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BMC Med Genet 2020 Jul 3;21(1):143. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an age-related degenerative disease, presenting with low back pain or radicular pain. The inflammatory changes would occur in discs in the process of IVDD. Therefore, the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as their respective genes, have been proposed to play roles in pathophysiology of disease. Read More

Stem Cells Dev 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 105871, Orthopaedics, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China;

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as novel drug and gene delivery tools. Current study aimed to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of human placental MSC (hPLMSC)-derived exosomes carrying antagomiR-4450 (EXO-antagomiR-4450) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) progression. Initially, the differentially expressed miRNAs related to IDD were identified by microarray analysis which provided data predicting the interaction between miR-4450 and ZNF121 in IDD. Read More

J Orthop Res 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Department of Spine Surgery, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.

Previous studies have indicated that growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6) is a potential candidate for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) treatment. Here, we investigated the effect of GDF6 on IDD by examining changes in disc structure and the expression of inflammatory and pain-related factors. A rat posterior disc puncture model of single segments and three consecutive segments was constructed, and GDF6 or PBS was administered via intradiscal injection 1 or 2 weeks after surgery. Read More

Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo) 2020 Jun 19;55(3):298-303. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

Departamento de Ortopedia, P. D. Hinduja National Hospital e Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India.

 To assess the long-term outcome and perioperative morbidity in spine surgeries for lumbar degenerative disorders and, thereby, to evaluate the safety of surgery in the aging population.  Retrospective study of patients aged > 70 years, operated for degenerative lumbar disorders between 2011 and 2015. We evaluated patient demographic, clinical and surgical data; comorbidities, perioperative complications, pre & postoperative pain scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, patient satisfaction and overall mortality. Read More

Neurospine 2020 Jun 30;17(2):443-452. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Department of Neurosurgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.

Objective: The ''disc degeneration precedes facet joint osteoarthritis'' hypothesis and multidimensional analysis were actively discussed in lumbar spine. However, in cervical spine degeneration, the multifactorial analyzes of disc degeneration (DD), Modic changes (Mcs), facet degeneration, and endplate degeneration (ED) is still limited. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to analyze the prevalence and interrelationship of cervical DD parameters. Read More

Neurospine 2020 Jun 30;17(2):426-442. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, India.

Objective: To catalog and characterize the proteome of normal human intervertebral disc (IVD).

Methods: Nine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) normal IVDs were harvested from 9 different brain dead yet alive voluntary organ donors and were subjected to electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-LC-MS/MS) acquisition.

Results: A total of 1,116 proteins were identified. Read More

World J Urol 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.

Purpose: Refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) coexisting with lumbar disc hernia (LDH) have been shown to resolve following LDH surgery, implying that LDH causes these LUTS. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes in patients with refractory LUTS and LDH following non-surgical treatment targeting LDH.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using outpatient data collected at Tongji Hospital, China, between 2016 and 2018. Read More

JOR Spine 2020 Jun 19;3(2):e1093. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.

Introduction: The TNF-α-induced protein-8 (TNFAIP8, also known as TIPE) family of molecules comprises four members: TNFAIP8 and TIPEs1-3. Since the first description of these proteins, their roles in fine-tuning inflammation and in directing leukocyte migration have been described in several organ systems. However, their relationship with intervertebral disc (IVD) is unknown. Read More

JOR Spine 2020 Jun 22;3(2):e1092. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles California USA.

Introduction: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is often associated with low back pain and radiating leg pain. The purpose of this study is to develop a reproducible and standardized preclinical model of painful lumbar IVD degeneration by evaluation of structural and behavioral changes in response to IVD injury with increasing needle sizes. This model can be used to develop new therapies for IVD degeneration. Read More

JOR Spine 2020 Jun 25;3(2):e1088. Epub 2020 Apr 25.

Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York USA.

Purpose: Neutral zone (NZ) parameters in spinal biomechanics studies are sensitive to spinal instability, disc degeneration, and repair. Multiple methods in the literature quantify NZ, yet no consensus exists on applicability and comparability of methods. This study compares five different NZ quantification methods using two different load-deflection profiles. Read More

JOR Spine 2020 Jun 13;3(2):e1086. Epub 2020 May 13.

Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.

