spine degeneration highlight the interdependence of IDD and facet joint OA, warranting a review of the parallels between these two degenerative phenomena for the benefit of both clinicians and research scientists. This Review discusses the pathophysiological aspects of IDD and OA, with an emphasis on tissue, cellular and molecular pathways of degeneration. Although the intervertebral disc and synovial facet joint are biologically distinct structures that are amenable to reductive scientific consideration, substantial overlap exists between the molecular pathways and processes of degeneration (including cartilage destruction, extracellular matrix degeneration and osteophyte formation) that occur at these sites. Thus, researchers, clinicians, advocates and policy-makers should consider viewing the burden and management of spinal degeneration holistically as part of the OA disease continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Fine
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopaedics, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Starlee Lively
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopaedics, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryle Ann Séguin
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Bone and Joint Institute, University of Western Ontario London, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony V Perruccio
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopaedics, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopaedics, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raja Rampersaud
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopaedics, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Dai X, Chen Y, Yu Z, Liao C, Liu Z, Chen J, Wu Q. Advanced oxidation protein products induce annulus fibrosus cell senescence through a NOX4-dependent, MAPK-mediated pathway and accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13826. [PMID: 35935259 PMCID: PMC9354796 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is closely associated with senescence. Annulus fibrosus (AF) cell senescence is a crucial driver of AF tissue tearing and fissures, thereby exacerbating IVDD. Increased advanced oxidative protein products (AOPPs) were found in human degenerative discs and aged rat discs and may be involved in IVDD. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of AOPPs-induced senescence in AF cells. Methods The pathological effects of AOPPs in vivo were investigated using a rat lumbar disc persistent degeneration model and a rat caudal disc puncture model. Rat primary AF cells were selected as in vitro models, and AOPPs were used as direct stimulation to observe their pathological effects. Setanaxb (NOX1/4 inhibitor), apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor) and adenovirus (ADV) packed NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) specific shRNAs were used for pathway inhibition, respectively. Finally, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) packed with NOX4-specific blocking sequences were used to inhibit the in vivo pathway. Results AOPPs accumulated in the rat lumbar and caudal degenerative discs. Intra-discal loading of AOPPs up-regulated the expression of NOX4, p53, p21, p16, IL-1β, and TNF-α, ultimately accelerating IVDD. Exposure of AOPPs to AF primary cells up-regulated NOX4 expression, induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), triggered senescence and increased IL-1β and TNF-α. Apocynin, setanaxib, and ADV pre-cultured AF cells abrogated AOPPs-induced senescence. AAV-mediated inhibition of NOX4 expression in vivo reduced the expression of p53, p21, p16, IL-1β and TNF-α in vivo and delayed IVDD. Conclusions AOPPs induced AF cell senescence through a NOX4-dependent and MAPK-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangheng Dai
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zihan Yu
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Congrui Liao
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhongyuan Liu
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianting Chen
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Chang HI, Chen CN, Huang KY. Mechanical Stretch-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression on Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells Modulated by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147951. [PMID: 35887297 PMCID: PMC9323355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive mechanical loading is a major cause of spinal degeneration, typically originating from a tear in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome have been implicated in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the causal relationship between the mechanical stretching of AF cells and the NLRP3 inflammasome response associated with ER stress remains scarce. To elucidate the pathogenesis and regulatory mechanisms of mechanical stretch-induced IVD degeneration, human AF cell lines were subjected to different degrees of cyclic stretching to simulate daily spinal movements. Our results indicated that 15% high cyclic stretch (HCS) induced the expression of NLRP3 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and was also responsible for the increased expression of NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase 2 (NOX2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human AF cells. In addition, HCS increased the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), an ER stress chaperone, which was neutralized with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an ER stress inhibitor. In addition, HCS was found to induce thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) expression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which can be suppressed by si-NOX2 or the NOX2 inhibitor GSK2795039. Consequently, HCS upregulated ER stress and ROS production, leading to increased NLRP3 and IL-1β expression in human AF cells, and may further accelerate IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-I Chang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan; (H.-I.C.); (C.-N.C.)
| | - Cheng-Nan Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan; (H.-I.C.); (C.-N.C.)
