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Taiji R, Kang JD, Mizuno S. Cellular behavior and extracellular matrix turnover in bovine annulus fibrosus cells under hydrostatic pressure and deviatoric strain. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:1326-1334. [PMID: 38153697 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc herniation is a common spinal disorder that is often treated with discectomy when conservative measures fail. To devise therapeutic strategies for tears in the annulus fibrosus (AF), the regenerative capability of AF cells under spinal loading needs to be addressed. We hypothesized that the compressive loading associated with deformation in AF cells reduces synthetic and degradative activities in extracellular matrix and cell proliferation. We evaluated expression of key matrix molecules and cell proliferation by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry by inner and outer bovine AF cells incubated under hydrostatic pressure (HP), arc-bending strain (Strain), and combined HP and Strain (HP/Strain) mimicking spinal loading. Inner AF cells showed significantly increased levels of aggrecan core protein, chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 by 6 days under HP (p < 0.05), with a tendency toward increased matrix metalloproteinase-13. Outer AF cells demonstrated a significant decline in collagen type-2 under Strain and HP/Strain (p < 0.05) and a tendency toward suppression of collagen type-1 and elastin expression compared to HP and unloaded control. On the other hand, proliferating cell nucleus antigen increased significantly under Strain and HP/Strain in inner AF and declined under unloaded and HP in outer AF (p < 0.05). Immunohistology findings supported reductions in gene expressions of matrix molecules. Thus, changes in HP/Strain in AF appear to diminish synthetic and degradative activities while increasing cell proliferation. To promote regeneration, continuous overloading should be avoided, as it converts the synthetic activity to a state in which tissue repair is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Taiji
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James D Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shuichi Mizuno
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Padrona M, Maroquenne M, El-Hafci H, Rossiaud L, Petite H, Potier E. Glucose depletion decreases cell viability without triggering degenerative changes in a physiological nucleus pulposus explant model. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:1111-1121. [PMID: 37975418 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Although the etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration is still unresolved, the nutrient paucity resulting from its avascular nature is suspected of triggering degenerative processes in its core: the nucleus pulposus (NP). While severe hypoxia has no significant effects on NP cells, the impact of glucose depletion, such as found in degenerated discs (0.2-1 mM), is still uncertain. Using a pertinent ex-vivo model representative of the unique disc microenvironment, the present study aimed, therefore, at determining the effects of "degenerated" (0.3 mM) glucose levels on bovine NP explant homeostasis. The effects of glucose depletion were evaluated on NP cell viability, apoptosis, phenotype, metabolism, senescence, extracellular matrix anabolism and catabolism, and inflammatory mediator production using fluorescent staining, RT-qPCR, (immuno)histology, ELISA, biochemical, and enzymatic assays. Compared to the "healthy" (2 mM) glucose condition, exposure to the degenerated glucose condition led to a rapid and extensive decrease in NP cell viability associated with increased apoptosis. Although the aggrecan and collagen-II gene expression was also downregulated, NP cell phenotype, and senescence, matrix catabolism, and inflammatory mediator production were not, or only slightly, affected by glucose depletion. The present study provided evidence for glucose depletion as an essential player in NP cell viability but also suggested that other microenvironment factor(s) may be involved in triggering the typical shift of NP cell phenotype observed during disc degeneration. The present study contributes new information for better understanding disc degeneration at the cellular-molecular levels and thus helps to develop relevant therapeutical strategies to counteract it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanane El-Hafci
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, ENVA, B3OA, Paris, France
| | | | - Hervé Petite
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, ENVA, B3OA, Paris, France
| | - Esther Potier
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, ENVA, B3OA, Paris, France
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3
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McKinley JP, O'Connell GD. Review of state-of-the-art micro and macro-bioreactors for the intervertebral disc. J Biomech 2024; 165:111964. [PMID: 38412621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.111964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Lower back pain continues to be a global epidemic, limiting quality of life and ability to work, due in large part to symptomatic disc degeneration. Development of more effective and less invasive biological strategies are needed to treat disc degeneration. In vitro models such as macro- or micro-bioreactors or mechanically active organ-chips hold great promise in reducing the need for animal studies that may have limited clinical translatability, due to harsher and more complex mechanical loading environments in human discs than in most animal models. This review highlights the complex loading conditions of the disc in situ, evaluates state-of-the-art designs for applying such complex loads across multiple length scales, from macro-bioreactors that load whole discs to organ-chips that aim to replicate cellular or engineered tissue loading. Emphasis was placed on the rapidly evolving more customizable organ-chips, given their greater potential for studying the progression and treatment of symptomatic disc degeneration. Lastly, this review identifies new trends and challenges for using organ-chips to assess therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P McKinley
- Berkeley BioMechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley 94720, CA, USA.
| | - Grace D O'Connell
- Berkeley BioMechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley 94720, CA, USA.
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4
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Li Y, Zhang H, Zhu D, Yang F, Wang Z, Wei Z, Yang Z, Jia J, Kang X. Notochordal cells: A potential therapeutic option for intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13541. [PMID: 37697480 PMCID: PMC10849793 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal degenerative disorder worldwide, and ~40% of chronic low back pain cases are associated with IDD. Although the pathogenesis of IDD remains unclear, the reduction in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical factors contributing to IDD. Notochordal cells (NCs), derived from the notochord, which rapidly degrades after birth and is eventually replaced by NPCs, play a crucial role in maintaining ECM homeostasis and preventing NPCs apoptosis. Current treatments for IDD only provide symptomatic relief, while lacking the ability to inhibit or reverse its progression. However, NCs and their secretions possess anti-inflammatory properties and promote NPCs proliferation, leading to ECM formation. Therefore, in recent years, NCs therapy targeting the underlying cause of IDD has emerged as a novel treatment strategy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress on NCs for IDD, covering their biological characteristics, specific markers, possible mechanisms involved in IDD and therapeutic effects. It also highlights significant future directions in this field to facilitate further exploration of the pathogenesis of IDD and the development of new therapies based on NCs strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhu Li
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- The Second People's Hospital of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Daxue Zhu
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fengguang Yang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoheng Wang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ziyan Wei
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Yang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jia
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouPeople's Republic of China
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5
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Kourouklis AP, Wahlsten A, Stracuzzi A, Martyts A, Paganella LG, Labouesse C, Al-Nuaimi D, Giampietro C, Ehret AE, Tibbitt MW, Mazza E. Control of hydrostatic pressure and osmotic stress in 3D cell culture for mechanobiological studies. Biomater Adv 2023; 145:213241. [PMID: 36529095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hydrostatic pressure (HP) and osmotic stress (OS) play an important role in various biological processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation. In contrast to canonical mechanical signals transmitted through the anchoring points of the cells with the extracellular matrix, the physical and molecular mechanisms that transduce HP and OS into cellular functions remain elusive. Three-dimensional cell cultures show great promise to replicate physiologically relevant signals in well-defined host bioreactors with the goal of shedding light on hidden aspects of the mechanobiology of HP and OS. This review starts by introducing prevalent mechanisms for the generation of HP and OS signals in biological tissues that are subject to pathophysiological mechanical loading. We then revisit various mechanisms in the mechanotransduction of HP and OS, and describe the current state of the art in bioreactors and biomaterials for the control of the corresponding physical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas P Kourouklis
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Adam Wahlsten
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Stracuzzi
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Anastasiya Martyts
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lorenza Garau Paganella
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Celine Labouesse
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Al-Nuaimi
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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6
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Salzer E, Mouser VHM, Bulsink JA, Tryfonidou MA, Ito K. Dynamic loading leads to increased metabolic activity and spatial redistribution of viable cell density in nucleus pulposus tissue. JOR Spine 2023; 6:e1240. [PMID: 36994465 PMCID: PMC10041377 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell density is orchestrated by an interplay between nutrient supply and metabolite accumulation. Physiological loading is essential for tissue homeostasis. However, dynamic loading is also believed to increase metabolic activity and could thereby interfere with cell density regulation and regenerative strategies. The aim of this study was to determine whether dynamic loading could reduce the NP cell density by interacting with its energy metabolism. Methods Bovine NP explants were cultured in a novel NP bioreactor with and without dynamic loading in milieus mimicking the pathophysiological or physiological NP environment. The extracellular content was evaluated biochemically and by Alcian Blue staining. Metabolic activity was determined by measuring glucose and lactate in tissue and medium supernatants. A lactate-dehydrogenase staining was performed to determine the viable cell density (VCD) in the peripheral and core regions of the NP. Results The histological appearance and tissue composition of NP explants did not change in any of the groups. Glucose levels in the tissue reached critical values for cell survival (≤0.5 mM) in all groups. Lactate released into the medium was increased in the dynamically loaded compared to the unloaded groups. While the VCD was unchanged on Day 2 in all regions, it was significantly reduced in the dynamically loaded groups on Day 7 (p ≤ 0.01) in the NP core, which led to a gradient formation of VCD in the group with degenerated NP milieu and dynamic loading (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion It was demonstrated that dynamic loading in a nutrient deprived environment similar to that during IVD degeneration can increase cell metabolism to the extent that it was associated with changes in cell viability leading to a new equilibrium in the NP core. This should be considered for cell injections and therapies that lead to cell proliferation for treatment of IVD degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Salzer
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Vivian H. M. Mouser
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A. Bulsink
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
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7
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Zhang Y, Yao L, Robinson KM, Dillingham TR. Biomarkers in the Degenerative Human Intervertebral Disc Tissue and Blood. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 101:983-987. [PMID: 34954738 PMCID: PMC9209568 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Patients with back pain comprise a large proportion of the outpatient practice among physiatrists. Diagnostic tools are limited to clinical history, physical examinations, and imaging. Nonsurgical treatments are largely empirical, encompassing medications, physical therapy, manual treatments, and interventional spinal procedures. A body of literature is emerging confirming elevated levels of biomarkers including inflammatory cytokines in patients with back pain and/or radiculopathy, largely because the protein assay sensitivity has increased. These biomarkers may serve as tools to assist diagnosis and assess outcomes.The presence of inflammatory mediators in the intervertebral disc tissues and blood helped to confirm the inflammatory underpinnings of back pain related to intervertebral disc degeneration. Literature reviewed here suggests that biomarkers could assist clinical diagnosis and monitor physiological outcomes during and after treatments for spine-related pain. Biomarkers must be measured in a large and diverse asymptomatic population, in the context of age and comorbidities to prevent false-positive tests. These levels can then be rationally compared with those in patients with back disorders including discogenic back pain, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis. While studies reviewed here used "candidate marker" approaches, future nonbiased approaches in clearly defined patient populations could uncover novel biomarkers in clinical management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejia Zhang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lutian Yao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Keith M Robinson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania
- Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
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8
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Bermudez-Lekerika P, Crump KB, Tseranidou S, Nüesch A, Kanelis E, Alminnawi A, Baumgartner L, Muñoz-Moya E, Compte R, Gualdi F, Alexopoulos LG, Geris L, Wuertz-Kozak K, Le Maitre CL, Noailly J, Gantenbein B. Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Intervertebral Disc Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:924692. [PMID: 35846355 PMCID: PMC9277224 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.924692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a highly prevalent, chronic, and costly medical condition predominantly triggered by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). IDD is often caused by structural and biochemical changes in intervertebral discs (IVD) that prompt a pathologic shift from an anabolic to catabolic state, affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) production, enzyme generation, cytokine and chemokine production, neurotrophic and angiogenic factor production. The IVD is an immune-privileged organ. However, during degeneration immune cells and inflammatory factors can infiltrate through defects in the cartilage endplate and annulus fibrosus fissures, further accelerating the catabolic environment. Remarkably, though, catabolic ECM disruption also occurs in the absence of immune cell infiltration, largely due to native disc cell production of catabolic enzymes and cytokines. An unbalanced metabolism could be induced by many different factors, including a harsh microenvironment, biomechanical cues, genetics, and infection. The complex, multifactorial nature of IDD brings the challenge of identifying key factors which initiate the degenerative cascade, eventually leading to back pain. These factors are often investigated through methods including animal models, 3D cell culture, bioreactors, and computational models. However, the crosstalk between the IVD, immune system, and shifted metabolism is frequently misconstrued, often with the assumption that the presence of cytokines and chemokines is synonymous to inflammation or an immune response, which is not true for the intact disc. Therefore, this review will tackle immunomodulatory and IVD cell roles in IDD, clarifying the differences between cellular involvements and implications for therapeutic development and assessing models used to explore inflammatory or catabolic IVD environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bermudez-Lekerika
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katherine B Crump
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Andrea Nüesch
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Exarchos Kanelis
- ProtATonce Ltd., Athens, Greece.,School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Ahmad Alminnawi
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Roger Compte
- Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Gualdi
- Institut Hospital Del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- ProtATonce Ltd., Athens, Greece.,School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Liesbet Geris
- GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Biomechanics Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States.,Spine Center, Schön Klinik München Harlaching Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Private Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, Germany
| | - Christine L Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Bone and Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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9
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Martin JT, Wesorick B, Oldweiler AB, Kosinski AS, Goode AP, DeFrate LE. In vivo fluid transport in human intervertebral discs varies by spinal level and disc region. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1199. [PMID: 35783907 PMCID: PMC9238288 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lumbar discs are large, dense tissues that are primarily avascular, and cells residing in the central region of the disc are up to 6-8 mm from the nearest blood vessel in adults. To maintain homeostasis, disc cells rely on nutrient transport between the discs and adjacent vertebrae. Thus, diminished transport has been proposed as a factor in age-related disc degeneration. Methods In this study, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify diurnal changes in T2 relaxation time, an MRI biomarker related to disc hydration, to generate 3D models of disc fluid distribution and determine how diurnal changes in fluid varied by spinal level. We recruited 10 participants (five males/five females; age: 21-30 years; BMI: 19.1-29.0 kg/m2) and evaluated the T2 relaxation time of each disc at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, as well as degeneration grade (Pfirrmann). We also measured disc height, volume, and perimeter in a subset of individuals as a preliminary comparison of geometry and transport properties. Results We found that the baseline (AM) T2 relaxation time and the diurnal change in T2 relaxation time were greatest in the cranial lumbar discs, decreasing along the lumbar spine from cranial to caudal. In cranial discs, T2 relaxation times decreased in each disc region (nucleus pulposus [NP], inner annulus fibrosus [IAF], and outer annulus fibrosus [OAF]), whereas in caudal discs, T2 relaxation times decreased in the NP but increased in the AF. Conclusions Fluid transport varied by spinal level, where transport was greatest in the most cranial lumbar discs and decreased from cranial to caudal along the lumbar spine. Future work should evaluate what level-dependent factors affect transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Martin
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Benjamin Wesorick
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alexander B. Oldweiler
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Andrzej S. Kosinski
- Duke Clinical Research InstituteDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Biostatistics and BioinformaticsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Adam P. Goode
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Duke Clinical Research InstituteDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Population Health SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Louis E. DeFrate
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials ScienceDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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10
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Krull CM, Rife J, Klamer B, Purmessur D, Walter BA. Pericellular heparan sulfate proteoglycans: Role in regulating the biosynthetic response of nucleus pulposus cells to osmotic loading. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1209. [PMID: 35783912 PMCID: PMC9238280 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Daily physiologic loading causes fluctuations in hydration of the intervertebral disc (IVD); thus, the embedded cells experience cyclic alterations to their osmotic environment. These osmotic fluctuations have been described as a mechanism linking mechanics and biology, and have previously been shown to promote biosynthesis in chondrocytes. However, this phenomenon has yet to be fully interrogated in the IVD. Additionally, the specialized extracellular matrix surrounding the cells, the pericellular matrix (PCM), transduces the biophysical signals that cells ultimately experience. While it is known that the PCM is altered in disc degeneration, whether it disrupts normal osmotic mechanotransduction has yet to be determined. Thus, our objectives were to assess: (1) whether dynamic osmotic conditions stimulate biosynthesis in nucleus pulposus cells, and (2) whether pericellular heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) modulate the biosynthetic response to osmotic loading. Methods Bovine nucleus pulposus cells isolated with retained PCM were encapsulated in 1.5% alginate beads and treated with or without heparinase III, an enzyme that degrades the pericellular HSPGs. Beads were subjected to 1 h of daily iso-osmotic, hyper-osmotic, or hypo-osmotic loading for 1, 2, or 4 weeks. At each timepoint the total amount of extracellular and pericellular sGAG/DNA were quantified. Additionally, whether osmotic loading triggered alterations to HSPG sulfation was assessed via immunohistochemistry for the heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfertransferase 1 (HS6ST1) enzyme. Results Osmotic loading significantly influenced sGAG/DNA accumulation with a hyper-osmotic change promoting the greatest sGAG/DNA accumulation in the pericellular region compared with iso-osmotic conditions. Heparanase-III treatment significantly reduced extracellular sGAG/DNA but pericellular sGAG was not affected. HS6ST1 expression was not affected by osmotic loading. Conclusion Results suggest that hyper-osmotic loading promotes matrix synthesis and that modifications to HSPGs directly influence the metabolic responses of cells to osmotic fluctuations. Collectively, results suggest degeneration-associated modifications to pericellular HSPGs may contribute to the altered mechanobiology observed in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly M. Krull
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Jordan Rife
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Brett Klamer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for BiostatisticsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Spine Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Spine Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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11
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Liu Y, Gao GM, Yang KY, Nong LM. Construction of tissue-engineered nucleus pulposus by stimulation with periodic mechanical stress and BMP-2. iScience 2022; 25:104405. [PMID: 35633940 PMCID: PMC9136668 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, which is common among elderly individuals, mainly manifests as low back pain and is caused by structural deterioration of the nucleus pulposus (NP) due to physiological mechanical stress. NP mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) around the IVD endplate have multidirectional differentiation potential and can be used for tissue repair. To define favorable conditions for NPMSC proliferation and differentiation into chondroid cells for NP repair, the present study simulated periodic mechanical stress (PMS) of the NP under physiological conditions using MSC chondrogenic differentiation medium and recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2). rhBMP-2 effectively promoted NPMSC proliferation and differentiation. To clarify the mechanism of action of rhBMP-2, integrin alpha 1 (ITG A1) and BMP-2 were inhibited. PMS regulated the BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 pathway through ITG A1 and promoted NPMSC proliferation and differentiation. During tissue-engineered NP construction, PMS can effectively reduce osteogenic differentiation and promote extracellular matrix protein synthesis to enhance structural NP recovery. Extraction of NPMSCs from degenerated nucleus pulposus NPMSCs cultured in vitro by simulating physiological mechanical stress ITG A1 to promote proliferation and differentiation of NPMSCs through BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 Injectable tissue-engineered nucleus pulposus
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12
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Lyu F. Impact of Microenvironmental Changes during Degeneration on Intervertebral Disc Progenitor Cells: A Comparison with Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:148. [PMID: 35447707 PMCID: PMC9025850 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration occurs with natural ageing and is linked to low back pain, a common disease. As an avascular tissue, the microenvironment inside the IVD is harsh. During degeneration, the condition becomes even more compromised, presenting a significant challenge to the survival and function of the resident cells, as well as to any regeneration attempts using cell implantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a candidate stem cell tool for IVD regeneration. Recently, endogenous IVD progenitor cells have been identified inside the IVD, highlighting their potential for self-repair. IVD progenitor cells have properties similar to MSCs, with minor differences in potency and surface marker expression. Currently, it is unclear how IVD progenitor cells react to microenvironmental factors and in what ways they possibly behave differently to MSCs. Here, we first summarized the microenvironmental factors presented in the IVD and their changes during degeneration. Then, we analyzed the available studies on the responses of IVD progenitor cells and MSCs to these factors, and made comparisons between these two types of cells, when possible, in an attempt to achieve a clear understanding of the characteristics of IVD progenitor cells when compared to MSCs; as well as, to provide possible clues to cell fate after implantation, which may facilitate future manipulation and design of IVD regeneration studies.