Tissue-engineered whole disc replacements are an emerging treatment strategy for advanced intervertebral disc degeneration. A challenge facing the translation of tissue-engineered disc replacement to clinical use are the opposing needs of initial immobilization to advantage integration contrasted with physiologic loading and its anabolic effects. Here, we utilize our established rat tail model of tissue engineered disc replacement with external fixation to study the effects of remobilization at two time points postimplantation on engineered disc structure, composition, and function. Read More

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020 Jun 26;1866(10):165888. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address:

Nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration plays pivotal roles in intervertebral disc degeneration. The effect and mechanism of oxidative stress and epigenetics in NP degeneration is still unclear. We performed this study to evaluate the function of oxidative stress in NP and to explore the potential mechanism of ROS induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Read More

Eur Spine J 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.

Purpose: Recent animal studies have discovered dysregulation of local inflammatory activity as a novel mechanism to explain fat and connective tissue accumulation in the multifidus muscle in association with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration/injury. This study aimed to test whether similar mechanisms are active in humans by investigation of whether expression of inflammatory genes in the multifidus muscle differed between individuals with low and high levels of intra-muscular fat in the muscle. The secondary aims were to compare inflammatory gene expression in the intra-muscular, subcutaneous and epidural fat between groups. Read More

J Orthop Res 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.

Cartilage endplate (CEP) biochemical composition may influence disc degeneration and regeneration. However, evaluating CEP composition in patients remains a challenge. We used T2* mapping from ultrashort echo-time (UTE) MRI, which is sensitive to CEP hydration, to investigate spatial variations in CEP T2* values and to determine how CEP T2* values correlate with adjacent disc degeneration. Read More

Adv Clin Exp Med 2020 Jun;29(6):639-647

Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by increased proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to a loss of collagen II and proteoglycan in the nucleus pulposus (NP). Although MMP3 has been reported to play a central role in disc degeneration, it is still unknown whether gene therapy targeting MMP3 can inhibit IDD.

Objectives: To investigate whether lentivirus-mediated MMP3 knockdown is capable of attenuating IDD. Read More

Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020 10;8:583. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Discogenic low back pain (LBP) is a main cause of disability and inflammation is presumed to be a major driver of symptomatic intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Anti-inflammatory agents are currently under investigation as they demonstrated to alleviate symptoms in patients having IDD. However, their underlying anti-inflammatory and regenerative activity is poorly explored. Read More

Stem Cells Int 2019 10;2019:2376172. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy.

Low back pain (LBP) in one of the most disabling symptoms affecting nearly 80% of the population worldwide. Its primary cause seems to be intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD): a chronic and progressive process characterized by loss of viable cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown within the intervertebral disc (IVD) especially in its inner region, the nucleus pulposus (NP). Over the last decades, innovative biological treatments have been investigated in order to restore the original healthy IVD environment and achieve disc regeneration. Read More

Int J Stem Cells 2020 Jun 30. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.

Background And Objectives: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based treatment for degeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) has been proposed recently. We here addressed whether MSC secreted factors can rejuvenate nucleus pulposus- derived stem/progenitor cells from degenerated disc (D-NPSCs) in vitro.

Methods And Results: We analyzed the expression of MSCs and NP cell specific surface markers, pluripotency related genes, multilineage potential and cell proliferative capacity of D-NPSCs upon incubation with the conditioned medium which was collected from the umbilical cord derived MSCs (UCMSCs). Read More

Mech Ageing Dev 2020 Jun 22:111293. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China; Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China. Electronic address:

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is identified as an abnormal, cell-mediated, age-dependent and genetics-dependent molecular degeneration process in which NPCs (nucleus pulposus cells) senesce and the balance of ECM (extracellular matrix) synthesis and catabolism is disrupted. Increasing evidence reveals that IDD can be modulated by genetic factors, including non-coding RNAs. In the present study, we downloaded non-coding RNA profiling (GSE56081 and GSE63492) and performed GO annotation and enrichment analysis and association analyses on differentially-expressed genes. Read More

PLoS One 2020 25;15(6):e0234747. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Key Laboratory of Beijing of Palasy Technology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

Summary Of Background Data: The vascular buds in the vertebral endplate (VEP) are the structural foundation of nutrient exchange in the intervertebral disc (IVD). VEGF is closely related to angiogenesis in the endplate and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).

Objective: To investigate the effects of static load on vascular buds and VEGF expression in the VEP and to further clarify the relation between IDD and VEGF. Read More

Orthop Surg 2020 Jun 24. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Department of Radiology, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.

