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Bonilla AF, Sikes KJ, Burton LH, Chow L, Kurihara J, Santangelo K, Dow SW, Easley JT. Immunization against nucleus pulposus antigens to accelerate degenerative disc disease in a rabbit model. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1382652. [PMID: 38803805 PMCID: PMC11128595 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1382652] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain poses a significant societal burden, with progressive intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) emerging as a pivotal contributor to chronic pain. Improved animal models of progressive IDD are needed to comprehensively investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to managing IDD. Recent studies underscore the immune system's involvement in IDD, particularly with regards to the role of immune privileged tissues such as the nucleus pulposus (NP) becoming an immune targeting following initial disc injury. We therefore hypothesized that generating an active immune response against NP antigens with an NP vaccine could significantly accelerate and refine an IDD animal model triggered by mechanical puncture of the disc. To address this question, rabbits were immunized against NP antigens following disc puncture, and the impact on development of progressive IDD was assessed radiographically, functionally, and histologically compared between vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals over a 12-week period. Immune responses to NP antigens were assessed by ELISA and Western blot. We found that the vaccine elicited strong immune responses against NP antigens, including a dominant ~37 kD antigen. Histologic evaluation revealed increases IDD in animals that received the NP vaccine plus disc puncture, compared to disc puncture and vaccine only animals. Imaging evaluation evidenced a decrease in disc height index and higher scores of disc degeneration in animals after disc punctures and in those animals that received the NP vaccine in addition to disc puncture. These findings therefore indicate that it is possible to elicit immune responses against NP antigens in adult animals, and that these immune responses may contribute to accelerated development of IDD in a novel immune-induced and accelerated IDD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Katie J. Sikes
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lindsey H. Burton
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jade Kurihara
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kelly Santangelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Steven W. Dow
- Immunotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Genedy HH, Humbert P, Laoulaou B, Le Moal B, Fusellier M, Passirani C, Le Visage C, Guicheux J, Lepeltier É, Clouet J. MicroRNA-targeting nanomedicines for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115214. [PMID: 38395361 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115214] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain stands as a pervasive global health concern, afflicting almost 80% of adults at some point in their lives with nearly 40% attributable to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). As only symptomatic relief can be offered to patients there is a dire need for innovative treatments.Given the accumulating evidence that multiple microRNAs (miRs) are dysregulated during IVDD, they could have a huge potential against this debilitating condition. The way miRs can profoundly modulate signaling pathways and influence several cellular processes at once is particularly exciting to tackle this multifaceted disorder. However, miR delivery encounters extracellular and intracellular biological barriers. A promising technology to address this challenge is the vectorization of miRs within nanoparticles, providing both protection and enhancing their uptake within the scarce target cells of the degenerated IVD. This comprehensive review presents the diverse spectrum of miRs' connection with IVDD and demonstrates their therapeutic potential when vectorized in nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein H Genedy
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France; Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Paul Humbert
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France
| | - Bilel Laoulaou
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France; Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Brian Le Moal
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France; Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Marion Fusellier
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, CRIP, ONIRIS, College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes F-44307, France
| | | | - Catherine Le Visage
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme Guicheux
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France
| | - Élise Lepeltier
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), France.