| | - Kuo-Yuan Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5237); Fax: +886-6-276-6189
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Wu Y, Shen S, Shi Y, Tian N, Zhou Y, Zhang X. Senolytics: Eliminating Senescent Cells and Alleviating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:823945. [PMID: 35309994 PMCID: PMC8924288 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.823945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main cause of cervical and lumbar spondylosis. Over the past few years, the relevance between cellular senescence and IVDD has been widely studied, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) produced by senescent cells is found to remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and destruct homeostasis. Elimination of senescent cells by senolytics and suppression of SASP production by senomorphics/senostatics are effective strategies to alleviate degenerative diseases including IVDD. Here, we review the involvement of senescence in the process of IVDD; we also discuss the potential of senolytics on eliminating senescent disc cells and alleviating IVDD; finally, we provide a table listing senolytic drugs and small molecules, aiming to propose potential drugs for IVDD therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Naifeng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Naifeng Tian, ; Yifei Zhou, ; Xiaolei Zhang,
| | - Yifei Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Naifeng Tian, ; Yifei Zhou, ; Xiaolei Zhang,
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Chinese Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Society, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Naifeng Tian, ; Yifei Zhou, ; Xiaolei Zhang,
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Kritschil R, Scott M, Sowa G, Vo N. Role of autophagy in intervertebral disc degeneration. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:1266-1284. [PMID: 34787318 PMCID: PMC8866220 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a leading contributor to low back pain. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is composed of three tissue types: the central gelatinous nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, the surrounding annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue, and the inferior and superior cartilage endplates. The IVD microenvironment is hypoxic, acidic, hyperosmotic, and low in nutrients because it is mostly avascular. The cellular processes that underlie IDD initiation and progression are still poorly understood. Specifically, a lack of understanding regarding NP cell metabolism and physiology hinders the development of effective therapeutics to treat IDD patients. Autophagy is a vital intracellular degradation process that removes damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and intracellular pathogens and recycles the degraded components for cellular energy and function. NP cells have adapted to survive within their harsh tissue microenvironment using processes that are largely unknown, and we postulate autophagy is one of these undiscovered mechanisms. In this review, we describe unique features of the IVD tissue, review how physiological stressors impact autophagy in NP cells in vitro, survey the current understanding of autophagy regulation in the IVD, and assess the relationship between autophagy and IDD. Published studies confirm autophagy markers are present in IVD tissue, and IVD cells can regulate autophagy in response to cellular stressors in vitro. However, data are still lacking to determine the exact mechanisms regulating autophagy in IVD cells. More in-depth research is needed to establish whether autophagy is necessary to maintain IVD cell health and validate autophagy as a relevant therapeutic target for treating IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kritschil
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Melanie Scott
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Trauma Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Gwendolyn Sowa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nam Vo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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15
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Mechanical Stretch Induces Annulus Fibrosus Cell Senescence through Activation of the RhoA/ROCK Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5321121. [PMID: 34840974 PMCID: PMC8626192 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5321121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc is responsible for absorbing and transmitting mechanical compression. Under physiological conditions, the peripheral annulus fibrosus (AF) cells are subjected to different magnitudes of transverse mechanical stretch depending on the swelling of the central nucleus pulposus tissue. However, the biological behavior of AF cells under mechanical stretch is not well studied. Objective This study was performed to study the effects of mechanical tension on AF cell senescence and the potential signaling transduction pathway. Methods Rat AF cells were made to experience different magnitudes of mechanical stretch (2% elongation and 20% elongation for 4 hours every day at 1 Hz) in a 10-day experiment period. The inhibitor RKI-1447 of the Rho-associated coiled-coil–containing protein kinases (ROCK) was added along with culture medium to investigate its role. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, telomerase activity, and expression of senescence markers (p16 and p53) were analyzed. Results We found that 20% elongation significantly decreased cell proliferation, promoted G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, decreased telomerase activity, and upregulated mRNA/protein expression of p16 and p53. Moreover, the inhibitor RKI-1447 partly resisted effects of 20% elongation on these parameters of cell senescence. Conclusion High mechanical stretch obviously induces AF cell senescence through the RhoA/ROCK pathway. This study provides us a deeper understanding on the AF cell's behavior under mechanical stretch.