Objective: The T2 value of lumbar cartilage endplates was measured using the T2 mapping imaging technique, aiming to explore the correlation between the T2 value and Pfirrmann grading of intervertebral discs.

Methods: A total of 130 patients with lumbar spine MR examination due to persistent low back pain were enrolled, including 71 men and 59 women (age: 21-63 years). Lumbar Modic changes and Schmorl nodules were recognized by conventional T1WI and T2WI images in 49 patients, and these patients were excluded from the study. Read More

J Cell Mol Med 2020 Jun 24. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.

The transcriptional repressor Bmi-1 is involved in cell-cycle regulation and cell senescence, the deficiency of which has been shown to cause oxidative stress. This study investigated whether Bmi-1 deficiency plays a role in promoting disc degeneration and the effect of treatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on intervertebral disc degeneration. Bmi-1 mice were treated with the antioxidant NAC, supplied in drinking water (Bmi-1 +NAC). Read More

Hum Cell 2020 Jun 23. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Department of Spine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, No.51 Xiaoguan Street, Outside, Andingmen, Beijing, 100029, China.

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which microRNA (miR)-96 regulates the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The expression of miR-96 in normal intervertebral discs and in IDD was detected by performing reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. CCK8 assay was applied to examine the proliferation of nucleus pulpous (NP) cells and flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell apoptosis and cell cycle profile. Read More

Br J Neurosurg 2020 Jun 24:1-9. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Low back pain (LBP) may originate from different sources such as intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), end-plate and paraspinal muscle changes. Our aim is to explore the relevance of paraspinal muscles' fat-infiltration in women with LBP and its association with IVDD and Modic changes. Consecutive female patients presenting with chronic LBP to the outpatient clinics were included. Read More

Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2020 Jun 23. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Department of Veterinary, Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose degenerative lumbosacral stenosis; however, studies show limited correlation between imaging and clinical signs. The purpose of this prospective observer agreement study was to use dynamic MRI of the lumbosacral (LS) spine of healthy dogs to determine reliable reference ranges. Twenty-two healthy large breed dogs were prospectively enrolled. Read More

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020 Jun;24(11):5895-5904

Department of Spinal Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.

Objective: The anti-inflammatory effect of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been widely confirmed. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) activation is the initiating inflammatory response associated with the IDD. However, whether Sirt1 suppresses MCP-1 in the intervertebral disc is unclear. Read More

Aging Cell 2020 Jun 21. Epub 2020 Jun 21.

Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopedic and Spine Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Previously, we reported that persistent DNA damage accelerates ageing of the spine, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a protein kinase involved in the DNA damage response, which controls cell fate, including cell death. To test the role of ATM in the human intervertebral disc, we exposed human nucleus pulposus (hNP) cells directly to the DNA damaging agent cisplatin. Read More

Biomed Res Int 2020 29;2020:1328436. Epub 2020 May 29.

Department of Orthopaedics, Changxing District of 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Huzhou, China.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with local inflammation and increased expression of neurotrophins. Acidic microenvironment is believed to cause the progression of IVD degeneration. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the relationship between acidic microenvironment and the inflammation and expression of neurotrophins in IVD. Read More

Bone Joint Res 2020 May 8;9(5):225-235. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Medical School of Southeast University and Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.

Aims: Inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiological process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). A20 (also known as tumour necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3)) is a ubiquitin-editing enzyme that restricts nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling. A20 prevents the occurrence of multiple inflammatory diseases. Read More

Spine J 2020 Jun 18. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Napa Medical Research Foundation, 3421 Villa Lane, Suite 2C, Napa, CA, USA; Bodor Clinic, 3421 Villa Lane, Suite 2B, Napa, CA, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA. Electronic address:

Background Context: In recent years, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) have been used as treatments for disc-related pain. A better understanding of the effects of leukocyte-rich (LR) versus leukocyte poor (LP-) PRP on bone marrow derived human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (hMSCs) is likely to improve future research studies, clinical practice and care for patients with chronic discogenic back pain.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to determine the effects of LR-PRP and LP-PRP on the proliferation and migration of hMSCs in pig nucleus pulposus (NP) extracellular matrix (ECM). Read More

