Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Anran Zhang, Zhangrong Cheng, Yuhang Chen, Pengzhi Shi, Weikang Gan, Yukun Zhang
Summary: Low back pain is a common issue affecting 80% of the global population, often caused by intervertebral disc herniation. There is no consensus on the best approach for annulus fibrosus (AF) regeneration. This review summarizes strategies for AF repair, including ideal cell types and pro-differentiation targeting approaches, and discusses the prospects and challenges of implant systems combining cells and biomaterials for guiding future research directions.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Farshid Ghezelbash, Amir Hossein Eskandari, Aboulfazl Shirazi-Adl, Morteza Kazempour, Javad Tavakoli, Mostafa Baghani, John J. Costi
Summary: The study developed three novel models of human AF with complex collagen and elastic fiber networks and compared their performance with seven published models. The importance of accurately simulating individual lamellae as distinct layers, and testing parameters in constructing and validating AF constitutive models was emphasized. Variations in sample geometry and boundary conditions significantly affected stress-strain responses in tissue-level tests, indicating the need to replicate experimental conditions closely in model studies.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ryan Borem, Allison Madeline, Chris Theos, Ricardo Vela, Alex Garon, Sanjitpal Gill, Jeremy Mercuri
Summary: The study found that these scaffolds have the potential to promote the repair of defects in the annulus fibrosus, thus preventing recurrent intervertebral disc herniations.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART B-APPLIED BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Joana Caldeira, Adam Celiz, Nicolas Newell
Summary: This study proposed a biomechanical testing method to evaluate the ability of bioadhesives to seal annulus fibrosus tears. The results showed that the tough hydrogel adhesive could effectively restore the burst pressure of intervertebral discs, providing a new approach for the treatment of disc degeneration.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Doudou Jing, Wei Wu, Xiangyu Deng, Yizhong Peng, Wenbo Yang, Donghua Huang, Zengwu Shao, Dong Zheng
Summary: The study demonstrates that cadmium induces apoptosis of annulus fibrosus cells contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration, with the involvement of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway and FoxO1a. This research provides insight into the mechanism by which smoking contributes to IVDD, presenting a potential new target for prevention.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yi Zheng, Borui Xue, Bin Wei, Bing Xia, Shengyou Li, Xue Gao, Yiming Hao, Yitao Wei, Lingli Guo, Haining Wu, Yujie Yang, Xueli Gao, Beibei Yu, Yongfeng Zhang, Shijie Yang, Zhuojing Luo, Teng Ma, Jinghui Huang
Summary: The repair of annulus fibrosus (AF) defect after discectomy in the intervertebral disc (IVD) has been a challenge due to hostile microenvironments, particularly compression and hypoxia. This study developed a oxygen-releasing scaffold using perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) core-shell fibers to promote endogenous repair in the AF. The oxygen released from the PFTBA fibers protected annulus fibrosus stem cells (AFSCs) from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and promoted proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in AFSCs. In vivo studies showed that the oxygen-supplying fibers improved disc degeneration after discectomy by enhancing disc height and morphological integrity.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Isabel N. Tromp, Jasper Foolen, Marina van Doeselaar, Ying Zhang, Danny Chan, Moyo C. Kruyt, Laura B. Creemers, Rene M. Castelein, Keita Ito
Summary: The progression of curvature in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may be due to irreversible changes in the intervertebral discs. Research has shown that AF cells from fast-healing LG/J mice are more capable of remodeling and realigning their collagen fibers compared to C57BL/6J mice, which could contribute to the faster disc wedging progression observed in LG/J mice.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Minhao Zhou, Erin S. Archibeck, Yarah Feteih, Yousuf Abubakr, Grace D. O'Connell
Summary: Growing clinical evidence suggests a correlation between diabetes and more frequent and severe intervertebral disc failure. This study used a combined experimental-computational approach to evaluate the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on annulus fibrosus (AF) tensile mechanics. The results showed that AGEs increase AF bulk tensile mechanical properties at the risk of tissue mechanical failure or catabolic remodeling. Computational results indicate that crosslinks along the fiber direction account for the increased tissue stiffness with glycation.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qifan Yu, Feng Han, Zhangqin Yuan, Zhuang Zhu, Changjiang Liu, Zhengdong Tu, Qianping Guo, Runze Zhao, Weidong Zhang, Huan Wang, Haijiao Mao, Bin Li, Caihong Zhu
Summary: In this study, researchers developed a nanofibrous scaffold loaded with fucoidan, a natural marine polysaccharide with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative functions, to alleviate the adverse microenvironment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The results showed that the fucoidan-loaded scaffold significantly decreased the expression of genes and proteins related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, it reduced the degradation of extracellular matrix and promoted disc repair, indicating promising potential for IDD treatment.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dalin Wang, Alon Lai, Jennifer Gansau, Philip Nasser, Yunsoo Lee, Damien M. Laudier, James C. Iatridis
