Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ming Lei, Kangcheng Zhao, Wenbin Hua, Kun Wang, Shuai Li, Xinghuo Wu, Cao Yang
Summary: The study demonstrated that overexpression of c-Jun has a positive effect on the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration, inhibiting the inflammatory response in vivo and potentially delaying the degeneration of the intervertebral disc.
Article
Orthopedics
Tongde Wu, Xinhua Li, Xuebing Jia, Ziqi Zhu, Jiawei Lu, Hang Feng, Beiduo Shen, Kai Guo, Yuzhi Li, Qiang Wang, Zhiqiang Gao, Bin Yu, Zhaoyu Ba, Yufeng Huang, Desheng Wu
Summary: The study reveals that KLF10 is dysregulated in IVDD and its overexpression can alleviate IVDD by inhibiting apoptosis, promoting cell migration and proliferation, and reducing extracellular matrix degeneration. This positive effect of KLF10 is associated with the TGF-beta signaling pathway inhibition, suggesting that KLF10 may serve as an effective therapeutic target for the treatment of IVDD.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC TRANSLATION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Sun, Minmin Lyu, Qiuji Lu, Kenneth Cheung, Victor Leung
Summary: There is growing evidence linking intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and increased fibrotic elements in the nucleus pulposus (NP), including enhanced matrix turnover, abnormal deposition of collagens and other fibrous matrices, emergence of fibrosis effector cells, and upregulation of fibroinflammatory factors. Studies suggest that NP cells play a role in fibroblastic differentiation through the TGF-beta R1-Smad2/3 pathway, inflammatory activation, and mechanosensing. Abnormal MMP activity is also associated with NP fibrosis. MMP-2 and MMP-12 are the main markers of fibroblastic NP cells. This review aims to classify the biochemical features and molecular identity of fibroblastic cells in the context of IDD, providing new insights into its pathomechanism and management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bo Hu, Liang Xiao, Chong Wang, Chen Liu, Yu Zhang, Baiyang Ding, Daokuan Gao, Yanqing Lu, Hongguang Xu
Summary: The study identified a new circRNA circ_0022382 in human endplate chondrocytes, and demonstrated its involvement in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by regulating miR-4726-5p and TGF-beta 3. The findings suggest that circ_0022382 may serve as a potential target for IDD prevention and treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yifan Ding, Huan Wang, Yunyun Wang, Long Li, Jiahui Ding, Caiyan Yuan, Tao Xu, Haoran Xu, Hui Xie, Ning Zhu, Xin Hu, Huang Fang, Songwei Tan
Summary: This study developed a co-delivery system of luteolin and TGF-beta 1 gene for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) using a polymer self-assembly technique. The results showed that this co-delivery system could inhibit inflammation, restore the balance of synthesis and catabolism, and delay the progression of IDD.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Marcus Raudner, Markus M. Schreiner, Tom Hilbert, Tobias Kober, Michael Weber, Anna Szelenyi, Reinhard Windhager, Vladimir Juras, Siegfried Trattnig
Summary: The study evaluated GRAPPATINI, an accelerated T-2 mapping sequence that combines undersampling and model-based reconstruction to facilitate clinical implementation of T-2 mapping of the lumbar intervertebral disc. Results showed that T2 values obtained using GRAPPATINI were significantly different for normal discs compared to bulging or herniated discs, as well as discs with and without annular tears. The study concluded that GRAPPATINI can be used as a quantitative imaging biomarker to detect disc pathologies while significantly reducing acquisition time.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xin Zhang, Shibin Shu, Zhenhua Feng, Yong Qiu, Hongda Bao, Zezhang Zhu
Summary: Stabilization of microtubules promotes the expression of COL2 in nucleus pulposus cells, alleviating disc degeneration. This study identifies microtubule as a promising therapeutic target for IDD and up-regulates COL2 synthesis via the Hippo-Yap pathway. Targeting microtubule acetylation may be an effective strategy for treating IDD.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Huihui Xu, Rui Dong, Qinghe Zeng, Liang Fang, Qinwen Ge, Chenjie Xia, Peng Zhang, Shuaijie Lv, Zhen Zou, Pinger Wang, Ju Li, Hongfeng Ruan, Songfeng Hu, Chengliang Wu, Hongting Jin, Peijian Tong