J Cell Mol Med 2020 Jun 21. Epub 2020 Jun 21.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the most critical factor that causes low back pain. Molecular biotherapy is a fundamental strategy for IVDD treatment. Calcitonin can promote the proliferation of chondrocytes, stimulate the synthesis of matrix and prevent cartilage degeneration. Read More

Dev Dyn 2020 Jun 21. Epub 2020 Jun 21.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Chronic low back and neck pain are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and are major contributors to the global burden of disability. New evidence now suggests that disc degeneration comprises a spectrum of subphenotypes influenced by genetic background, age, and environmental factors, which may be contributing to the mixed outcomes seen in clinical trials of cell-based therapies that aim to treat disc degeneration. This problem is further compounded by the fact that disc degeneration and aging coincide with an exhaustion of endogenous progenitor cells, imposing limitations on the regenerative capacity of the disc. Read More

Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020 Jun 20. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Traweek-Racz Endowed Professor in Pain Research TTUHSC - Dept of Anesthesiology & Pain Management, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX.

A peridural membranous layer exists between the bony wall of the spinal canal and the dura mater, but reports on the anatomy of this structure have been inconsistent. The objective of this study is to give a precise description of the peridural membrane (PDM) and to define it unambiguously as a distinct and unique anatomical entity. Thirty-four cadaveric sections of human thoraco-lumbar spines were dissected. Read More

Theranostics 2020 27;10(15):7015-7033. Epub 2020 May 27.

Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common degenerative disease that can lead to collapse or herniation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and result in radiculopathy in patients. NP tissue and cells were isolated from patients and mice, and the expression profile of cortistatin (CST) was analysed. In addition, ageing of the NP was compared between 6-month-old WT and CST-knockout (CST) mice. Read More

Drug Des Devel Ther 2020 27;14:2113-2122. Epub 2020 May 27.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common diagnosis of patients with lower back pain. IDD is the underlying lesion of many spinal degenerative diseases; however, the role of cGAS/Sting/NLRP3 pathway and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the development of IDD remained unclear.

Methods: The expressions of cGAS, Sting and NLRP3 mRNA of intervertebral disc (IVD) samples from IDD patients and controls were detected by RT-PCR. Read More

Tissue Eng Part A 2020 Jun 16. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

University of Pennsylvania, 6572, Neurosurgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a cascade of cellular, structural and biomechanical changes that is strongly implicated as a cause of low back pain. Current treatment strategies have poor long-term efficacy as they seek only to alleviate symptoms without preserving or restoring native tissue structure and function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined triple interpenetrating network hydrogel (comprised of dextran, chitosan and teleostean) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy targeting moderate-severity disc degeneration in a clinically-relevant goat model. Read More

Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2020 Jun 16:1-11. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.

Finite element (FE) models can unravel the link between intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and its mechanical behaviour. Nucleotomy may provide the data required for model verification. Three human IVDs were scanned with MRI and tested in multiple loading scenarios, prior and post nucleotomy. Read More

J Orthop Translat 2020 Sep 8;24:23-31. Epub 2020 May 8.

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.

Background: The end plate plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration progression. The aim of the study was to examine the compositional and structural changes of the end plate with age and to investigate the correlation between end plate and disc degeneration by T1ρ and T2 map magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: There were 12 young monkeys (6-7 years old), 20 aged monkeys (14-17 years old) and 12 human participants (30-50 years old) in this study. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Jun 15;10(1):9655. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with chronic low back pain is associated with neo-vascularisation into the deeper IVD regions. During this process, endothelial cells (ECs), which are primarily responsible for angiogenesis, interact with the adjacent annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, which are the first line of defence against the invasion of vascular structures into deeper IVD regions. However, the accumulation of inflammatory and catabolic enzymes that results from this interaction promotes matrix degradation and an inflammatory response. Read More

J Orthop Surg Res 2020 Jun 15;15(1):220. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.

Background: The Lumbar sagittal parameters might be related to modic changes (MCs). However, studies on this topic have rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to identify the relationships between the lumbar sagittal parameters and the development of MCs. Read More

Lab Anim 2020 Jun 15:23677220930043. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beaumont Health, USA.