| | - Johann Clouet
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR1229, Nantes, France
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McDonnell EE, Wilson N, Barcellona MN, Ní Néill T, Bagnall J, Brama PAJ, Cunniffe GM, Darwish SL, Butler JS, Buckley CT. Preclinical to clinical translation for intervertebral disc repair: Effects of species-specific scale, metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates on cell-based regeneration. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1279. [PMID: 37780829 PMCID: PMC10540833 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A significant hurdle for potential cell-based therapies is the subsequent survival and regenerative capacity of implanted cells. While many exciting developments have demonstrated promise preclinically, cell-based therapies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration fail to translate equivalent clinical efficacy. Aims This work aims to ascertain the clinical relevance of both a small and large animal model by experimentally investigating and comparing these animal models to human from the perspective of anatomical scale and their cellular metabolic and regenerative potential. Materials and Methods First, this work experimentally investigated species-specific geometrical scale, native cell density, nutrient metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates for rat, goat, and human disc cells in a 3D microspheroid configuration. Second, these parameters were employed in silico to elucidate species-specific nutrient microenvironments and predict differences in temporal regeneration between animal models. Results This work presents in silico models which correlate favorably to preclinical literature in terms of the capabilities of animal regeneration and predict that compromised nutrition is not a significant challenge in small animal discs. On the contrary, it highlights a very fine clinical balance between an adequate cell dose for sufficient repair, through de novo matrix deposition, without exacerbating the human microenvironmental niche. Discussion Overall, this work aims to provide a path towards understanding the effect of cell injection number on the nutrient microenvironment and the "time to regeneration" between preclinical animal models and the large human IVD. While these findings help to explain failed translation of promising preclinical data and the limited results emerging from clinical trials at present, they also enable the research field and clinicians to manage expectations on cell-based regeneration. Conclusion Ultimately, this work provides a platform to inform the design of clinical trials, and as computing power and software capabilities increase in the future, it is conceivable that generation of patient-specific models could be used for patient assessment, as well as pre- and intraoperative planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. McDonnell
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Niamh Wilson
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Marcos N. Barcellona
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Tara Ní Néill
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Jessica Bagnall
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Pieter A. J. Brama
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Gráinne M. Cunniffe
- National Spinal Injuries UnitMater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Stacey L. Darwish
- National Spinal Injuries UnitMater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- National Orthopaedic HospitalDublinIreland
- St Vincent's University HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Joseph S. Butler
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- National Spinal Injuries UnitMater Misericordiae University HospitalDublinIreland
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Conor T. Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublinIreland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative MedicineRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandDublinIreland
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Tang SN, Bonilla AF, Chahine NO, Colbath AC, Easley JT, Grad S, Haglund L, Le Maitre CL, Leung V, McCoy AM, Purmessur D, Tang SY, Zeiter S, Smith LJ. Controversies in spine research: Organ culture versus in vivo models for studies of the intervertebral disc. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1235. [PMID: 36601369 PMCID: PMC9799089 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of low back pain, the leading cause of disability worldwide. Appropriate preclinical models for intervertebral disc research are essential to achieving a better understanding of underlying pathophysiology and for the development, evaluation, and translation of more effective treatments. To this end, in vivo animal and ex vivo organ culture models are both widely used by spine researchers; however, the relative strengths and weaknesses of these two approaches are a source of ongoing controversy. In this article, members from the Spine and Preclinical Models Sections of the Orthopedic Research Society, including experts in both basic and translational spine research, present contrasting arguments in support of in vivo animal models versus ex vivo organ culture models for studies of the disc, supported by a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. The objective is to provide a deeper understanding of the respective advantages and limitations of these approaches, and advance the field toward a consensus with respect to appropriate model selection and implementation. We conclude that complementary use of several model types and leveraging the unique advantages of each is likely to result in the highest impact research in most instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Nadeen O. Chahine
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Aimee C. Colbath
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | | | | | - Victor Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Annette M. McCoy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical MedicineUniversity of IllinoisUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Simon Y. Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St LouisSt LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Lachlan J. Smith