Summary: The deletion of the Col9a2 gene leads to osteochondral remodeling of cartilage endplate (EP) and suppressed ECM synthesis, accelerating matrix degradation and chondrocyte hypertrophy in the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue, which contributes to human intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Xiao Yang, Zhiqian Chen, Chen Chen, Chen Han, Yifan Zhou, Xunlin Li, Haijun Tian, Xiaofei Cheng, Kai Zhang, An Qin, Tangjun Zhou, Jie Zhao
Summary: The study demonstrated that patients with intervertebral disc degeneration had increased levels of fibrotic markers in their tissues. Bleomycin induced a pro-fibrotic effect on annulus fibrosus cells and bone marrow stromal cells through the TGF beta-TGF beta R1-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Pharmacological inhibition or gene knock-down of TGF beta R1 could mitigate the pro-fibrotic effects.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Orthopedics
G. Chao-yang, C. Peng, Z. Hai-hong
Summary: This article summarizes the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of IVDD and its application in treatment.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Veronica Tilotta, Gianluca Vadala, Luca Ambrosio, Claudia Cicione, Giuseppina Di Giacomo, Fabrizio Russo, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of BM-MSCs and ADSCs secretomes on hNPCs, showing positive results in vitro and suggesting potential applications in treating intervertebral disc degeneration.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chao-yang Gong, Hai-hong Zhang
Summary: Autophagy plays a dual role in intervertebral disc degeneration, as inducing autophagy can slow down the process while excessive autophagy activation-mediated apoptosis may accelerate degeneration.
Article
Orthopedics
Liang Xiao, Daokuan Gao, Yu Zhang, Chen Liu, Zongsheng Yin
Summary: In this study, PLGA microspheres co-loaded with TGF-01 and anti-miR-141 were used to effectively treat intervertebral disc degeneration by enhancing NPC proliferation and upregulating cartilage markers. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the co-loaded microspheres had the greatest therapeutic effect.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chloe Techens, Sara Montanari, Ferenc Bereczki, Peter Endre Eltes, Aron Lazary, Luca Cristofolini
Summary: With the ageing of the population, there is a growing demand for minimally invasive spine surgeries. This study developed an in vitro model of percutaneous cement discoplasty and found that it restored disc height and reduced range of motion without increasing the risk of tissue damage.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Wentao Zhang, Tianze Sun, Ying Li, Ming Yang, Yantao Zhao, Jing Liu, Zhonghai Li
Summary: Stem cell therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration is emerging as a potential treatment option, with evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials showing its effectiveness in relieving pain and symptoms, reversing the degenerative cascade, delaying the aging process, and maintaining spinal function. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and effects of stem cells in IDD treatment.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Peter Francis Raguindin, Jivko Stoyanov, Inge Eriks-Hoogland, Gerold Stucki, Xavier Jordan, Martin Schubert, Oscar H. Franco, Taulant Muka, Marija Glisic
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes in cardiometabolic risk profile in subacute spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and explore the association between injury characteristics and cardiometabolic status. The results showed that some cardiometabolic risk factors improved during the early stage of SCI rehabilitation, but a significant proportion of patients remained at risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Pall Asgeir Bjornsson, Alexander Baker, Ingmar Fleps, Yves Pauchard, Halldor Palsson, Stephen J. Ferguson, Sigurdur Sigurdsson, Vilmundur Gudnason, Benedikt Helgason, Lotta Maria Ellingsen
Summary: This study proposes a deep neural network-based automated femur segmentation method, which can accurately and quickly segment the proximal femur, suitable for hip-fracture risk screening.