Rat models of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration are widely employed to characterize biologic-based therapeutics, but their anatomy and small size preclude consistent delivery of injectable therapeutics to the lumbar spine via the traditional posterolateral approach. Here, we describe our experience with a repeat ventral transperitoneal approach in female Lewis rats, enabling induction of IVD degeneration and later intervention via an injectable therapeutic. In the initial surgery, the ventral aspect of the L5/L6 IVD was accessed, and an annular defect was created using a #11 scalpel blade. Read More

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2020 Jun 5;66(3):65-71. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Department of Orthopedics, TCM Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang 830000, China.

Intervertebral Disc (IVD) is a moderately moving joint that provides load transfer and flexibility to the entire spine. Although healthy IVD can balance the turnover of slow-synthesis matrices, this balance is often disrupted that leading to the development of degenerative diseases. The pathogenesis and treatment mechanism of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) has always been the focus of scientific research, but its pathogenesis is still unknown. Read More

Exp Ther Med 2020 Jul 7;20(1):447-453. Epub 2020 May 7.

Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China.

Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is considered to be a significant contributor to LBP; however, the mechanisms underlying IDD remain to be fully elucidated. One of the major features of IDD is the decreased content of type II collagen and proteoglycans in the nucleus pulposus (NP). Read More

World Neurosurg 2020 Jun 11. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Department of Radiology, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Objectives: To evaluate the morphological characteristics and clinical significance of epidural gas based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and to determine their relationship with radiculopathy.

Materials And Methods: Between March 2009 and November 2018, 110 epidural gas lesions were identified in 103 patients who underwent both CT and MRI for suspected herniated disc in the authors' institution. Patterns of epidural gas were classified as air pseudocyst, air cyst, air-contained disc herniation, and honeycomb-like air cyst. Read More

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2020 Mar-Apr;34(2):445-455

Department of Orthopedics, The 80th Group Army Hospital of Chinese PLA, Weifang, China.

The senescence and degeneration of the intervertebral disc are closely related to the reduction of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells caused by apoptosis. TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) is an adapter for Toll-like receptors 3/4 (TLR3/4), which involves in cell apoptosis. The aim of this study is to detect the role of TRIF in the apoptotic progress of NP cells. Read More

Aging (Albany NY) 2020 Jun 11;12. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, E1641 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

Whether disc aging is influenced by factors beyond its local environment is an important unresolved question. Here we performed heterochronic parabiosis in mice to study the effects of circulating factors in young and old blood on age-associated intervertebral disc degeneration. Compared to young isochronic pairs (Y-Y), young mice paired with old mice (Y-O) showed significant increases in levels of disc MMP-13 and ADAMTS4, aggrecan fragmentation, and histologic tissue degeneration, but negligible changes in cellular senescence markers (p16, p21). Read More

Aging (Albany NY) 2020 Jun 11;12. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

Now days, obesity is a major risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, adipokine, such as chemerin is a novel cytokine, which is secreted by adipose tissue, and are thought to be played major roles in various degenerative diseases. Obese individuals are known to have high concentration of serum chemerin. Read More

Int Immunopharmacol 2020 Jun 8;85:106681. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Department of Joint Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China. Electronic address:

Studying and understanding the mechanism of inflammation in nucleus pulposus is the key to understand and prevent intervertebral disc degeneration. We propose a model of mechanical sensitive ion channel Piezo1 mediated inflammation of nucleus pulposus cells. Piezo1 can up-regulate the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in nucleus pulposus cells once it is activated. Read More

Asian Spine J 2020 Jun 12. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Musculoskeletal Education and Research Center (MERC), A Division of Globus Medical, Inc., Audubon, PA, USA.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Purpose: This study compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated with expandable and static interbody spacers following minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-LLIF) with 12-month follow-up.

Overview Of Literature: A common surgical option for the treatment of degenerative disk disease (DDD) is MIS-LLIF using static or expandable spacers to restore disk height (DH), neuroforaminal height (NH), and segmental lordosis. Read More

World J Clin Cases 2020 May;8(10):1958-1965

Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.

Background: In recent years, the mechanical concept of intervertebral disc regeneration has become more and more popular due to the increasing awareness of the importance of preservation of spine movement. Interestingly, there is increasing evidence, however, that dynamic stabilization systems may compensate non-physiological loads, limit pathological movement, normalize disc height and intradiscal pressure, and provide an adaptive environment for disc regeneration.

Case Summary: The patient was a 54-year-old man, who presented with a 10-year history of mechanical back pain, which had become progressively serious and radiated into the left lower limb with numbness 3 mo prior. Read More