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and NeurosurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA,Translational Musculoskeletal Research CenterCorporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Barcellona MN, McDonnell EE, Samuel S, Buckley CT. Rat tail models for the assessment of injectable nucleus pulposus regeneration strategies. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1216. [PMID: 36203865 PMCID: PMC9520766 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Back pain is a global epidemiological and socioeconomic problem often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration; a condition believed to initiate in the nucleus pulposus (NP). There is considerable interest in developing early therapeutic interventions to target the NP and halt degeneration. Rat caudal models of disc degeneration have demonstrated significant utility in the study of disease progression and its impact on tissue structure, composition, and mechanical performance. One significant advantage of the caudal model is the ease of access and high throughput nature. However, considerable variability exists across the literature in terms of experimental setup and parameters. The objective of this article is to aid researchers in the design and development of caudal puncture models by providing details and insight into the most reported experimental parameters. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were employed to screen the existing literature and 80 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Disc geometry, surgical approaches, effect of needle gauge size to induce degeneration, therapeutic volume, outcome measures, and associated limitations are considered and discussed, and a range of recommendations based on different research questions are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos N. Barcellona
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Emily E. McDonnell
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Shani Samuel
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Conor T. Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin 2 Ireland
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Comparison of MRI T1, T2, and T2* mapping with histology for assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration in an ovine model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5398. [PMID: 35354902 PMCID: PMC8967912 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09348-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
An easy, reliable, and time-efficient standardized approach for assessing lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with relaxation times measurements in pre-clinical and clinical studies is lacking. This prospective study aims to determine the most appropriate method for lumbar IVD degeneration (IDD) assessment in sheep by comparing three quantitative MRI sequences (variable-flip-angle T1 mapping, and multi-echo T2 and T2* mapping), correlating them with Pfirrmann grading and histology. Strong intra- and interrater agreements were found for Nucleus pulposus (NP) regions-of-interest (ROI). T1, T2, and T2* mapping correlated with Pfirrmann grading and histological scoring (p < 0.05) except for the most ventral rectangular ROI on T2 maps. Correlations were excellent for all of the T1 ROIs and the T2* NP ROIs. Highly significant differences in T1 values were found between all Pfirrmann grades except between grades I/II and between grades III/IV. Significant differences were identified in the T2 and the T2* values between all grades except between grades I/III. T1, T2, and T2* relaxation times measurements of the NP are an accurate and time-efficient tool to assess lumbar IDD in sheep. Variable-flip-angle T1 mapping may be further considered as a valuable method to investigate IDD and to assess the efficacy of regenerative treatments in longitudinal studies.
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Disney C, Mo J, Eckersley A, Bodey A, Hoyland J, Sherratt M, Pitsillides A, Lee P, Bay B. Regional variations in discrete collagen fibre mechanics within intact intervertebral disc resolved using synchrotron computed tomography and digital volume correlation. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:361-374. [PMID: 34644611 PMCID: PMC8904373 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Many soft tissues, such as the intervertebral disc (IVD), have a hierarchical fibrous composite structure which suffers from regional damage. We hypothesise that these tissue regions have distinct, inherent fibre structure and structural response upon loading. Here we used synchrotron computed tomography (sCT) to resolve collagen fibre bundles (∼5μm width) in 3D throughout an intact native rat lumbar IVD under increasing compressive load. Using intact samples meant that tissue boundaries (such as endplate-disc or nucleus-annulus) and residual strain were preserved; this is vital for characterising both the inherent structure and structural changes upon loading in tissue regions functioning in a near-native environment. Nano-scale displacement measurements along >10,000 individual fibres were tracked, and fibre orientation, curvature and strain changes were compared between the posterior-lateral region and the anterior region. These methods can be widely applied to other soft tissues, to identify fibre structures which cause tissue regions to be more susceptible to injury and degeneration. Our results demonstrate for the first time that highly-localised changes in fibre orientation, curvature and strain indicate differences in regional strain transfer and mechanical function (e.g. tissue compliance). This included decreased fibre reorientation at higher loads, specific tissue morphology which reduced capacity for flexibility and high strain at the disc-endplate boundary. Statement of significance The analyses presented here are applicable to many collagenous soft tissues which suffer from regional damage. We aimed to investigate regional intervertebral disc (IVD) structural and functional differences by characterising collagen fibre architecture and linking specific fibre- and tissue-level deformation behaviours. Synchrotron CT provided the first demonstration of tracking discrete fibres in 3D within an intact IVD. Detailed analysis of regions was performed using over 200k points, spaced every 8 μm along 10k individual fibres. Such comprehensive structural characterisation is significant in informing future computational models. Morphological indicators of tissue compliance (change in fibre curvature and orientation) and fibre strain measurements revealed localised and regional differences in tissue behaviour.