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13
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Bach FC, Poramba-Liyanage DW, Riemers FM, Guicheux J, Camus A, Iatridis JC, Chan D, Ito K, Le Maitre CL, Tryfonidou MA. Notochordal Cell-Based Treatment Strategies and Their Potential in Intervertebral Disc Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:780749. [PMID: 35359916 PMCID: PMC8963872 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.780749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is the number one cause of years lived with disability. In about 40% of patients, chronic lower back pain is related to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The standard-of-care focuses on symptomatic relief, while surgery is the last resort. Emerging therapeutic strategies target the underlying cause of IVD degeneration and increasingly focus on the relatively overlooked notochordal cells (NCs). NCs are derived from the notochord and once the notochord regresses they remain in the core of the developing IVD, the nucleus pulposus. The large vacuolated NCs rapidly decline after birth and are replaced by the smaller nucleus pulposus cells with maturation, ageing, and degeneration. Here, we provide an update on the journey of NCs and discuss the cell markers and tools that can be used to study their fate and regenerative capacity. We review the therapeutic potential of NCs for the treatment of IVD-related lower back pain and outline important future directions in this area. Promising studies indicate that NCs and their secretome exerts regenerative effects, via increased proliferation, extracellular matrix production, and anti-inflammatory effects. Reports on NC-like cells derived from embryonic- or induced pluripotent-stem cells claim to have successfully generated NC-like cells but did not compare them with native NCs for phenotypic markers or in terms of their regenerative capacity. Altogether, this is an emerging and active field of research with exciting possibilities. NC-based studies demonstrate that cues from developmental biology can pave the path for future clinical therapies focused on regenerating the diseased IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Frank M. Riemers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jerome Guicheux
- UMR 1229-RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes, France
- UFR Odontologie, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- PHU4 OTONN, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Anne Camus
- UMR 1229-RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Université de Nantes, ONIRIS, Nantes, France
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Le Maitre
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Marianna A. Tryfonidou,
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14
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Gonçalves RM, Saggese T, Yong Z, Ferreira JR, Ignatius A, Wilke HJ, Neidlinger-Wilke C, Teixeira GQ. Interleukin-1β More Than Mechanical Loading Induces a Degenerative Phenotype in Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells, Partially Impaired by Anti-Proteolytic Activity of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:802789. [PMID: 35155408 PMCID: PMC8831733 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.802789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)–based therapies for low back pain and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration have been emerging, despite the poor knowledge of their full mechanism of action. As failure of the annulus fibrosus (AF) is often associated with IVD herniation and inflammation, the objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of the MSC secretome on human AF cells exposed to mechanical loading and a pro-inflammatory environment. Human AF cells isolated from IVD biopsies from patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) or disc degeneration (DD) were exposed to physiological cyclic tensile strain (CTS) for 72 h in a custom-made device, with or without interleukin (IL)-1β medium supplementation. AF cells stimulated with CTS + IL-1β were then treated with secretome from IL-1β–preconditioned MSCs for 48 h. AF cell metabolic activity, gene expression, protein secretion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) concentration were evaluated. Expanded AF cells from AIS and DD patients revealed similar metabolic activity and gene expression profiles. CTS stimulation upregulated collagen type I (COL1A1) expression, while IL-1β significantly stimulated IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, and MMP-3 gene expression and prostaglandin E2 production by AF cells but downregulated COL1A1. The combination of CTS + IL-1β had a similar outcome as IL-1β alone, accompanied by a significant upregulation of elastin. The MSC secretome did not show any immunomodulatory effect on CTS + IL-1β–stimulated AF cells but significantly decreased MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, while increasing the production of TIMP-1. The obtained results demonstrate a stronger impact of the inflammatory milieu on human AF cells than upper physiologic mechanical stress. In addition, a new MSC mechanism of action in degenerated IVD consisting of the modulation of AF MMP activity was also evidenced, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in AF tissue metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel M. Gonçalves
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação Em Saúde (i3S), Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Taryn Saggese
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zhiyao Yong
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Joana R. Ferreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação Em Saúde (i3S), Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anita Ignatius
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Neidlinger-Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Graciosa Q. Teixeira
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- *Correspondence: Graciosa Q. Teixeira,
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15
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Song M, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Kong M, Han S, Wang C, Wang Y, Xu D, Tu Q, Zhu K, Sun C, Li G, Zhao H, Ma X. Inhibition of RhoA/MRTF-A signaling alleviates nucleus pulposus fibrosis induced by mechanical stress overload. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:53-68. [PMID: 34420462 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2021.1952193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/AIM : Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the leading cause of lower back pain, and clinically useful drugs for IDD are unavailable. Mechanical stress overload-induced fibrosis plays a critical role in IDD. RhoA/MRTF-A signaling is known to regulate tissue fibrosis; however, the effect of RhoA/MRTF-A on the development of IDD is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The expression of aggrecan, collagen I, collagen II, MMP-12, CTGF, and MRTF-A in nucleus pulposus (NP) samples from IDD patients and controls was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Primary nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were isolated and cultured to establish an overload strain model treated with or without CCG-1423. The protein levels of RhoA, ROCK2, MRTF-A, CTGF, and MMP-12 as well as fibrosis-associated proteins were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS : Collagen I, MMP-12, and CTGF were significantly upregulated, and aggrecan and collagen II were significantly downregulated in the IDD samples. The cellular localization of MRTF-A was associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Overloaded strain enhanced the nuclear translocation of MRTF-A and changed the NPC morphology from spindle-shaped to long strips. Additional experiments showed that RhoA, ROCK2, MRTF-A, SRF, MMP-12, and CTGF were upregulated; however, aggrecan and collagen II were downregulated in NPCs under overload strain. CCG-1423, a RhoA/MRTF-A pathway inhibitor, reversed strain-induced fibrosis. CONCLUSION : Mechanical stress activates RhoA/MRTF-A signaling to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration in the NP, which is associated with the development of IDD. Our findings suggest that the RhoA/MRTF-A inhibitor CCG-1423 can alleviate NPC degeneration caused by overload stress and has potential as a therapeutic agent for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxiong Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Meng Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Derong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qihao Tu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chong Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guanghui Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuexiao Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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16
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Kudelko M, Chen P, Tam V, Zhang Y, Kong OY, Sharma R, Au TY, To MKT, Cheah KS, Chan WC, Chan D. PRIMUS: Comprehensive proteomics of mouse intervertebral discs that inform novel biology and relevance to human disease modelling. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 12:100082. [PMID: 34409283 PMCID: PMC8361275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2021.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomics of healthy mouse IVDs differentiating compartments and spine levels. NP cells feature vacuoles with lysosomal, transport and cell–cell communication functions. Collagen XII, decorin and other ECM proteins contribute to function of the AF. Distinct proteomics between lumbar and tail discs. Mouse is a relevant model for human disc biology but care is needed in its use.
Mice are commonly used to study intervertebral disc (IVD) biology and related diseases such as IVD degeneration. Discs from both the lumbar and tail regions are used. However, little is known about compartmental characteristics in the different regions, nor their relevance to the human setting, where a functional IVD unit depends on a homeostatic proteome. Here, we address these major gaps through comprehensive proteomic profiling and in-depth analyses of 8-week-old healthy murine discs, followed by comparisons with human. Leveraging on a dataset of over 2,700 proteins from 31 proteomic profiles, we identified key molecular and cellular differences between disc compartments and spine levels, but not gender. The nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) compartments differ the most, both in matrisome and cellularity contents. Differences in the matrisome are consistent with the fibrous nature required for tensile strength in the AF and hydration property in the NP. Novel findings for the NP cells included an enrichment in cell junction proteins for cell–cell communication (Cdh2, Dsp and Gja1) and osmoregulation (Slc12a2 and Wnk1). In NP cells, we detected heterogeneity of vacuolar organelles; where about half have potential lysosomal function (Vamp3, Copb2, Lamp1/2, Lamtor1), some contain lipid droplets and others with undefined contents. The AF is enriched in proteins for the oxidative stress responses (Sod3 and Clu). Interestingly, mitochondrial proteins are elevated in the lumbar than tail IVDs that may reflect differences in metabolic requirement. Relative to the human, cellular and structural information are conserved for the AF. Even though the NP is more divergent between mouse and human, there are similarities at the level of cell biology. Further, common cross-species markers were identified for both NP (KRT8/19, CD109) and AF (COL12A1). Overall, mouse is a relevant model to study IVD biology, and an understanding of the limitation will facilitate research planning and data interpretation, maximizing the translation of research findings to human IVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kudelko
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Peikai Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong -Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China
| | - Vivian Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Oi-Yin Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Tiffany Y.K. Au
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Michael Kai-Tsun To
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong -Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kathryn S.E. Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Wilson C.W. Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong -Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong -Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China
- Corresponding author at: School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Building, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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17
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Zhou M, Lim S, O’Connell GD. A Robust Multiscale and Multiphasic Structure-Based Modeling Framework for the Intervertebral Disc. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:685799. [PMID: 34164388 PMCID: PMC8215504 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.685799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of multiscale and multiphasic intervertebral disc mechanics is crucial for designing advanced tissue engineered structures aiming to recapitulate native tissue behavior. The bovine caudal disc is a commonly used human disc analog due to its availability, large disc height and area, and similarities in biochemical and mechanical properties to the human disc. Because of challenges in directly measuring subtissue-level mechanics, such as in situ fiber mechanics, finite element models have been widely employed in spinal biomechanics research. However, many previous models use homogenization theory and describe each model element as a homogenized combination of fibers and the extrafibrillar matrix while ignoring the role of water content or osmotic behavior. Thus, these models are limited in their ability in investigating subtissue-level mechanics and stress-bearing mechanisms through fluid pressure. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a structure-based bovine caudal disc model, and to evaluate multiscale and multiphasic intervertebral disc mechanics under different loading conditions and with degeneration. The structure-based model was developed based on native disc structure, where fibers and matrix in the annulus fibrosus were described as distinct materials occupying separate volumes. Model parameters were directly obtained from experimental studies without calibration. Under the multiscale validation framework, the model was validated across the joint-, tissue-, and subtissue-levels. Our model accurately predicted multiscale disc responses for 15 of 16 cases, emphasizing the accuracy of the model, as well as the effectiveness and robustness of the multiscale structure-based modeling-validation framework. The model also demonstrated the rim as a weak link for disc failure, highlighting the importance of keeping the cartilage endplate intact when evaluating disc failure mechanisms in vitro. Importantly, results from this study elucidated important fluid-based load-bearing mechanisms and fiber-matrix interactions that are important for understanding disease progression and regeneration in intervertebral discs. In conclusion, the methods presented in this study can be used in conjunction with experimental work to simultaneously investigate disc joint-, tissue-, and subtissue-level mechanics with degeneration, disease, and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhao Zhou