Summary: This study established an ex-vivo rat lumbar endplate injury model and characterized the effects of endplate injury on motion segment biomechanical properties. Compared to annulus fibrosus injury, endplate injury had the greatest impact on axial biomechanical properties, while annulus fibrosus injury primarily affected torsional properties.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ana P. Peredo, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Harvey E. Smith, Robert L. Mauck
Summary: Intervertebral disc herniation can cause neural compression, pain, and loss of function, with surgical intervention carrying risks of reherniation and further degeneration. Traditional repair methods fail to address rupture of the annulus fibrosus, highlighting the need to mobilize cellular players for improved healing outcomes.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pengfei Zhu, Xiexing Wu, Li Ni, Kai Chen, Zhongchen Dong, Jiacheng Du, Fanchen Kong, Yubo Mao, Huaqiang Tao, Miao Chu, Haiqin Mao, Huilin Yang, Qinbai Liu, Minfeng Gan, Dechun Geng
Summary: This study suggests that downregulation of PP2A can reduce apoptosis and degeneration of intervertebral disc cells. Inhibition of PP2A may be a potential therapeutic target for IVDD.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bibhas K. Bhunia, Souradeep Dey, Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay, Biman B. Mandal
Summary: The study demonstrated the fabrication of biomimetic annulus fibrosus (AF) anatomical structure using 3D printing technology, showing potential for intervertebral disc function restoration. The printed constructs exhibited fiber alignment mimicking native tissue and had higher mechanical strength than native porcine AF tissue. Cell survival and proliferation were supported, suggesting a new direction for disc replacement therapy.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Xiangjiang Wang, Rahul Gawri, Changbin Lei, Joon Lee, Gwendolyn Sowa, Rita Kandel, Nam Vo
Summary: The study demonstrates that polyP can enhance synthesis of important substances and increase ATP production in intervertebral disc cells. These findings suggest that polyP may serve as a crucial energy source for disc cells.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rongrong Deng, Ran Kang, Xiaoyu Jin, Zihan Wang, Xin Liu, Qing Wang, Lin Xie
Summary: In this study, it was found that the sticky Fib-T-G biological gel could effectively repair AF fissures in rats and increase the expression of AF-related proteins and mechanotransduction-related proteins. Furthermore, mechanical strain was shown to promote the differentiation of AF-hMSCs, and this effect could be regulated by inhibiting or overexpressing the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Alessandra Berton, Giuseppe Salvatore, Ara Nazarian, Umile Giuseppe Longo, Alexander Orsi, Jonathan Egan, Arun Ramappa, Joseph DeAngelis, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effect of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the setting of increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) and to discuss when to perform MPFL reconstruction in combination with tibial tuberosity transfer. The results showed that isolated MPFL reconstruction corrected patella kinematics but did not restore normal patella contact pressure. Compared to tibial tuberosity transfer alone, combined MPFL reconstruction and tibial tuberosity transfer provided better biomechanical restoration.
KNEE SURGERY SPORTS TRAUMATOLOGY ARTHROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gianluca Vadala, Giuseppina Di Giacomo, Luca Ambrosio, Claudia Cicione, Veronica Tilotta, Fabrizio Russo, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: This in vitro study investigated the effect of irisin on human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs). The results showed that irisin increased cell proliferation, metabolic activity, and glycosaminoglycan content, while reducing catabolic markers and inflammation levels.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Claudia Cicione, Gianluca Vadala, Giuseppina Di Giacomo, Veronica Tilotta, Luca Ambrosio, Fabrizio Russo, Biagio Zampogna, Francesca Cannata, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: This study aimed to compare the biological properties of micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MAT) and nanofat adipose tissue (NAT) obtained with different techniques. The results showed that NAT had the highest content of extracellular matrix, cell replication, and stemness gene expression, providing valuable clues for the clinical use of adipose tissue derivatives.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Luca Ambrosio, Gianluca Vadala, Fabrizio Russo, Giuseppe Pascarella, Sergio De Salvatore, Giuseppe F. Papalia, Alessandro Ruggiero, Marta Di Folco, Massimiliano Carassiti, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: This systematic review investigated the efficacy of nonsurgical interventional treatments for chronic low back pain caused by facet joint syndrome. The results showed mixed results, with overall little short-term or no benefits on pain, disability, and other investigated outcomes.