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Jang SH, Lee S, Millecamps M, Danco A, Kang H, Grégoire S, Suzuki‐Narita M, Stone LS. Effect of voluntary running activity on mRNA expression of extracellular matrix genes in a mouse model of intervertebral disc degeneration. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1148. [PMID: 34611584 PMCID: PMC8479527 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low back pain (LBP), a leading cause of global disability, is often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Exercise therapy is recommended for chronic LBP management and affects many tissues and organ systems. However, the ability of exercise to repair the extracellular matrix (ECM) in degenerating discs is unclear. The aims of the study were to examine mRNA expression of ECM structural components (collagen I, II, X, aggrecan) and regulators of matrix turnover (matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3, - 9, - 13, ADAMTS-4, - 5, TIMP1-4, CCN2) between age-matched (a) wild-type and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-null, (b) sedentary and active, and (c) male and female mice. METHODS At 8 months of age, male and female SPARC-null and wild-type control mice received a home cage running wheel or a control, fixed wheel for 6 months. Deletion of the SPARC gene results in progressive IDD beginning at 2 to 4 months of age. Increased activity was confirmed, and qPCR was performed on excised lumbar discs. RESULTS Male SPARC-null mice expressed less aggrecan mRNA than wild-type controls. After 6 months of running, collagen, MMP3, and MMP13 expression was increased in male and MMP3 was increased in female SPARC-null mice. Sex differences were observed in wild-type mice and in response to IDD and long-term running. CONCLUSIONS Voluntary running results in changes in mRNA consistent with increased ECM turnover and disc regeneration. Improved disc ECM might contribute to the beneficial effects of exercise on LBP and may create an intradiscal environment hospitable to regenerative therapies. Sex-specific differences should be considered in the development of disc-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Ho Jang
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Seunghwan Lee
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Magali Millecamps
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Alexander Danco
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - HyungMo Kang
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Stéphanie Grégoire
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Miyako Suzuki‐Narita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineChiba UniversityChibaJapan
| | - Laura S. Stone
- Faculty of DentistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on PainMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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Lee NN, Salzer E, Bach FC, Bonilla AF, Cook JL, Gazit Z, Grad S, Ito K, Smith LJ, Vernengo A, Wilke H, Engiles JB, Tryfonidou MA. A comprehensive tool box for large animal studies of intervertebral disc degeneration. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1162. [PMID: 34337336 PMCID: PMC8313180 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies involving large animal models aim to recapitulate the clinical situation as much as possible and bridge the gap from benchtop to bedside. To date, studies investigating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and regeneration in large animal models have utilized a wide spectrum of methodologies for outcome evaluation. This paper aims to consolidate available knowledge, expertise, and experience in large animal preclinical models of IVD degeneration to create a comprehensive tool box of anatomical and functional outcomes. Herein, we present a Large Animal IVD Scoring Algorithm based on three scales: macroscopic (gross morphology, imaging, and biomechanics), microscopic (histological, biochemical, and biomolecular analyses), and clinical (neurologic state, mobility, and pain). The proposed algorithm encompasses a stepwise evaluation on all three scales, including spinal pain assessment, and relevant structural and functional components of IVD health and disease. This comprehensive tool box was designed for four commonly used preclinical large animal models (dog, pig, goat, and sheep) in order to facilitate standardization and applicability. Furthermore, it is intended to facilitate comparison across studies while discerning relevant differences between species within the context of outcomes with the goal to enhance veterinary clinical relevance as well. Current major challenges in pre-clinical large animal models for IVD regeneration are highlighted and insights into future directions that may improve the understanding of the underlying pathologies are discussed. As such, the IVD research community can deepen its exploration of the molecular, cellular, structural, and biomechanical changes that occur with IVD degeneration and regeneration, paving the path for clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi N. Lee
- Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative OrthopaedicsUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Elias Salzer
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Andres F. Bonilla
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityColoradoUSA
| | - James L. Cook
- Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative OrthopaedicsUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Zulma Gazit
- Department of SurgeryCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Lachlan J. Smith
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Andrea Vernengo
- AO Research Institute DavosDavosSwitzerland
- Department of Chemical EngineeringRowan UniversityGlassboroNew JerseyUSA
| | - Hans‐Joachim Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and BiomechanicsUniversity Hospital UlmUlmGermany
| | - Julie B. Engiles
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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