- Berkeley Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Shiyin Lim
- Berkeley Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Grace D. O’Connell
- Berkeley Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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18
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Jacobsen T, Hernandez P, Chahine N. Inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 protects against inflammation-induced mechanobiological alterations to intervertebral disc cells. Eur Cell Mater 2021; 41:576-591. [PMID: 34013512 PMCID: PMC8329983 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v041a37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines implicated in disease aetiology and matrix degradation. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) has been shown to participate in the inflammatory responses of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and its levels are upregulated in disc degeneration. Activation of TLR4 in NP cells leads to significant, persistent changes in cell biophysical properties, including hydraulic permeability and osmotically active water content, as well as alterations to the actin cytoskeleton. The study hypothesis was that inflammation-induced changes to cellular biomechanical properties and actin cytoskeleton of NP cells could be prevented by inhibiting TLR4 signalling. Isolated NP cells from bovine discs were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the best studied TLR4 agonist, with or without treatment with the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242. Cellular volume regulation responses to step osmotic loading were measured and the transient volume-response was captured by time-lapse microscopy. Volume-responses were analysed using mixture theory framework to investigate hydraulic permeability and osmotically active intracellular water content. Hydraulic permeability and cell radius were significantly increased with LPS treatment and these changes were blocked in cells treated with TAK-242. LPS-induced remodelling of cortical actin and IL-6 upregulation were also mitigated by TAK-242 treatment. These findings indicated that TLR4 signalling participated in NP cell biophysical regulation and may be an important target for mitigating altered cell responses observed in IVD inflammation and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- T.D. Jacobsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University,
New York, NY
| | - P.A. Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, TX
| | - N.O. Chahine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University,
New York, NY,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New
York, NY,Address for correspondence: Nadeen
Chahine, 650 W 168th St, William Black Building, 14th
Floor Room 14-1408E, New York, NY 10032, USA. Telephone number: +1 2123051515,
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19
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Croft AS, Guerrero J, Oswald KAC, Häckel S, Albers CE, Gantenbein B. Effect of different cryopreservation media on human nucleus pulposus cells' viability and trilineage potential. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1140. [PMID: 33778412 PMCID: PMC7983999 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a significant cause of disability in many countries, affecting more than half a billion people worldwide. In the past, progenitor cells have been found within the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the human intervertebral disc (IVD). However, in the context of cell therapy, little is known about the effect of cryopreservation and expansion on here called "heterogenic" human NP cells (hNPCs), and whether commercially available cryopreservation media are more efficient than "commonly used" media in terms of cell viability. Materials: In this study, hNPCs from four trauma patients (age 40.5 ± 14.3 years) and two patients with degenerated IVDs (age 24 and 46 years), undergoing spinal surgery, were collected. To isolate hNPCs, the tissue was digested with a mild two-step protocol. After subsequent expansion, hNPCs at passages 2-5 were separated and either cryo-preserved for 1 week at -150°C or differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, or chondrogenic lineages for 21 days. Cryopreservation was performed with five different media to compare their effect on the cell's viability and differentiation potential. Cell viability was determined with flow cytometry using propidium iodide and the trilineage differentiation potential was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histological analysis. Results: After 1 week of cryopreservation, the hNPC's cell viability was comparable for all conditions, that is, independent of the cryopreservation medium used (82.3 ± 0.8% of cell viability). Furthermore, hNPCs from trauma patients showed some evidence for adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation and at lower levels, this and evidence of osteogenic differentiation could be confirmed with hNPCs from degenerated discs. Moreover, cryopreservation did not affect the cell's differentiation potential in the majority of the cases tested. Conclusion: "Commonly used" cryopreservation media seem to perform just as well as commercially available media in terms of cell viability and the overall maintenance of the hNPCs trilineage differentiation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas S. Croft
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology (TOM), The Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Medical Faculty of the University of BernUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Julien Guerrero
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology (TOM), The Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Medical Faculty of the University of BernUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Katharina A. C. Oswald
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University HospitalUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Sonja Häckel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University HospitalUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Christoph E. Albers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University HospitalUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology (TOM), The Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Medical Faculty of the University of BernUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University HospitalUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
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20
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Morris H, Gonçalves CF, Dudek M, Hoyland J, Meng QJ. Tissue physiology revolving around the clock: circadian rhythms as exemplified by the intervertebral disc. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:828-839. [PMID: 33397731 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-219515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks in the brain and peripheral tissues temporally coordinate local physiology to align with the 24 hours rhythmic environment through light/darkness, rest/activity and feeding/fasting cycles. Circadian disruptions (during ageing, shift work and jet-lag) have been proposed as a risk factor for degeneration and disease of tissues, including the musculoskeletal system. The intervertebral disc (IVD) in the spine separates the bony vertebrae and permits movement of the spinal column. IVD degeneration is highly prevalent among the ageing population and is a leading cause of lower back pain. The IVD is known to experience diurnal changes in loading patterns driven by the circadian rhythm in rest/activity cycles. In recent years, emerging evidence indicates the existence of molecular circadian clocks within the IVD, disruption to which accelerates tissue ageing and predispose animals to IVD degeneration. The cell-intrinsic circadian clocks in the IVD control key aspects of physiology and pathophysiology by rhythmically regulating the expression of ~3.5% of the IVD transcriptome, allowing cells to cope with the drastic biomechanical and chemical changes that occur throughout the day. Indeed, epidemiological studies on long-term shift workers have shown an increased incidence of lower back pain. In this review, we summarise recent findings of circadian rhythms in health and disease, with the IVD as an exemplar tissue system. We focus on rhythmic IVD functions and discuss implications of utilising biological timing mechanisms to improve tissue health and mitigate degeneration. These findings may have broader implications in chronic rheumatic conditions, given the recent findings of musculoskeletal circadian clocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honor Morris
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cátia F Gonçalves
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michal Dudek
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Judith Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK .,NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University, NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Qing-Jun Meng
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK .,Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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21
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Kim MKM, Burns MJ, Serjeant ME, Séguin CA. The mechano-response of murine annulus fibrosus cells to cyclic tensile strain is frequency dependent. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e21114. [PMID: 33392464 PMCID: PMC7770207 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disk (IVD) is a composite structure essential for spine stabilization, load bearing, and movement. Biomechanical factors are important contributors to the IVD microenvironment regulating joint homeostasis; however, the cell type-specific effectors of mechanotransduction in the IVD are not fully understood. The current study aimed to determine the effects of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) on annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and identify mechano-sensitive pathways. Using a cell-type specific reporter mouse to differentiation NP and AF cells from the murine IVD, we characterized AF cells in dynamic culture exposed to CTS (6% strain) at specific frequencies (0.1 Hz, 1.0 Hz, or 2.0 Hz). We demonstrate that our culture model maintains the phenotype of primary AF cells and that the bioreactor system delivers uniform biaxial strain across the cell culture surface. We show that exposure of AF cells to CTS induces cytoskeleton reorganization resulting in stress fiber formation, with acute exposure to CTS at 2.0 Hz inducing a significant yet transient increase ERK1/2 pathway activation. Using SYBPR-based qPCR to assess the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, ECM-remodeling genes, candidate mechano-sensitive genes, inflammatory cytokines and cell surface receptors, we demonstrated that exposure of AF cells to CTS at 0.1 Hz increased Acan, Prg4, Col1a1 and Mmp3 expression. AF cells exposed to CTS at 1.0 Hz showed a significant increase in the expression of Acan, Myc, and Tnfα. Exposure of AF cells to CTS at 2.0 Hz induced a significant increase in Acan, Prg4, Cox2, Myc, Fos, and Tnfα expression. Among the cell surface receptors assessed, AF cells exposed to CTS at 2.0 Hz showed a significant increase in Itgβ1, Itgα5, and Trpv4 expression. Our findings demonstrate that the response of AF cells to CTS is frequency dependent and suggest that mechanical loading may directly contribute to matrix remodeling and the onset of local tissue inflammation in the murine IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyu M. Kim
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Marissa J. Burns
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Meaghan E. Serjeant
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Cheryle A. Séguin
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
- Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
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22
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Takeoka Y, Kang JD, Mizuno S. In vitro nucleus pulposus tissue model with physicochemical stresses. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1105. [PMID: 33015578 PMCID: PMC7524234 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral discs (IVDs) are exposed to changes in physicochemical stresses including hydrostatic and osmotic pressure via diurnal spinal motion. Homeostasis, degeneration, and regeneration in IVDs have been studied using in vitro, ex vivo, and animal models. However, incubation of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in medium has limited capability to reproduce anabolic turnover and regeneration under physicochemical stresses. We developed a novel pressure/perfusion cell culture system and a semipermeable membrane pouch device for enclosing isolated NP cells for in vitro incubation under physicochemical stresses. We assessed the performance of this system to identify an appropriate stress loading regimen to promote gene expression and consistent accumulation of extracellular matrices by bovine caudal NP cells. Cyclic hydrostatic pressure (HP) for 4 days followed by constant HP for 3 days in high osmolality (HO; 450 mOsm/kg H2O) showed a trend towards upregulated aggrecan expression and dense accumulation of keratan sulfate without gaps by the NP cells. Furthermore, a repetitive regimen of cyclic HP for 2 days followed by constant HP for 1 day in HO (repeated twice) significantly upregulated gene expression of aggrecan (P < .05) compared to no pressure and suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression (P < .05) at 6 days. Our culture system and pouches will be useful to reproduce physicochemical stresses in NP cells for simulating anabolic, catabolic, and homeostatic turnover under diurnal spinal motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Takeoka