COMPUTER METHODS IN BIOMECHANICS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING-IMAGING AND VISUALIZATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anita Fung, Ingmar Fleps, Peter A. Cripton, Pierre Guy, Stephen J. Ferguson, Benedikt Helgason
Summary: Sideways falls causing femoral fractures are a major concern for the elderly, and current prevention methods are not very effective. Prophylactic femoral augmentation systems involving ceramic-based bone cements are gaining attention as a potential alternative. This study evaluated the mechanical effectiveness of different bone cement injection patterns and found that supporting the femoral neck cortex is crucial in preventing fractures.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Shaghayegh Basatvat, Frances C. Bach, Marcos N. Barcellona, Abbie L. Binch, Conor T. Buckley, Brian Bueno, Nadeen O. Chahine, Ana Chee, Laura B. Creemers, Stefan Dudli, Bailey Fearing, Stephen J. Ferguson, Jennifer Gansau, Benjamin Gantenbein, Rahul Gawri, Juliane D. Glaeser, Sibylle Grad, Julien Guerrero, Lisbet Haglund, Paula A. Hernandez, Judith A. Hoyland, Charles Huang, James C. Iatridis, Svenja Illien-Junger, Liufang Jing, Petra Kraus, Lisanne T. Laagland, Gernot Lang, Victor Leung, Zhen Li, Thomas Lufkin, Josette C. van Maanen, Emily E. McDonnell, Chris J. Panebianco, Steven M. Presciutti, Sanjna Rao, Stephen M. Richardson, Sarah Romereim, Tara C. Schmitz, Jordy Schol, Lori Setton, Dmitriy Sheyn, Joseph W. Snuggs, Y. Sun, Xiaohong Tan, Marianna A. Tryfonidou, Nam Vo, Dong Wang, Brandon Williams, Rebecca Williams, S. Tim Yoon, Christine L. Le Maitre
Summary: This study aims to standardize the extraction and expansion techniques for nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, in order to reduce variability between laboratories and improve comparability of results. The most commonly used methods for NP cell extraction, expansion, and re-differentiation were identified through a global survey. Recommended protocols for NP cell culture in different species were provided to support harmonization and cross-lab comparisons.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Stephanie Huber, Yann Ladner, Martin J. Stoddart, Michael Leunig, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: The study aimed to characterize the transcriptome and mechanobiological function of the labrum, a fibrocartilaginous ring surrounding the acetabulum. RNA-seq and gene ontology analysis revealed significant differential expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization between the labrum and cartilage tissue. Mechanical loading upregulated genes related to the extracellular matrix and preserved tissue adaptation mechanism. This research provides important insights for the development of labrum tissue-engineering solutions.
Article
Biology
Delia Schumperlin, Christoph Scharer, Luzia Kalberer, Stephen J. Ferguson, Silvio R. Lorenzetti
Summary: This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of a textile insole for measuring ground reaction force (GRF) during landing tasks. Compared to force plate data, most of the statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the force curves measured by the insoles. However, the insoles underestimated the maximal vertical GRF during measurement.