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16
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蒋 玉, 胡 芝, 关 禹, 周 陈, 邹 淑. [Research Progress in Mechanotransduction Process of Mechanical-Stress-Induced Autophagy]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2021; 52:929-935. [PMID: 34841756 PMCID: PMC10408839 DOI: 10.12182/20211160102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As a self-protective mechanism for cells to obtain energy by degrading their own structures or substances, autophagy widely occurs in basic physiological process of all kinds of eukaryotic cells. In recent years, studies have shown that autophagy can be induced through a variety of mechanical transduction pathways when various tissues and cells are exposed to different types of mechanical stress, and cells and tissues involved can thus regulate cell metabolic functions and participate in the pathological process of a variety of diseases. The stress receptors on the cell membrane and the multiple signaling pathways and cytoskeletons have been shown to play an important role in this process. At present, due to the difficulties in the establishment of the stress loading model and the limitations in the research methods concerned, the specific mechanical transduction mechanisms of autophagy induced by mechanical stress is not clear. Therefore, more reliable in vitro and in vivo models and more advanced research methodology are needed to investigate the mechanical transduction process of autophagy induced by mechanical stress, and to promote ultimately progress in the understanding of autophagy-related diseases and their treatments. This article reviewed the regulatory role of mechanical stress on autophagy in physiological and disease processes and the signal transduction process related to autophagy induced by mechanical stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- 玉坤 蒋
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 正畸科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 芝爱 胡
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 正畸科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 禹哲 关
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 正畸科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 陈晨 周
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 正畸科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 淑娟 邹
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 正畸科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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17
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Veroutis D, Kouroumalis A, Lagopati N, Polyzou A, Chamilos C, Papadodima S, Evangelou K, Gorgoulis VG, Kletsas D. Evaluation of senescent cells in intervertebral discs by lipofuscin staining. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111564. [PMID: 34474077 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is considered an important contributor of low back pain, a major age-related disease. Interestingly, an unprecedented high number of senescent cells has been reported in aged and degenerated IVDs, most probably affecting tissue homeostasis. In previous studies classical markers of cellular senescence have been used, such as SA-β-gal staining or p16Ink4a expression. Aim of the presented study was a re-evaluation of the number of senescent IVD cells by using a newly established staining procedure for lipofuscin, based on a Sudan Black-B analogue (GL13), which can be used in fresh, as well as in fixed and embedded tissues. In cultures of senescent rat and human IVD cells both SA-β-gal and GL13 gave similar percentages of senescent cells. Similarly, in fresh tissues from old rats the ratios of senescent cells were high with both detection procedures. Finally, in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from humans, a significant increased number of GL13-positive cells was found in herniated tissues, as compared to apparently normal ones, while similar numbers of p16Ink4a-positive cells were observed. These data confirm the significantly enhanced number of senescent cells in aged and degenerated IVDs, most probably contributing to the degeneration of this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Veroutis
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Group, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Kouroumalis
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Nefeli Lagopati
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Group, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Polyzou
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Group, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stavroula Papadodima
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Evangelou
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Group, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Gorgoulis
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Group, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi, Greece.
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Zhang K, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhu L. Upregulation of P53 promotes nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration through upregulating NDRG2. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1966-1975. [PMID: 34051015 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
P53 is an apoptosis marker which is involved in determining nucleus pulposus (NP) cell fate. Little is known about P53 interaction with N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Here, we studied the role of the P53-NDRG2 axis in IVDD. We found that NDRG2 was expressed in NP tissue obtained from patients with IVDD. The level of NDRG2 was positively related to the severity of IVDD, as determined by Pfirrmann grading. Subsequently, we overexpressed NDRG2 in human NP cells by adenoviral transfection and studied the effects of increased levels of NDRG2 on the viability and apoptosis of these cells. NDRG2 overexpression induced NP cell apoptosis and reduced viability in NP cells obtained from patient with IVDD. We also found that the level of P53 was elevated in NP cells from patients with IVDD and treatment with exogenous P53 upregulated NDRG2 in NP cells. Last, IVDD model was established in P53 knockout mice and the pathological changes in the intervertebral discs and NDRG2 expression were examined. P53 knockout can reduce the damage of NP tissues after IVDD surgery to some extent. Restoration of NDRG2 antagonized the effect of P53 knockout on IVDD. Collectively, this study suggests that elevated P53 in NP cells stimulates apoptosis of the cells by upregulating NDRG2 expression, thereby exacerbating IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejie Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fuyang Orthopaedics and Traumatology Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanbin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fuyang Orthopaedics and Traumatology Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fuyang Orthopaedics and Traumatology Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Limin Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fuyang Orthopaedics and Traumatology Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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High-glucose environment accelerates annulus fibrosus cell apoptosis by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225217. [PMID: 32515472 PMCID: PMC7328627 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor of intervertebral disc
degeneration. However, how DM affects annulus fibrosus (AF) biology remains
unclear. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of
high glucose on AF cell biology. Rat AF cells were cultured in baseline medium
and culture medium with 0.2 M glucose. The inhibitor 4-PBA was added along with
the high glucose culture medium to study the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
stress in this process. Compared with the control cells, high glucose
significantly increased cell apoptosis ratio and caspase-3/9 activity,
up-regulated mRNA/protein expression of Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3, but
down-regulated mRNA/protein expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, high glucose
increased mRNA and protein expression of CHOP, ATF-6 and GRP78. However, once ER
stress was inhibited by the inhibitor 4-PBA in the high glucose group, cell
apoptosis ratio and caspase-3/9 activity were decreased, mRNA/protein expression
of Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3 was down-regulated, but mRNA/protein
expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated. In conclusion, high glucose condition can
promote AF cell apoptosis through inducing ER stress. The present study helps us
understand the mechanism of disc degeneration in DM patients.