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - James D. Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Shuichi Mizuno
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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23
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Hernandez PA, Jacobsen TD, Chahine NO. Actomyosin contractility confers mechanoprotection against TNFα-induced disruption of the intervertebral disc. Sci Adv 2020; 6:eaba2368. [PMID: 32875103 PMCID: PMC7438088 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation triggers degradation of intervertebral disc extracellular matrix (ECM), a hallmark of disc degeneration that contributes to back pain. Mechanosensitive nucleus pulposus cells are responsible for ECM production, yet the impact of a proinflammatory microenvironment on cell mechanobiology is unknown. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we show that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced inflammation alters cell morphology and biophysical properties (circularity, contractility, cell stiffness, and hydraulic permeability) in a mechanism dependent on actomyosin contractility in a three-dimensional (3D) culture. We found that RhoA activation rescued cells from TNFα-induced mechanobiological disruption. Using a novel explant-in-hydrogel culture system, we demonstrate that nuclear factor kappa-B nuclear translocation and transcription are mechanosensitive, and its downstream effects on ECM degradation are regulated by actomyosin contractility. Results define a scaling relationship between circularity, contractility, and hydraulic permeability that is conserved from healthy to inflammatory microenvironments and is indicative of cell mechanobiological control across scales in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Hernandez
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Timothy D. Jacobsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nadeen O. Chahine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Sadowska A, Altinay B, Hitzl W, Ferguson SJ, Wuertz-Kozak K. Hypo-Osmotic Loading Induces Expression of IL-6 in Nucleus Pulposus Cells of the Intervertebral Disc Independent of TRPV4 and TRPM7. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:952. [PMID: 32714187 PMCID: PMC7341822 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Painful intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is an age-related process characterized by reduced tissue osmolarity, increased catabolism of the extracellular matrix, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory molecules. With the aging population and constantly rising treatment costs, it is of utmost importance to identify potential therapeutic targets and new pharmacological treatment strategies for low back pain. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a family of Ca2+ permeable cell membrane receptors, which can be activated by multitude of stimuli and have recently emerged as contributors to joint disease, but were not investigated closer in the IVD. Based on the gene array screening, TRPC1, TRPM7, and TRPV4 were overall the most highly expressed TRP channels in bovine IVD cells. We demonstrated that TRPV4 gene expression was down-regulated in hypo-osmotic condition, whereas its Ca2+ flux increased. No significant differences in Ca2+ flux and gene expression were observed for TRPM7 between hypo- and iso-osmotic groups. Upon hypo-osmotic stimulation, we overall identified via RNA sequencing over 3,000 up- or down-regulated targets, from which we selected aggrecan, ADAMTS9, and IL-6 and investigated whether their altered gene expression is mediated through either the TRPV4 or TRPM7 channel, using specific activators and inhibitors (GSK1016790A/GSK2193874 for TRPV4 and Naltriben/NS8593 for TRPM7). GSK1016790A induced the expression of IL-6 under iso-osmotic condition, alike to hypo-osmotic stimulation alone, indicating that this effect might be TRPV4-mediated. However, using the TRPV4 blocker GSK2193874 failed to prevent the increase of IL-6 under hypo-osmotic condition. A treatment with TRPM7-activator did not cause significant changes in the gene expression of tested targets. In conclusion, while TRPV4 and TRPM7 are likely involved in osmosensing in the IVD, neither of them mediates hypo-osmotically-induced gene expression changes of aggrecan, ADAMTS9, and IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Birsen Altinay
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Hitzl
- Research Office (Biostatistics), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Tissue Regeneration & Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY, United States.,Spine Center, Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Salzburg Paracelsus Medical University, Munich, Germany
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25
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Zhao C, Quan X, He J, Zhao R, Zhang Y, Li X, Sun S, Ma R, Zhang Q. Identification of significant gene biomarkers of low back pain caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of nucleus pulposus cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3708. [PMID: 32111963 PMCID: PMC7048739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60714-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration disease, caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, increases with age. In general, low back pain is associated with IVD degeneration. However, the mechanism and molecular target of low back pain have not been elucidated, and there are no data suggesting specific biomarkers of low back pain. Therefore, the research aims to identify and verify the significant gene biomarkers of low back pain. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the identification and analysis of significant gene biomarkers were also performed with various bioinformatics programs. A total of 120 patients with low back pain were recruited. Before surgery, the degree of pain was measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS), which enables comparison of the pain scores from individuals. After surgery, IVD tissues were obtained, and NP cells were isolated. The NP cells were cultured in two various osmotic media, including iso-osmotic media (293 mOsm/kg H2O) to account for the morbid environment of NP cells in IVD degeneration disease and hyper-osmotic media (450 mOsm/kg H2O) to account for the normal condition of NP cells in healthy individuals. The relative mRNA expression levels of CCL5, OPRL1, CXCL13, and SST were measured by quantitative real-time PCR in the in vitro analysis of the osmotic pressure experiments. Finally, correlation analysis and a neural network module were employed to explore the linkage between significant gene biomarkers and pain. A total of 371 DEGs were identified, including 128 downregulated genes and 243 upregulated genes. Furthermore, the four genes (CCL5, OPRL1, SST, and CXCL13) were identified as significant gene biomarkers of low back pain (P < 0.001) based on univariate linear regression, and CCL5 (odds ratio, 34.667; P = 0.003) and OPRL1 (odds ratio, 19.875; P < 0.001) were significantly related to low back pain through multivariate logistic regression. The expression of CCL5 and OPRL1 might be correlated with low back pain in patients with IVD degeneration disease caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of NP cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemin Quan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Rugang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China.
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26
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Xu J, Li H, Yang K, Guo S, Wang J, Feng C, Chen H. Hyper-osmolarity environment-induced oxidative stress injury promotes nucleus pulposus cell senescence in vitro. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20191711. [PMID: 31471533 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20191711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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27
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Shah BS, Chahine NO. Dynamic Hydrostatic Pressure Regulates Nucleus Pulposus Phenotypic Expression and Metabolism in a Cell Density-Dependent Manner. J Biomech Eng 2019; 140:2666887. [PMID: 29247254 DOI: 10.1115/1.4038758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic hydrostatic pressure (HP) loading can modulate nucleus pulposus (NP) cell metabolism, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, and induce transformation of notochordal NP cells into mature phenotype. However, the effects of varying cell density and dynamic HP magnitude on NP phenotype and metabolism are unknown. This study examined the effects of physiological magnitudes of HP loading applied to bovine NP cells encapsulated within three-dimensional (3D) alginate beads. Study 1: seeding density (1 M/mL versus 4 M/mL) was evaluated in unloaded and loaded (0.1 MPa, 0.1 Hz) conditions. Study 2: loading magnitude (0, 0.1, and 0.6 MPa) applied at 0.1 Hz to 1 M/mL for 7 days was evaluated. Study 1: 4 M/mL cell density had significantly lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen content, and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). HP loading significantly increased ATP levels, and expression of aggrecan, collagen I, keratin-19, and N-cadherin in HP loaded versus unloaded groups. Study 2: aggrecan expression increased in a dose dependent manner with HP magnitude, whereas N-cadherin and keratin-19 expression were greatest in low HP loading compared to unloaded. Overall, the findings of the current study indicate that cell seeding density within a 3D construct is a critical variable influencing the mechanobiological response of NP cells to HP loading. NP mechanobiology and phenotypic expression was also found to be dependent on the magnitude of HP loading. These findings suggest that HP loading and culture conditions of NP cells may require complex optimization for engineering an NP replacement tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhranti S Shah
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Nadeen O Chahine
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, 14-1408E, New York, NY 10032.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 e-mail:
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28
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Tessier S, Madhu V, Johnson ZI, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. NFAT5/TonEBP controls early acquisition of notochord phenotypic markers, collagen composition, and sonic hedgehog signaling during mouse intervertebral disc embryogenesis. Dev Biol 2019; 455:369-381. [PMID: 31301300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High osmolarity, bound water, and hydrostatic pressure contribute to notochord mechanics and its morphogenesis into the nucleus pulposus (NP) compartment of the intervertebral disc. Indeed, the osmoadaptive transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5 aka TonEBP), is robustly expressed by resident cells of the notochord and NP. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that drive notochord osmoregulation and the functions of NFAT5 in disc embryogenesis remain largely unexplored. In this study, we show that deletion of NFAT5 in mice results in delayed vertebral column development and a reduced NP aspect ratio in the caudal spine. This phenotype is associated with lower levels of the T-box transcription factor, Brachyury, delayed expression of notochord phenotypic markers, and decreased collagen II deposition in the perinotochordal sheath and condensing mesenchyme. In addition, NFAT5 mutants showed a stage-dependent dysregulation of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling with non-classical expression of Gli1. Generation of mice with notochord-specific deletion of IFT88 (ShhcreERT2;Ift88f/f) supported this mode of Gli1 regulation. Using isolated primary NP cells and bioinformatics approaches, we further show that Ptch1 and Smo expression is controlled by NFAT5 in a cell autonomous manner. Altogether, our results demonstrate that NFAT5 contributes to notochord and disc embryogenesis through its regulation of hallmark notochord phenotypic markers, extracellular matrix, and Shh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tessier
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vedavathi Madhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zariel I Johnson
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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29
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Articular chondrocytes are exclusively responsible for the turnover of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of hyaline cartilage. However, chondrocytes are phenotypically unstable and, if they de-differentiate into hypertrophic or fibroblastic forms, will produce a defective and weak matrix. Chondrocyte volume and morphology exert a strong influence over phenotype and a full appreciation of the factors controlling chondrocyte phenotype stability is central to understanding (a) the mechanisms underlying the cartilage failure in osteoarthritis (OA), (b) the rationale for hyaline cartilage repair, and (c) the strategies for improving the engineering of resilient cartilage. The focus of this review is on the factors involved in, and the importance of regulating, chondrocyte morphology and volume as key controllers of chondrocyte phenotype. RECENT FINDINGS The visualisation of fluorescently-labelled in situ chondrocytes within non-degenerate and mildly degenerate cartilage, by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) and imaging software, has identified the marked heterogeneity of chondrocyte volume and morphology. The presence of chondrocytes with cytoplasmic processes, increased volume, and clustering suggests important early changes to their phenotype. Results from experiments more closely aligned to the normal physico-chemical environment of in situ chondrocytes are emphasising the importance of understanding the factors controlling chondrocyte morphology and volume that ultimately affect phenotype. An appreciation of the importance of chondrocyte volume and morphology for controlling the chondrocyte phenotype is advancing at a rapid pace and holds particular promise for developing strategies for protecting the chondrocytes against deleterious changes and thereby maintaining healthy and resilient cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Hall
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK.