BMC RESEARCH NOTES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seunghun S. Lee, Nicole Kleger, Gisela A. Kuhn, Helen Greutert, Xiaoyu Du, Thijs Smit, Andre R. Studart, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: Digital Light Processing is used to fabricate a hive-structured assemblable bespoke scaffold (HIVE) that can be manually assembled and customized for specific defect. It can be filled with different biological factors in different areas to provide site-specific treatments. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, it has been shown to induce osteogenesis and angiogenesis in a controlled manner.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aapo Ristaniemi, Amra Secerovic, Vincent Dischl, Francesco Crivelli, Sarah Heub, Diane Ledroit, Gilles Weder, Sibylle Grad, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: The physiological and degenerative levels of maximum principal strains and stresses in bovine intervertebral disc tissue were determined through finite element analysis. It was found that when applying 0.1 MPa of compression and +/- 2-3 degrees of flexion and +/- 1-2 degrees of torsion, the mechanical parameters remained at physiological levels. However, with +/- 6-8 degrees of flexion in combination with +/- 2-4 degrees of torsion, the stresses in the outer annulus fibrosus exceeded degenerative levels. These findings provide important guidelines for bioreactor experiments with bovine intervertebral discs.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andre M. Souza Plath, Stephanie Huber, Serena R. R. Alfarano, Daniel F. F. Abbott, Minghan Hu, Victor Mougel, Lucio Isa, Stephen J. J. Ferguson
Summary: To improve the integration of osteoarthritis scaffold-based grafts, electrospun poly(& epsilon;-caprolactone)/zein-based scaffolds were proposed. The zein surface segregation in the membranes changed the hydrophobic behavior of the materials and increased the cell yield and metabolic activity. The co-electrospun PCL/zein scaffolds showed promising surface and biocompatibility properties for articular-tissue-engineering applications.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoyu Du, Sean Ronayne, Seunghun S. Lee, Jackson Hendry, Douglas Hoxworth, Ryan Bock, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: This study focused on the fabrication of 3D-printed polyether ether ketone/silicon nitride (PEEK/SiN) scaffolds with a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure. The scaffolds demonstrated similar mechanical properties to trabecular bone and stimulated osteogenic differentiation. As a result, PEEK/SiN TPMS scaffolds show significant potential for bone tissue engineering and as candidates for spinal fusion implants.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Basil Achermann, Katja Oberhofer, Stephen J. Ferguson, Silvio R. Lorenzetti
Summary: Velocity-based training (VBT) is monitored using kinematics measured by expensive devices. This study evaluates the accuracy and precision of the Apple Watch 7 and Enode Pro device for measuring velocity during the back squat exercise. The results show that the barbell-mounted Apple Watch is the most valid for assessing propulsive and peak lifting velocity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jean Schoeller, Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Stephen J. J. Ferguson, Markus Rottmar, Jonathan Avaro, Yvonne Elbs-Glatz, Michael Chung, Rene M. Rossi
Summary: The ability of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanofibers to release ibuprofen for the treatment of chronic wounds was evaluated. The electrospinning of different compositions of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) copolymers was optimized, and the release kinetics of ibuprofen from the nanofibers at different temperatures were studied. The scaffolds also showed no cytotoxicity to normal human fibroblasts, indicating their potential for use in chronic wound treatment.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Xiaoyu Du, Yijun Zhou, Lingzhe Li, Cecilia Persson, Stephen J. Ferguson
Summary: Investigating the dynamic properties of implants is crucial for their safety and compatibility with natural spinal tissue. This study presents a simplified model of a cantilever beam to explore the effects of holes/pores on the structures. The natural frequencies and damping ratios of cantilever beams with open holes made of polycarbonate (PC) were investigated numerically, analytically, and experimentally. Finite element analysis accurately simulated the damped vibration behavior of cantilever beams with open holes, highlighting the potential of this method for analyzing the dynamic response of complex structures and improving implant design.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Olena Litvinova, Fabian Peter Hammerle, Jivko Stoyanov, Natalia Ksepka, Maima Matin, Michal Lawinski, Atanas G. Atanasov, Harald Willschke
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive patent and bibliometric analysis to explore the development and application of pulse oximeters in the field of digital medicine. The findings highlight the increasing importance of pulse oximeters in digitally-enabled medical practice and identify six primary research clusters related to these devices. The study suggests the potential of leveraging digital technologies in pulse oximetry for advancing the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardio-respiratory pathologies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ezra Valido, Gabriela Boehl, Joerg Krebs, Juergen Pannek, Stevan Stojic, Atanas G. Atanasov, Marija Glisic, Jivko Stoyanov, Athanasia Mouzaki
Summary: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) have higher infection rates compared to those without SCI. This review investigated the immune status difference between individuals with SCI and without SCI by examining their peripheral immune cells and markers. The results showed that immune cells in individuals with SCI had lower functional capability and exhibited higher levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL6.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)