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Transforming growth factor-β1-regulated Fas/FasL pathway activation suppresses nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in an inflammatory environment. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221431. [PMID: 31808511 PMCID: PMC7005578 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: During disc degeneration, inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is correlated with nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has the potential to regenerate degenerative disc. Objective: To investigate the protective role of TGF-β1 against TNF-α-mediated NP cell apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Rat NP cells were treated with TNF-α (100 ng/ml) for 48 h. TGF-β1 was added into the culture medium to investigate its protective effects against TNF-α-induced NP cell apoptosis. Exogenous FasL was used to investigate the potential role of the Fas/FasL pathway in this process. Flow cytometry assay was used to analyze NP cell apoptosis. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to analyze gene and protein expression of apoptosis-related molecules. Results: In TNF-α-treated NP cells, TGF-β1 significantly decreased NP cell apoptosis, declined caspase-3 and -8 activity, and decreased expression of Bax and caspase-3 (cleaved-caspase-3) but increased expression of Bcl-2. However, exogenous FasL partly reversed these effects of TGF-β1 in NP cells treated with TNF-α. Additionally, expression of Fas and FasL in TNF-α-treated NP cells partly decreased by TGF-β1, whereas exogenous FasL increased expression of Fas and FasL in NP cells treated with TGF-β1 and TNF-α. Conclusion: TGF-β1 helps to inhibit TNF-α-induced NP cell apoptosis and the Fas/FasL pathway may be involved in this process. The present study suggests that TGF-β1 may be effective to retard inflammation-mediated disc degeneration.
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21
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Cell Senescence: A Nonnegligible Cell State under Survival Stress in Pathology of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:9503562. [PMID: 32934764 PMCID: PMC7479476 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9503562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) with increasing aging mainly manifests as low back pain (LBP) accompanied with a loss of physical ability. These pathological processes can be preliminarily interpreted as a series of changes at cellular level. In addition to cell death, disc cells enter into the stagnation with dysfunction and deteriorate tissue microenvironment in degenerative discs, which is recognized as cell senescence. During aging, many intrinsic and extrinsic factors have been proved to have strong connections with these cellular senescence phenomena. Growing evidences of these connections require us to gather up critical cues from potential risk factors to pathogenesis and relative interventions for retarding cell senescence and attenuating degenerative changes. In this paper, we try to clarify another important cell state apart from cell death in IDD and discuss senescence-associated changes in cells and extracellular microenvironment. Then, we emphasize the role of oxidative stress and epigenomic perturbations in linking risk factors to cell senescence in the onset of IDD. Further, we summarize the current interventions targeting senescent cells that may exert the benefits of antidegeneration in IDD.
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22
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Hyper-osmolarity environment-induced oxidative stress injury promotes nucleus pulposus cell senescence in vitro. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20191711. [PMID: 31471533 PMCID: PMC6753320 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence is involved in disc degeneration. The in situ osmolarity within the NP region is an important regulator of disc cell’s biology. However, its effects on NP cell senescence remain unclear. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of hyper-osmolarity on NP cell senescence. Rat NP cells were cultured in the in situ-osmolarity medium and hyper-osmolarity medium. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was added along with the medium to investigate the role of oxidative injury. Cell cycle, cell proliferation, senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, telomerase activity, expression of senescence markers (p16 and p53) and matrix molecules (aggrecan and collagen II) were tested to assess NP cell senescence. Compared with the in situ-osmolarity culture, hyper-osmolarity culture significantly decreased cell proliferation and telomerase activity, increased SA-β-Gal activity and cell fraction in the G0/G1 phase, up-regulated expression of senescence markers (p16 and p53) and down-regulated expression of matrix molecules (aggrecan and collagen II), and increased intracellular ROS accumulation. However, addition of NAC partly reversed these effects of hyper-osmolarity culture on cellular senescence and decreased ROS content in NP cells. In conclusion, a hyper-osmolarity culture promotes NP cell senescence through inducing oxidative stress injury. The present study provides new knowledge on NP cell senescence and helps us to better understand the mechanism of disc degeneration.
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