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Snuggs JW, Day RE, Bach FC, Conner MT, Bunning RAD, Tryfonidou MA, Le Maitre CL. Aquaporin expression in the human and canine intervertebral disc during maturation and degeneration. JOR Spine 2019; 2:e1049. [PMID: 31463463 PMCID: PMC6686802 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a highly hydrated tissue, the rich proteoglycan matrix imbibes water, enabling the disc to withstand compressive loads. During aging and degeneration increased matrix degradation leads to dehydration and loss of function. Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins that selectively allow the passage of water in and out of cells and are responsible for maintaining water homeostasis in many tissues. Here, the expression of all 13 AQPs at gene and protein level was investigated in human and canine nondegenerate and degenerate IVDs to develop an understanding of the role of AQPs during degeneration. Furthermore, in order to explore the transition of notochordal cells (NCs) towards nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, AQP expression was investigated in canine IVDs enriched in NCs to understand the role of AQPs in IVD maturation. AQP0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 were expressed at gene and protein level in both nondegenerate and degenerate human NP tissue. AQP2 and 7 immunopositivity increased with degeneration in human NP tissue, whereas AQP4 expression decreased with degeneration in a similar way to AQP1 and 5 shown previously. All AQP proteins that were identified in human NP tissue were also expressed in canine NP tissue. AQP2, 5, 6, and 9 were found to localize to vacuole-like membranes and cell membranes in NC cells. In conclusion, AQPs were abundantly expressed in human and canine IVDs. The expression of many AQP isotypes potentially alludes to multifaceted functions related to adaption of NP cells to the conditions they encounter within their microenvironment in health and degeneration. The presence of AQPs within the IVD may suggest an adaptive role for these water channels during the development and maintenance of the healthy, mature IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Snuggs
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - Rebecca E. Day
- Biomolecular Sciences Research CentreSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
| | - Frances C. Bach
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Matthew T. Conner
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringUniversity of WolverhamptonWolverhamptonUK
| | | | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Alinejad Y, Adoungotchodo A, Grant MP, Epure LM, Antoniou J, Mwale F, Lerouge S. Injectable Chitosan Hydrogels with Enhanced Mechanical Properties for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:303-313. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Alinejad
- Laboratory of Endovascular Biomaterials (LBeV), Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Montreal, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Atma Adoungotchodo
- Laboratory of Endovascular Biomaterials (LBeV), Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Montreal, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michael P. Grant
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Laura M. Epure
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - John Antoniou
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fackson Mwale
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sophie Lerouge
- Laboratory of Endovascular Biomaterials (LBeV), Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Montreal, Canada
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Mizuno S, Kashiwa K, Kang JD. Molecular and histological characteristics of bovine caudal nucleus pulposus by combined changes in hydrostatic and osmotic pressures in vitro. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:466-476. [PMID: 30480329 PMCID: PMC6590145 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is ubiquitous among aging patients, and altered matrix homeostasis is one of the key features of this condition. Physicochemical stresses have a significant impact on matrix homeostasis as they lead to progressive degeneration and may be associated with spinal pain and dysfunction. Thus, it is important to understand the cellular and matrix characteristics of nucleus pulposus in response to these stresses, which include hydrostatic and osmotic pressures during alternate loading conditions. We hypothesized that a combination of changes in hydrostatic pressure and in osmotic pressure that mimic normal, daily spinal stress would stimulate anabolic function, whereas a non-realistic combination of those stresses would stimulate catabolic function in nucleus pulposus cells. We examined the effects of these combined stresses, represented by 12 systematic conditions, on the metabolic activities of enzymatically isolated bovine caudal nucleus pulposus in vitro. We measured the gene expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and evaluated the quality of the matrix and the capability of cell proliferation immunohistologically. Combined cyclic hydrostatic pressure at 0.5 MPa, 0.5 Hz, and high osmotic pressure at 450 mOsm upregulated the aggrecan core protein and collagen type-II gene expression significantly (p < 0.05), and showed trends of upregulation of chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1, matrix metalloproteinase-13, and PCNA. ECM, however, contained empty spaces at a high osmotic pressure with and without hydrostatic pressure. Since ECM has highly specialized physicochemical properties, homeostasis should involve not only phenotypic cellular behavior but also turnover of ECM. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 37:466-476, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Mizuno
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School75 Francis StreetBostonMassachusetts02115
| | - Kaori Kashiwa
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School75 Francis StreetBostonMassachusetts02115
| | - James D. Kang
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School75 Francis StreetBostonMassachusetts02115
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Saggese T, Teixeira GQ, Wade K, Moll L, Ignatius A, Wilke HJ, Goncalves RM, Neidlinger-Wilke C. GEORG SCHMORL PRIZE OF THE GERMAN SPINE SOCIETY (DWG) 2018: combined inflammatory and mechanical stress weakens the annulus fibrosus: evidences from a loaded bovine AF organ culture. Eur Spine J 2019; 28:922-933. [PMID: 30689044 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-019-05901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The pathomechanism of annulus fibrosus (AF) failure is still unknown. We hypothesise that mechanical overload and an inflammatory microenvironment contribute to AF structural weakening. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of these factors on the AF, particularly the translamellar bridging network (TLBN) which connects the AF lamellae. METHODS A bovine AF organ culture (AF-OC) model of standardised AF rings was used to study the individual and combined effects of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) and IL-1β (1 ng/mL) culture medium supplementation. AF-OCs were analysed for PGE2 production (ELISA) and deposition of IL-6, COX-2, fibrillin, and MMP3 in the tissue (immunohistochemistry, IHC). The mechanical strength of the TLBN was evaluated using a peel test to measure the strength required to separate an AF segment along a lamellar bound. RESULTS The combination of CTS + IL-1β led to a significant increase in PGE2 production compared to Control (p < 0.01). IHC evaluations showed that the CTS + IL-1β group exhibited higher production of COX-2 and MMP3 within the TLBN regions compared to the adjacent lamellae and a significant increase in IL-6 ratio compared to Control (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in the annular peel strength was observed in the CTS + IL1β group compared to Control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CTS and IL-1β act synergistically to increase pro-inflammatory and catabolic molecules within the AF, particularly the TLBN, leading to a weakening of the tissue. This standardised model enables the investigation of AF/TLBN structure-function relationship and is a platform to test AF-focused therapeutics. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Saggese
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Graciosa Q Teixeira
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kelly Wade
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lydia Moll
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anita Ignatius
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Raquel M Goncalves
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cornelia Neidlinger-Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 14, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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de Vries SA, van Doeselaar M, Meij BP, Tryfonidou MA, Ito K. Notochordal cell matrix: An inhibitor of neurite and blood vessel growth? J Orthop Res 2018; 36:3188-3195. [PMID: 30035331 PMCID: PMC6585673 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel and neurite ingrowth into the degenerating intervertebral disc (IVD) are related to pain. In reported studies, notochordal cell (NC)-conditioned medium (NCCM) induced a regenerative response of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, but also inhibition of neurite and vessel formation. NC matrix (NCM) derived from NC-rich NP tissue, induced even stronger anabolic effects than NCCM. Thus, the aim was to investigate whether NCM has similar anti-neurogenic and -angiogenic properties as NCCM. NCM and NCCM where produced from porcine NC-rich NP tissue. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in base medium (BM, 300 mOsm), NCCM (produced at 300 and 400 mOsm), NCM, or with chondroitin sulfate (CS, positive control) in angiogenesis-inducing medium, after which vessel length was measured. Although CS alone inhibited vessel growth, NCCM (both osmolarities) stimulated vessel formation by HUVECs. NCM did not affect vessel growth relative to BM. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured in BM, NCCM, and NCM on poly-D-lysine coated and polystyrene surfaces, and analyzed for neurite length and percentage of neurite expressing cells. On coated surfaces, neither NCCM nor NCM affected neurite growth. On a polystyrene surface, NCCM and NCM induced a higher number of neurite-expressing cells. NCCM's previously reported anti-angiogenic and -neurogenic effects were not observed in this study. Although addition of CS inhibited HUVEC vessel formation, other factors may be present in NCCM and NCM that affect neurite and vessel growth. Therefore, future studies testing an NC-based regenerative strategy should carefully assess the risk of such adverse effects in an in vivo setting. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3188-3195, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A.H. de Vries
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoventhe Netherlands
| | - Marina van Doeselaar
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoventhe Netherlands
| | - Björn P. Meij
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Marianna A. Tryfonidou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion AnimalsUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Keita Ito
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoventhe Netherlands,Department of OrthopaedicsUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
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35
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Jiao S, Li J, Liu B, Yang M, Xiu J, Qu D. Nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis is attenuated by CDMP-2 through regulating oxidative damage under the hyperosmotic environment. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20181176. [PMID: 30177520 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20181176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disc nucleus pulposus (NP) cell experiences periodic osmolarity alterations during daily activities, which has been proved to affect cell biology in vitro. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 (CDMP-2) on NP cell apoptosis under the hyperosmolarity culture and the potential mechanism. Isolated rat NP cells were cultured in the in situ-osmolarity medium or hyperosmolarity medium for 3 days. CDMP-2 was added into the hyperosmolarity medium to investigate its effects on NP cell apoptosis. Cell apoptosis rate, caspase-3 activity, gene expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3, and protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed to evaluate NP cell apoptosis. Additionally, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were analyzed to investigate the potential role of oxidative damage in this process. In the hyperosmolarity culture, NP cells showed a significantly increased cell apoptosis rate and caspase-3 activity, an up-regulated expression of Bax and caspase-3/cleaved-caspase-3 and a down-regulated expression of Bcl-2. However, CDMP-2 partly inhibited these effects of hyperosmolarity culture on NP cells. Additionally, the hyperosmolarity culture significantly increased ROS content and decreased the total SOD activity compared with the in situ-osmolarity culture, whereas exogenous CDMP-2 partly decreased the ROS content and increased the total SOD activity in the hyperosmolarity culture. In conclusion, CDMP-2 is effective in attenuating hyperosmolarity environment-induced NP cell apoptosis, and this process may be mediated through inhibiting oxidative stress damage. The present study indicates that CDMP-2 may be helpful to retard hyperosmolarity niche-mediated disc degeneration.