GLOBAL SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Umile Giuseppe Longo, Alessandro Mazzola, Francesco Magri, Simone Catapano, Sergio De Salvatore, Simone Carotti, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: This study found that microscopic muscle atrophy was negatively correlated with the movement of abduction, leading to functional impairment. However, shoulder pain did not show any relationship with microscopic changes. Radiological evaluation of supraspinatus muscle alterations seemed to underestimate the degree of abnormalities compared to histological evaluation.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Junxuan Ma, Surya Hane, Janick Eglauf, Judith Pfannkuche, Astrid Soubrier, Zhen Li, Marianna Peroglio, Sven Hoppe, Lorin Benneker, Gernot Lang, Sebastian Wangler, Mauro Alini, Laura B. Creemers, Sibylle Grad, Sonja Hackel
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokine-stimulated human annulus fibrosus cells (hAFCs) on the sensitization of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, and further explored the inhibitory effect of celecoxib on hAFCs-induced DRG sensitization. The results showed that celecoxib could suppress IL-1 beta-induced PGE-2 production in hAFCs and reduce the sensitization of DRG nociceptors stimulated by hAFCs CM.
EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Fabrizio Russo, Luca Ambrosio, Eugenio Giannarelli, Ferruccio Vorini, Carlo A. Mallio, Carlo C. Quattrocchi, Gianluca Vadala, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: Innovative qMRI techniques have proven effective in identifying premature IDD changes, thanks to their ability to assess subtle alterations of water content, proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan concentration, and increased levels of catabolic biomarkers compared to conventional MRI. Further studies are needed to validate their application in wider populations and confirm their applicability in the clinical setting.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Luca Ambrosio, Gianluca Vadala, Fabrizio Russo, Giuseppe Pascarella, Sergio De Salvatore, Giuseppe F. Papalia, Alessandro Ruggiero, Marta Di Folco, Massimiliano Carassiti, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
GLOBAL SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chenglong Wang, Sabine Stoeckl, Girish Pattappa, Daniela Schulz, Korbinian Hofmann, Jovana Ilic, Yvonne Reinders, Richard J. Bauer, Albert Sickmann, Susanne Graessel
Summary: In orthopedics, musculoskeletal disorders, such as non-union of bone fractures or osteoporosis, can be induced by pathological hypoxic conditions. This study found that hypoxic conditions suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells and increased reactive oxygen species production. The extracellular vesicles derived from osteogenic differentiated cells cultured under hypoxia had distinct protein profiles compared to those cultured under normoxia. These findings suggest the importance of cellular origin and cargo of extracellular vesicles in osteogenic differentiation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of extracellular vesicles in rescuing hypoxia-induced impairment of bone formation.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Luca Ambrosio, Gianluca Vadala, Fabrizio Russo, Leonardo Donnici, Giorgia Petrucci, Cristina Di Tecco, Sergio Iavicoli, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: This study investigated the impact of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP). The results showed that during remote working, cLBP severity and work hours significantly increased. Independent risk factors for worsening cLBP included higher depression scores, increased stress levels, and being divorced, while living with others and reporting unchanged stress levels were associated with a lower risk of worsening cLBP.
Article
Orthopedics
Veronica Tilotta, Gianluca Vadala, Luca Ambrosio, Giuseppina Di Giacomo, Claudia Cicione, Fabrizio Russo, Adas Darinskas, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro
Summary: In vitro study investigated the therapeutic effects of Wharton's Jelly MSC (WJ-MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) on human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs). The results showed that WJ-MSC-EVs could improve the growth and viability of degenerated hNPCs, attenuate extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and oxidative stress. This provides new opportunities for intervertebral disc regeneration and serves as an alternative strategy to cell therapy.
Article
Orthopedics
Leonard Gruenwald, Steffen Schroeter, Joerg Dickschas, Joerg Harrer, Philipp Minzlaff, Stefan Hinterwimmer, Tim Saier, Girish Pattappa, Peter Angele
Summary: This study investigated patient satisfaction and fulfilment of expectations one year after knee osteotomy. The results showed that most patients were satisfied with the surgery, and satisfaction was associated with the fulfilment of expectations and knee health status after surgery. The findings are important for guiding the timing of knee osteotomy.
ARCHIVES OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY
(2023)