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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiroki Ohnishi, Zhongying Zhang, Takashi Yurube, Yoshiki Takeoka, Yutaro Kanda, Ryu Tsujimoto, Kunihiko Miyazaki, Tomoya Matsuo, Masao Ryu, Naotoshi Kumagai, Kohei Kuroshima, Yoshiaki Hiranaka, Ryosuke Kuroda, Kenichiro Kakutani
Summary: This study investigated the effects of AdipoRon on human intervertebral disc (IVD) nucleus pulposus (NP) cells using a three-dimensional in vitro culturing system, and also examined the effects of AdipoRon on rat tail IVD tissues using an in vivo puncture-induced IVD degeneration model. The results demonstrated that AdipoRon suppressed the gene expression of proinflammatory factors and phosphorylation of p65 via the AMPK pathway, thereby alleviating IVD degeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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)
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
Rui Lu, Haoran Xu, Xiaofeng Deng, Yingguang Wang, Zhiyi He, Shimeng Xu, Shuang Liang, Xiaojian Huang, Hongbo You, Fengjing Guo, Peng Cheng, An-min Chen
Summary: This study reveals that Physalin A has significant therapeutic potential in treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) by inhibiting inflammation, reducing fibrosis, and enhancing autophagy.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC TRANSLATION
(2023)
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Honglei Kang, Yimin Dong, Renpeng Peng, Haiyang Liu, Qian Guo, Kehan Song, Meipeng Zhu, Kaixu Yu, Wei Wu, Feng Li
Summary: This study found that IRE1 plays an important role in the progression of IDD, and inhibition of the IRE1 pathway can suppress the degeneration of NP cells and prevent IDD in vivo. These findings suggest that IRE1 may be a potential target for IDD treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Liu, Gong-ming Gao, Kai-yuan Yang, Lu-ming Nong
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration commonly causes low back pain, and NP mesenchymal stem cells have the potential for tissue repair. This study found that periodic mechanical stress and rhBMP-2 can promote the proliferation and differentiation of NP mesenchymal stem cells, and regulate the BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 pathway through ITG A1.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rikuto Yoshimizu, Junsuke Nakase, Katsuhito Yoshioka, Kengo Shimozaki, Kazuki Asai, Mitsuhiro Kimura, Katsuhiko Kitaoka, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
Summary: This study found that lumbar degeneration was common in children and adolescent weightlifters after 5 years, with 33% of participants showing lumbar disc herniation findings. Long-term high frequency weightlifting training during growth periods may increase the risk of developing low back pain.
Article
Cell Biology
Letizia Penolazzi, Leticia S. Bergamin, Elisabetta Lambertini, Valentina V. Poma, Alba C. Sarti, Pasquale De Bonis, Francesco Di Virgilio, Roberta Piva
Summary: Our study investigated the expression of P2X7 purinergic receptor, NLRP3 inflammasome, and interleukin-1 beta in intervertebral disc specimens at different stages of degeneration, as well as during the dedifferentiation process of primary cells derived from these specimens. The findings suggest that the P2X7R/NLRP3 axis could be a suitable therapeutic target for degenerated disc, as both molecules showed higher expression levels in advanced stages of degeneration. Furthermore, substantial expression of P2X7R was also observed in normal disc tissue, indicating the potential role of P2X7R-mediated purinergic signaling in intervertebral disc metabolism beyond inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zongtai Liu, Jiabo Zhu, Haiyan Liu, Changfeng Fu
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common clinical symptom and a significant cause of low back pain. The mechanisms involved in IDD include persistent inflammation, functional cell loss, accelerated extracellular matrix decomposition, imbalance of functional components, and genetic metabolic disorders. Inflammation interacts with other mechanisms and is closely associated with pain production. Natural substances with anti-inflammatory functions offer new options for mitigating degeneration and have potential clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jintao Liu, Pengfei Yu, Feng Dai, Hong Jiang, Zhijia Ma
Summary: This study focused on exploring whether Tetrandrine (TET) attenuated tert butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP)-induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cell injury and delayed rat intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by inducing autophagy. TET reversed the effect of TBHP on NP cells, enhancing autophagy and reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. In vivo, TET delayed rat IDD, increased the expression of LC3 and collagen II, and weakened apoptosis. TET may be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of IDD.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Sebastian Wangler, Amir Kamali, Christina Wapp, Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Sonja Haeckel, Claudia Fortes, Lorin M. Benneker, Lisbet Haglund, R. Geoff Richards, Mauro Alini, Marianna Peroglio, Sibylle Grad
Summary: MSC’s secretome composition was analyzed after exposure to different IVD environments, showing more complex secretome induced by IVD conditioned media compared to IL-1 beta stimulation. The secretome reflected different activity based on IVD pathological status, with implications for tailored secretome therapy development.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Marcus Raudner, Daniel F. Toth, Markus M. Schreiner, Tom Hilbert, Tobias Kober, Vladimir Juras, Reinhard Windhager, Siegfried Trattnig
Summary: Synthetic images derived using GRAPPATINI can be used for clinical assessment with high inter-rater and intra-rater agreements comparable to conventional T2w TSE, indicating good diagnostic performance in routine clinical practice.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiangge Meng, Chengping Li, Yu Hei, Xiang Zhou, Guoli Zhou
Summary: The study used IVT-SAPAS sequencing to analyze the dynamic changes of APA sites during adipogenesis in bovine subcutaneous preadipocytes and intramuscular preadipocytes. The results showed that APA plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation, and UTR-APA switching genes have different trends, with intramuscular preadipocytes tending to use shorter 3'UTR for differentiation. TRIB3, WWTR1, and INSIG1 play important roles in intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