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36
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Buckley CT, Hoyland JA, Fujii K, Pandit A, Iatridis JC, Grad S. Critical aspects and challenges for intervertebral disc repair and regeneration-Harnessing advances in tissue engineering. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1029. [PMID: 30895276 PMCID: PMC6400108 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Low back pain represents the highest burden of musculoskeletal diseases worldwide and intervertebral disc degeneration is frequently associated with this painful condition. Even though it remains challenging to clearly recognize generators of discogenic pain, tissue regeneration has been accepted as an effective treatment option with significant potential. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine offer a plethora of exploratory pathways for functional repair or prevention of tissue breakdown. However, the intervertebral disc has extraordinary biological and mechanical demands that must be met to assure sustained success. This concise perspective review highlights the role of the disc microenvironment, mechanical and clinical design considerations, function vs mimicry in biomaterial‐based and cell engineering strategies, and potential constraints for clinical translation of regenerative therapies for the intervertebral disc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor T Buckley
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland.,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
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine University of Manchester Manchester UK.,NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester Foundation Trust Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester UK
| | - Kengo Fujii
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Tsukuba Tsukuba Japan
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) National University of Ireland Galway Ireland
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA
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Guo M, Wang D, Liu H, Chen L, Wei J, Lin Y, Xue H. Lupeol against high-glucose-induced apoptosis via enhancing the anti-oxidative stress in rabbit nucleus pulposus cells. Eur Spine J 2018; 27:2609-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-018-5687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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38
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Chu G, Shi C, Wang H, Zhang W, Yang H, Li B. Strategies for Annulus Fibrosus Regeneration: From Biological Therapies to Tissue Engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:90. [PMID: 30042942 PMCID: PMC6048238 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) is an avascular tissue which contributes to the weight bearing, motion, and flexibility of spine. However, IVD is susceptible to damage and even failure due to injury, pathology, and aging. Annulus fibrosus (AF), the structural and functional integrity of which is critically essential to confine nucleus pulpous (NP) and maintain physiological intradiscal pressure under mechanical loading, plays a critical role in the biomechanical properties of IVD. AF degeneration commonly results in substantial deterioration of IVD. During this process, the biomechanical properties of AF and the balance between anabolism and catabolism in IVD are progressively disrupted, leading to chronic back pain, and even disability of individuals. Therefore, repairing and regenerating AF are effective treatments to degeneration-associated pains. However, they remain highly challenging due to the complexity of natural AF tissue in the aspects of cell phenotype, biochemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Tissue engineering (TE), by combining biological science and materials engineering, shed lights on AF regeneration. In this article, we review recent advances in the pro-anabolic approaches in the form of cell delivery, bioactive factors delivery, gene therapy, and TE strategies for achieving AF regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglei Chu
- Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chen Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huan Wang
- Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Li
- Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Group, Hangzhou, China
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Kouroumalis A, Mavrogonatou E, Savvidou OD, Papagelopoulos PJ, Pratsinis H, Kletsas D. Major traits of the senescent phenotype of nucleus pulposus intervertebral disc cells persist under the specific microenvironmental conditions of the tissue. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 177:118-127. [PMID: 29778758 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral discs (IVDs) are the joints of the spine, mainly consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM) with a low number of cells embedded therein. Low cellularity stems from nutrient deprivation due to the lack of blood supply, as well as from the hypoxic and hyperosmotic conditions prevailing in the tissue. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been firmly connected with low back pain, a major age-related disease, whereas degenerated discs have been characterized by increased proteolytic activity and accumulation of senescent cells. While the catabolic phenotype of senescent IVD cells has been documented, whether this phenotype is preserved under the harsh conditions met in the IVD milieu has never been investigated. Here we showed that a combination of low glucose, hypoxia, high osmolality and absence of serum is anti-proliferative for young disc cells. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time that classical senescence markers, namely p16INK4a, p21WAF1 and ICAM-1, remain up-regulated in senescent cells under these conditions. Finally, up-regulation of the main senescence-associated ECM degrading enzymes, i.e. MMP-1, -2 and -3 was maintained in this strict environment. Conservation of IVD cells' senescent phenotype under the actual conditions these cells are confronted with in vivo further supports their possible implication in IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Kouroumalis
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Mavrogonatou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Olga D Savvidou
- The First Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, ATTIKON University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayiotis J Papagelopoulos
- The First Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, ATTIKON University Hospital, 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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40
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Zhang Y, Xiong C, Kudelko M, Li Y, Wang C, Wong YL, Tam V, Rai MF, Cheverud J, Lawson HA, Sandell L, Chan WCW, Cheah KSE, Sham PC, Chan D. Early onset of disc degeneration in SM/J mice is associated with changes in ion transport systems and fibrotic events. Matrix Biol 2018; 70:123-139. [PMID: 29649547 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) causes back pain and sciatica, affecting quality of life and resulting in high economic/social burden. The etiology of IDD is not well understood. Along with aging and environmental factors, genetic factors also influence the onset, progression and severity of IDD. Genetic studies of risk factors for IDD using human cohorts are limited by small sample size and low statistical power. Animal models amenable to genetic and functional studies of IDD provide desirable alternatives. Despite differences in size and cellular content as compared to human intervertebral discs (IVDs), the mouse is a powerful model for genetics and assessment of cellular changes relevant to human biology. Here, we provide evidence for early onset disc degeneration in SM/J relative to LG/J mice with poor and good tissue healing capacity respectively. In the first few months of life, LG/J mice maintain a relatively constant pool of notochordal-like cells in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the IVD. In contrast, chondrogenic events are observed in SM/J mice beginning as early as one-week-old, with progressive fibrotic changes. Further, the extracellular matrix changes in the NP are consistent with IVD degeneration. Leveraging on the genomic data of two parental and two recombinant inbred lines, we assessed the genetic contribution to the NP changes and identified processes linked to the regulation of ion transport systems. Significantly, "transport" system is also in the top three gene ontology (GO) terms from a comparative proteomic analysis of the mouse NP. These findings support the potential of the SM/J, LG/J and their recombinant inbred lines for future genetic and biological analysis in mice and validation of candidate genes and biological relevance in human cohort studies. The proteomic data has been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE [1] partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD008784.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Xiong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mateusz Kudelko
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Li
- Centre for Genomic Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk Lun Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vivian Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muhammad Farooq Rai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James Cheverud
- Department of Biology, Loyola University of Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Heather A Lawson
- Department of Genetics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Linda Sandell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wilson C W Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kathryn S E Cheah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pak C Sham
- Centre for Genomic Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China.
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Krouwels A, Popov-Celeketic J, Plomp SGM, Dhert WJA, Öner FC, Bank RA, Creemers LB. No Effects of Hyperosmolar Culture Medium on Tissue Regeneration by Human Degenerated Nucleus Pulposus Cells Despite Upregulation Extracellular Matrix Genes. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018; 43:307-15. [PMID: 25856264 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An in vitro study using human degenerated nucleus pulposus cells. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of osmolality and different osmolytes on the regeneration by human nucleus pulposus cells through gene expression and extracellular matrix production. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major problem in developed countries. Regeneration of the IVD can prevent pain and costs due to diminished work absence and health care, and improve quality of life. The osmotic value of a disc decreases during degeneration due to loss of proteoglycans and might increase degeneration. It is known that gene expression of matrix genes of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells increases when cultured in hyperosmotic medium. Thus, increasing the osmolality of the disc might be beneficial for disc regeneration. METHODS In the current study, isolated degenerated human NP cells were used in regeneration culture with medium of different osmolalities, adjusted with different osmolytes. NaCl, urea and sucrose. The cells were cultured for 28 days and expression of matrix genes and production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen II were measured. RESULTS Gene expression for both collagen II and aggrecan increased with increasing osmolality using NaCl or sucrose, but not urea. Protein production however, was not affected by increasing osmolality and was decreased when using urea and sucrose. Expression of genes for Col1A1, MMP13, and MMP14 decreased with increasing osmolality, whereas expression of LOXL2 and LOXL3 increased. Transient expression of TonEBP was found 6 hours after the start of culture, but not at later time points. CONCLUSION Although expression of matrix genes is upregulated, hyperosmolality does not enhance matrix production by nucleus pulposus cells. Raising osmolality can potentially increase matrix production, but in itself is not sufficient to accomplish regeneration in the current in vitro culture system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N /A.
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Palacio-Mancheno PE, Evashwick-Rogler TW, Laudier DM, Purmessur D, Iatridis JC. Hyperosmolarity induces notochordal cell differentiation with aquaporin3 upregulation and reduced N-cadherin expression. J Orthop Res 2018; 36:788-798. [PMID: 28853179 PMCID: PMC5832547 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus pulposus (NP) of intervertebral discs (IVD) undergoes dramatic changes with aging including loss of its gelatinous structure and large, vacuolated notochordal cells (NCs) in favor of a matrix-rich structure populated by small NP cells (sNPCs). NP maturation also involves a loading-pattern shift from pressurization to matrix deformations, and these events are thought to predispose to degeneration. Little is known of the triggering events and cellular alterations involved with NP maturation, which remains a fundamental open spinal mechanobiology question. A mouse IVD organ culture model was used to test the hypotheses that hyperosmotic overloading will induce NP maturation with transition of NCs to sNPCs while also increasing matrix accumulation and altering osmoregulatory and mechanotransductive proteins. Results indicated that static hyperosmolarity, as might occur during growth, caused maturation of NCs to sNPCs and involved a cellular differentiation process since known NC markers (cytokeratin-8, -19, and sonic hedgehog) persisted without increased cell apoptosis. Osmosensitive channels Aquaporin 3 (Aqp3) and transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (TRPV4) expression were both modified with altered osmolarity, but increased Aqp3 with hyperosmolarity was associated with NC to sNPC differentiation. NC to sNPC differentiation was accompanied by a shift in cellular mechanotransduction proteins with decreased N-cadherin adhesions and increased Connexin 43 connexons. We conclude that hyperosmotic overloading can promote NC differentiation into sNPCs. This study identified osmolarity as a triggering mechanism for notochordal cell differentiation with associated shifts in osmoregulatory and mechanotransductive proteins that are likely to play important roles in intervertebral disc aging. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:788-798, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Damien M. Laudier
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - James C. Iatridis
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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43
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Suyama K, Silagi ES, Choi H, Sakabe K, Mochida J, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. Circadian factors BMAL1 and RORα control HIF-1α transcriptional activity in nucleus pulposus cells: implications in maintenance of intervertebral disc health. Oncotarget 2018; 7:23056-71. [PMID: 27049729 PMCID: PMC5029610 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BMAL1 and RORα are major regulators of the circadian molecular oscillator. Since previous work in other cell types has shown cross talk between circadian rhythm genes and hypoxic signaling, we investigated the role of BMAL1 and RORα in controlling HIF-1-dependent transcriptional responses in NP cells that exist in the physiologically hypoxic intervertebral disc. HIF-1-dependent HRE reporter activity was further promoted by co-transfection with either BMAL1 or RORα. In addition, stable silencing of BMAL1 or inhibition of RORα activity resulted in decreased HRE activation. Inhibition of RORα also modulated HIF1α-TAD activity. Interestingly, immunoprecipitation studies showed no evidence of BMAL1, CLOCK or RORα binding to HIF-1α in NP cells. Noteworthy, stable silencing of BMAL1 as well as inhibition of RORα decreased expression of select HIF-1 target genes including VEGF, PFKFB3 and Eno1. To delineate if BMAL1 plays a role in maintenance of disc health, we studied the spinal phenotype of BMAL1-null mice. The lumbar discs of null mice evidenced decreased height, and several parameters associated with vertebral trabecular bone quality were also affected in nulls. In addition, null animals showed a higher ratio of cells to matrix in NP tissue and hyperplasia of the annulus fibrosus. Taken together, our results indicate that BMAL1 and RORα form a regulatory loop in the NP and control HIF-1 activity without direct interaction. Importantly, activities of these circadian rhythm molecules may play a role in the adaptation of NP cells to their unique niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Suyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Elizabeth S Silagi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hyowon Choi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Kou Sakabe
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Joji Mochida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Irving M Shapiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Makarand V Risbud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
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Wright GJ, Coombs MC, Wu Y, Damon BJ, Bacro TH, Kern MJ, Chen X, Yao H. Electrical Conductivity Method to Determine Sexual Dimorphisms in Human Temporomandibular Disc Fixed Charge Density. Ann Biomed Eng 2017; 46:310-317. [PMID: 29181723 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1963-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To investigate potential mechanisms associated with the increased prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders among women, the study objective was to determine sex-dependent and region-dependent differences in fixed charge density (FCD) using an electrical conductivity method. Seventeen TMJ discs were harvested from nine males (77 ± 4 years) and eight females (86 ± 4 years). Specimens were prepared from the anterior band, posterior band, intermediate zone, medial disc and lateral disc. FCD was determined using an electrical conductivity method, assessing differences among disc regions and between sexes. Statistical modeling showed significant effects for donor sex (p = 0.002), with cross-region FCD for male discs 0.051 ± 0.018 milliequivalent moles per gram (mEq/g) wet tissue and 0.043 ± 0.020 mEq/g wet tissue for female discs. FCD was significantly higher for male discs compared to female discs in the posterior band, with FCD 0.063 ± 0.015 mEq/g wet tissue for male discs and 0.032 ± 0.020 mEq/g wet tissue for female discs (p = 0.050). These results indicate FCD contributes approximately 20% towards TMJ disc compressive modulus, through osmotic swelling pressure regulation. Additionally, FCD regulates critical extracellular ionic/osmotic and nutrient environments. Sexual dimorphisms in TMJ disc FCD, and resulting differences in extracellular ionic/osmotic and nutrient environments, could result in altered mechano-electro-chemical environments between males and females and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Wright
- Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 173 Ashley Avenue MSC 508, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Matthew C Coombs
- Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 173 Ashley Avenue MSC 508, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yongren Wu
- Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 173 Ashley Avenue MSC 508, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Brooke J Damon
- Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 173 Ashley Avenue MSC 508, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Thierry H Bacro
- Center for Anatomical Studies and Education, MUSC, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael J Kern
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 173 Ashley Avenue MSC 508, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. .,Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, 72 Xiangya Rd, Changsha, China.
