Application of single and cooperative different delivery systems for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration

Sequentially assembled co-delivery nanoplatform of SIRT1 protein and SOX9-expressing plasmid for multipronged therapy of intervertebral disc degeneration

Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) undergo metabolic disorders and matrix pathological remodeling under the influence of various adverse factors during intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), whereas post-translational modifications (PTMs) can confer cells with the capacity to respond quickly and adapt to complex environmental changes. Here, SIRT1 protein, a key regulator within PTMs framework, was applied against the hostile degenerative microenvironment. Then, it was sequentially assembled with SOX9-expressing plasmid, an essential transcription factor to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis, onto a phenylboronic acid-functionalized G5-dendrimer to construct a multifunctional nanoplatform for IVDD therapy. In vitro, the nanoplatforms showed antioxidant capacity, and the ability to restore mitochondrial homeostasis and normal ECM metabolism, as well as to maintain cellular phenotypes. RNA sequencing suggested that inhibition of the Nod-like receptor signaling might be the mechanism behind their therapeutic effects. The nanoplatforms were then wrapped in a designed dynamic hydrogel, not only prolonging the retention time of the loaded cargoes, but also well maintaining the disc structure, height, and water content in vivo. Overall, this study presents a convenient assembled strategy to inhibit the multiple adverse factors, and hold promise for the IVDD treatment.

Assessment of lumbosacral spinal curvatures before and after surgery using 3D posturography

Open discectomy remains the standard procedure for decompressing neural structures in cases of intervertebral disc herniation. Early postoperative rehabilitation emphasizes protecting the surgical site while restoring functional independence in daily activities. In the absence of possibilities for performing any spinal control tests within the first few days post-surgery, the dynamism of curvature changes may be the sole criterion for evaluating rehabilitation progress. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the non-invasive KINEOD device to measure the dynamics of lumbosacral spinal alignment parameters in the sagittal plane before and immediately after surgical intervention. The study involved 30 patients (14 women [46.67%] and 16 men [53.33%]) from the Neurosurgical Department of the Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny in Słupsk, Poland. Data were collected using a custom questionnaire and KINEOD 3D posturography to assess body posture. The following parameters were analyzed: Sagittal Inclination Angle (Sagittal IA), Kyphosis Angle (KA), Lordosis Angle (LA), Sacral Inclination Angle (Sacral IA), Lordosis Measure (LM), Inflection Point (IP), and the Angle of Acromion-Posterior Superior Iliac Spine Rotation (A-PSIS). Measurements were conducted at three stages: Stage I - one day before surgery (2:00 PM); Stage II - on the third postoperative day (7:00 AM); and Stage III - on the third postoperative day (2:00 PM). Measurements utilizing the KINEOD device revealed statistically significant changes between Stage I and Stage II for the following parameters: Sagittal IA, KA, LA, Sacral IA, LM, IP, and A-PSIS. Significant changes were also noted between Stage I and Stage III for KA, LA, Sacral IA, LM, A-PSIS, and VAS. The study highlights that the reliability of KINEOD 3D assessment diminishes when relying solely on parameters such as Sacral IA and IP for postoperative lordosis evaluation. For rapid, non-invasive assessment of the lumbosacral spine post-surgery, Sacral IA may serve as a more accurate indicator of dynamic changes in the lower lumbar region. Postoperative alterations in all sagittal plane angles are influenced by both surgical intervention and, to a lesser extent, the diurnal adaptation rhythm.

Exosomal U2AF2 derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuates the intervertebral disc degeneration through circ_0036763/miR-583/ACAN axis

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the major leading causes of back pain affecting the patient's quality of life. However, the roles of circular RNA (circRNA) in IDD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the function and underlying mechanism of circ_0036763 in IDD. In this study, expressions of circ_0036763, U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 2 (U2AF2), miR-583 and aggrecan (ACAN) in primary human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) derived from IDD patients and healthy controls were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) or Western blot (WB). The relationship between pre-circ_0036763 and U2AF2, circ_0036763 and miR-583, miR-583 and ACAN mRNA was determined by bioinformatic analysis, miRNA pull down or RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The expressions of Collagen I and Collagen II were evaluated by WB. Co-culture of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs) or bMSCs-derived exosomes and HNPCs were performed to identify the effect of U2AF2 on the mature of circ_0036763 and ACAN. Results indicated that circ_0036763, U2AF2 and ACAN were downregulated while miR-583 was upregulated in HNPCs derived from IDD patients compared with that in normal HNPCs. Besides, overexpression of circ_0036763 elevated the expressions of ACAN and Collagen II whereas reduced Collagen I expression in HNPCs. Moreover, U2AF2 promoted the mature of circ_0036763, and circ_0036763 positively regulated ACAN by directly sponging miR-583. Furthermore, exosomal U2AF2 derived from bMSCs could increase U2AF2 levels in HNPCs and subsequently regulate the expression of ACAN by circ_0036763/miR-583 axis. In summary, circ_0036763 modified by exosomal U2AF2 derived from bMSCs alleviated IDD through regulating miR-583/ACAN axis in HNPCs. Thus, this study might provide novel therapeutic targets for IDD.

Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Potential Developments in the Therapy of Metastatic Osteosarcoma-A Narrative Review

Osteosarcoma, a predominant malignant bone tumor, poses significant challenges due to its high metastatic and recurrent nature. Although various therapeutic strategies are currently in use, they often inadequately target osteosarcoma metastasis. This review focuses on the potential of nanoscale drug delivery systems to bridge this clinical gap. It begins with an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying metastatic osteosarcoma, highlighting the limitations of existing treatments. The review then transitions to an in-depth examination of nanoscale drug delivery technologies, emphasizing their potential to enhance drug bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. Central to this review is a discussion of recent advancements in utilizing nanotechnology for the potential intervention of metastatic osteosarcoma, with a critical analysis of several preclinical studies. This review aims to provide insights into the potential applications of nanotechnology in metastatic osteosarcoma therapy, setting the stage for future clinical breakthroughs and innovative cancer treatments.