S. Alizadeh, S. Khamse, N. Tajeddin, H. R. Khorram Khorshid, A. Delbari, M. Ohadi
Summary: This study identifies a specific genotype at a CG-rich trinucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) locus that is associated with late-onset neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shougang Liu, Zhe Zhuang, Fanghua Liu, Xiuqing Yuan, Zeqiao Zhang, Xiaoqian Liang, Xinhui Li, Yongfeng Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect and mechanism of RPL9 and TIFA in scalp psoriasis, and identified RPL9 as a potential therapeutic target for scalp psoriasis.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shiting Wang, Jiaqi Chen, Zhichao Jin, Ying Xing, Ruiping Wang
Summary: This study suggests a causal association between hair color and skin cancers, with light hair colors (red, blonde, and light brown) being associated with an increased risk and dark brown hair being associated with a decreased risk.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Joseph Hawadak, Loick Pradel Kojom Foko, Rodrigue Roman Dongang Nana, Karmveer Yadav, Veena Pande, Aparup Das, Vineeta Singh
Summary: This study investigates the genetic diversity and natural selection of the Pfama-1 gene in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Cameroon. The study finds a considerable nucleotide and haplotype diversity, as well as specific mutations in Cameroonian isolates. Positive diversifying selection and the identification of selected codon sites suggest the potential implication of these genetic variations in host immune pressure and parasite-binding complex modulation. The findings provide valuable baseline data for malaria vaccine design.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Emily Biernat, Mansi Verma, Chhabi K. Govind
Summary: RSC is an essential ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It regulates nucleosome-depleted regions (NDRs) by sliding flanking nucleosomes away from NDRs. Depletion of RSC leads to nucleosome encroachment in NDRs and transcription initiation defects. The study compared the effects of catalytic-dead Sth1 and rapid depletion of Sth1 on transcription. Rapid depletion of Sth1 reduces recruitment of TBP and Pol II, while the catalytic-dead mutant exhibits a severe reduction in TBP binding but accumulates Pol II in coding regions. The results suggest a role for RSC in transcription elongation and termination processes.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yunxiao Wei, Yuhan Song, Muhammad Aamir Khan, Chengzhen Liang, Zhigang Meng, Yuan Wang, Sandui Guo, Rui Zhang
Summary: This study analyzed the GhTPP protein family in upland cotton for the first time and identified the important role of GhTPPA_2 in regulating sugar metabolism, improving soluble sugar accumulation, and drought stress tolerance.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yannan Geng, Rui Shao, Tiantong Xu, Lilong Zhang
Summary: A novel risk model based on SCUBE3, TNNC1, SPON1, SEPT12 and ULBP1 genes was developed for predicting PMOP risk, with higher risk score indicating higher risk of suffering from PMOP. Significant differences in signaling pathway activities were observed between the high-risk score group and the low-risk score group.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Randy P. Williams, Corina Lesseur, Haoxiang Cheng, Qian Li, Maya Deyssenroth, Christopher D. Molteno, Ernesta M. Meintjes, Sandra W. Jacobson, Joseph L. Jacobson, Helen Wainwright, Ke Hao, Jia Chen, R. Colin Carter
Summary: The study suggests that heavy alcohol exposure during pregnancy may impact the proportion of fetal placental villi macrophages and increase the expression of inflammatory genes. Further research is needed to explore these effects and evaluate the potential functional roles of placental inflammation in FASD.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lvjing Luo, Lishuang Sun, Shu Li, Huiting Liu, Zhengyu Chen, Shi Huang, Yinyin Mo, Genliang Li
Summary: This study analyzed the expression of Ptpn1 and miR-124-3p in testicular tissues of mice and investigated their regulatory relationship. The results showed that Ptpn1 expression was up-regulated in adult mouse testis compared to juvenile mouse testis, while miR-124-3p expression showed an opposite pattern. Further analysis suggested that the down-regulation of miR-124-3p may contribute to the high expression of Ptpn1 in adult mouse testis.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Gairui Li, Dan Zhao, Xiaolin Peng, Yashuang Zhao
Summary: MiRNA-22 shows potential as a candidate for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study found higher miR-22 expression levels in the CRC and CRA groups, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for CRC early screening.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhongqiu Zhu, Qianting Yang, Xiaoying Tian, Da Man, Jian Wang, Junfang Zhang, Bingshe Han
Summary: This study constructed a ceRNA network mediated by lncRNAs in cold-acclimated zebrafish ZF4 cells and revealed that upregulation of MSTRG3207 promotes apoptosis by sponging dre-miR-736 during cold acclimation.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Weitao Chen, Denggao Xiang, Shang Gao, Shuli Zhu, Zhi Wu, Yuefei Li, Jie Li
Summary: Dam construction has negatively impacted the genetic diversity and structure of fish populations. This case study on the endangered Hemibagrus guttatus found low genetic diversity, high levels of inbreeding, and decreasing population size in fragmented populations. Genetic structure and differentiation were also observed, indicating the influence of dams on these fish populations.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Pooja Singh, Debleena Guin, Bijay Pattnaik, Ritushree Kukreti
Summary: Through systematic literature review and meta-analysis, it was found that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is significantly associated with 222 polymorphisms in 118 genes. Four polymorphisms - rs35705950/MUC5B, rs2736100/TERT, rs2076295/DSP, and rs111521887/TOLLIP, exhibited substantial epidemiological evidence supporting their association with IPF risk.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jianping Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Fanzhe Feng, Yufeng Peng, Yi Cui, Yongiqing Xu
Summary: This study found that exosomes secreted by young BMSCs can promote the healing of tendon-bone interface after rotator cuff tears. These exosomes can improve extracellular matrix remodeling, osteogenic differentiation, angiogenesis, and stemness of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs). The exosomes from young BMSCs have better effects compared to those from aged BMSCs.