| | - Hai Yao
- Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 173 Ashley Avenue MSC 508, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. .,Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, USA.
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45
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Ahmadyan S, Kabiri M, Hanaee-Ahvaz H, Farazmand A. Osmolyte Type and the Osmolarity Level Affect Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017; 185:507-523. [PMID: 29196933 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The inductive effects of increased osmolarity on chondrogenesis are well approved. However, the effects of the osmolyte agent invoked to induce hyperosmolarity are largely neglected. Herein, we scrutinized how hyperosmotic conditions acquired by addition of different osmolytes would impact chondrogenesis. We briefly assessed whether such conditions would differentially affect hypertrophy and angiogenesis during MSC chondrogenesis. Chondrogenic and hypertrophic marker expression along with VEGF secretion during adipose-derived (AD)-MSC chondrogenesis under three osmolarity levels (350, 450, and 550 mOsm) using three different osmolytes (NaCl, sorbitol, and PEG) were assessed. MTT assay, qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, Alcian Blue staining, ELISA, and ALP assays proved osmolyte-type dependent effects of hyperosmolarity on chondrogenesis, hypertrophy, and angiogenesis. At same osmolarity level, PEG had least cytotoxic/cytostatic effect and most prohibitive effects on angiogenesis. As expected, all hyperosmolar conditions led to enhanced chondrogenesis with slightly varying degrees. PEG and sorbitol had higher chondro-promotive and hypertrophy-suppressive effects compared to NaCl, while NaCl had exacerbated hypertrophy. We observed that TonEBP was involved in osmoadaptation of all treatments in varying degrees. Of importance, we highlighted differential effects of hyperosmolarity obtained by different osmolytes on the efficacy of chondrogenesis and more remarkably on the induction/suppression of cartilage pathologic markers. Our study underlies the need for a more vigilant exploitation of physicobiochemical inducers in order to maximize chondrogenesis while restraining unwanted hypertrophy and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorour Ahmadyan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O.Box: 14155-6455, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Kish International Campus, Kish Island, Iran
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Kabiri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O.Box: 14155-6455, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Farazmand
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Kish International Campus, Kish Island, Iran
- Faculty of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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46
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Leung S, McGlashan SR, Musson DSP, Cornish J, Anderson IA, Shim VBK. Investigations of Strain Fields in 3D Hydrogels Under Dynamic Confined Loading. J Med Biol Eng 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-017-0319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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47
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Aker L, Ghannam M, Alzuabi MA, Jumah F, Alkhdour SM, Mansour S, Samara A, Cronk K, Massengale J, Holsapple J, Adeeb N, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS. Molecular Biology and Interactions in Intervertebral Disc Development, Homeostasis, and Degeneration, with Emphasis on Future Therapies: A Systematic Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.26632/ss.3.2017.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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48
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Wu Y, Cisewski SE, Sun Y, Damon BJ, Sachs BL, Pellegrini VD Jr, Slate EH, Yao H. Quantifying Baseline Fixed Charge Density in Healthy Human Cartilage Endplate: A Two-point Electrical Conductivity Method. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2017; 42:E1002-9. [PMID: 28699925 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Regional measurements of fixed charge densities (FCDs) of healthy human cartilage endplate (CEP) using a two-point electrical conductivity approach. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the FCDs at four different regions (central, lateral, anterior, and posterior) of human CEP, and correlate the FCDs with tissue biochemical composition. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The CEP, a thin layer of hyaline cartilage on the cranial and caudal surfaces of the intervertebral disc, plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the unique physiological mechano-electrochemical environment inside the disc. FCD, arising from the carboxyl and sulfate groups of the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the extracellular matrix of the disc, is a key regulator of the disc ionic and osmotic environment through physicochemical and electrokinetic effects. Although FCDs in the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) have been reported, quantitative baseline FCD in healthy human CEP has not been reported. METHODS CEP specimens were regionally isolated from human lumbar spines. FCD and ion diffusivity were concurrently investigated using a two-point electrical conductivity method. Biochemical assays were used to quantify regional GAG and water content. RESULTS FCD in healthy human CEP was region-dependent, with FCD lowest in the lateral region (P = 0.044). Cross-region FCD was 30% to 60% smaller than FCD in NP, but similar to the AF and articular cartilage (AC). CEP FCD (average: 0.12 ± 0.03 mEq/g wet tissue) was correlated with GAG content (average: 31.24 ± 5.06 μg/mg wet tissue) (P = 0.005). In addition, the cross-region ion diffusivity in healthy CEP (2.97 ± 1.00 × 10 cm/s) was much smaller than the AF and NP. CONCLUSION Healthy human CEP acts as a biomechanical interface, distributing loads between the bony vertebral body and soft disc tissues and as a gateway impeding rapid solute diffusion through the disc. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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49
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Li P, Gan Y, Wang H, Xu Y, Song L, Wang L, Ouyang B, Zhou Q. A Substance Exchanger-Based Bioreactor Culture of Pig Discs for Studying the Immature Nucleus Pulposus. Artif Organs 2017; 41:E308-E319. [PMID: 28188657 DOI: 10.1111/aor.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Various research models have been developed to study the biology of disc cells. Recently, the adult disc nucleus pulposus (NP) has been well studied. However, the immature NP is underinvestigated due to a lack of a suitable model. This study aimed to establish an organ culture of immature porcine disc by optimizing culture conditions and using a self-developed substance exchanger-based bioreactor. Immature porcine discs were first cultured in the bioreactor for 7 days at various levels of glucose (low, medium, high), osmolarity (hypo-, iso-, hyper-) and serum (5, 10, 20%) to determine the respective optimal level. The porcine discs were then cultured under the optimized conditions in the novel bioreactor, and were compared with fresh discs at day 14. For high-glucose, iso-osmolarity, or 10% serum, cell viability, the gene expression profile (for anabolic genes and catabolic genes), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents were more favorable than for other levels of glucose, osmolarity, and serum. When the immature discs were cultured under the optimized conditions using the novel bioreactor for 14 days, the viability of the immature NP was maintained based on histology, cell viability, GAG and HYP contents, and matrix molecule expression. In conclusion, the viability of the immature NP in organ culture could be maintained under the optimized culture conditions (high-glucose, iso-osmolarity, and 10% serum) in the substance exchanger-based bioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University
| | - Yibo Gan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University
| | - Haoming Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University
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50
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Li P, Gan Y, Wang H, Xu Y, Li S, Song L, Zhang C, Ou Y, Wang L, Zhou Q. Role of the ERK1/2 pathway in osmolarity effects on nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in a disc perfusion culture. J Orthop Res 2017; 35:86-92. [PMID: 27035885 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Osmolarity fluctuations are inevitable within the nucleus pulposus (NP). However, the effects of osmolarity on NP cell apoptosis within the organ-cultured disc remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of different osmolarity levels (hypo-, iso-, and hyper-) and osmolarity modes (constant and cyclic) on NP cell apoptosis in a disc perfusion culture and to study the role of the ERK1/2 pathway in this regulatory process. Porcine discs were cultured for 7 days in different osmotic medium, including constant hypo-, iso-, and hyper-osmolarity (330, 430, and 550 mOsm/L, respectively) and cyclic-osmolarity (430 mOsm/L for 8 h, followed by 550 mOsm/L for 16 h). The role of the ERK1/2 pathway was investigated by using the pharmacological inhibitor U0126. NP cell apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining, caspase-3 activity, gene expression of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 and protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. Our results showed that NP cell apoptosis was increased in hypo- and hyper-osmolarity cultures compared to iso- or cyclic-osmolarity culture, whereas the level of apoptosis in the iso-osmolarity culture was lower than that in the cyclic-osmolarity culture. When the ERK1/2 pathway was inhibited in the iso- and cyclic-osmolarity cultures, the level of NP cell apoptosis was significantly increased. In conclusion, the effects of osmolarity on NP cell apoptosis depend on the osmolarity level (hypo-, iso-, or hyper-) and osmolarity mode (constant or cyclic). Futhermore, inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway promotes NP cell apoptosis in this process. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:86-92, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yibo Gan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Haoming Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Songtao Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, No. 181 Hospital of PLA, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chengmin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yangbin Ou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, GaoTanYan 29, Chongqing 400038, China
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