scholarly journals Applications of Functionalized Hydrogels in the Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Caiping Yan ◽  
Xingkuan Wang ◽  
Chao Xiang ◽  
Yong Wang ◽  
Chaoyu Pu ◽  
...  

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is caused by genetics, aging, and environmental factors and is one of the leading causes of low back pain. The treatment of IDD presents many challenges. Hydrogels are biomaterials that possess properties similar to those of the natural extracellular matrix and have significant potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Hydrogels with various functional qualities have recently been used to repair and regenerate diseased intervertebral discs. Here, we review the mechanisms of intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration and then discuss the applications of hydrogel-mediated repair and intervertebral disc regeneration. The classification of artificial hydrogels and natural hydrogels is then briefly introduced, followed by an update on the development of functional hydrogels, which include noncellular therapeutic hydrogels, cellular therapeutic hydrogel scaffolds, responsive hydrogels, and multifunctional hydrogels. The challenges faced and future developments of the hydrogels used in IDD are discussed as they further promote their clinical translation.

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 900-906
Author(s):  
Erica Batista Fontes ◽  
Andréa Pacheco Batista Borges ◽  
Ney Luis Pippi ◽  
Maurício Rosa ◽  
Arícia Sprada ◽  
...  

In this study, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) derived from rats were used in order to promote intervertebral disc regeneration. These cells were isolated after centrifugation in a Ficoll-Paque™ PLUS density gradient and then placed in plastic dishes to proliferate during a period of 14 days. The BM-MNCs were previously labeled with the fluorescent membrane marker Chloromethyl-benzamidodialkylcarbocyanine (CM-DIL), and thereafter were implanted in rats' intervertebral discs explants as an in vitro experimental model. Daily analyses of the cells under a fluorescence microscope revealed morphological changes, which assumed a thin and elongated shape similar to cells that originally form the annulus fibroses. Histopathological analysis demonstrated the presence of mononuclear cells interspersed within collagen fibers. The presence of viable cells, in which were found morphological changes and their disposal in the same pattern of the layers that originate the annulus fibrosus, is an indicator that they engrafted and proliferated on the intervertebral disc. Therefore, morphological changes presented by these cells indicate that they presented mesenchymal stem-like cell characteristics.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binwu Hu ◽  
Ruijun He ◽  
Kaige Ma ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Min Cui ◽  
...  

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is considered to be the primary reason for low back pain. Despite remarkable improvements in both pharmacological and surgical management of IVD degeneration (IVDD), therapeutic effects are still unsatisfactory. It is because of the fact that these therapies are mainly focused on alleviating the symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause or restoring the structure and biomechanical function of the IVD. Accumulating evidence has revealed that the endogenous stem/progenitor cells exist in the IVD, and these cells might be a promising cell source in the regeneration of degenerated IVD. However, the biological characteristics and potential application of IVD-derived stem/progenitor cells (IVDSCs) have yet to be investigated in detail. In this review, the authors aim to perform a review to systematically discuss (1) the isolation, surface markers, classification, and biological characteristics of IVDSCs; (2) the aging- and degeneration-related changes of IVDSCs and the influences of IVD microenvironment on IVDSCs; and (3) the potential for IVDSCs to promote regeneration of degenerated IVD. The authors believe that this review exclusively address the current understanding of IVDSCs and provide a novel approach for the IVD regeneration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 6257
Author(s):  
Zepur Kazezian ◽  
Kieran Joyce ◽  
Abhay Pandit

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain worldwide, incurring a significant burden on the healthcare system and society. IVD degeneration is characterized by an abnormal cell-mediated response leading to the stimulation of different catabolic biomarkers and activation of signalling pathways. In the last few decades, hyaluronic acid (HA), which has been broadly used in tissue-engineering, has popularised due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and extracellular matrix enhancing properties. Hence, there is expressed interest in treating the IVD using different HA compositions. An ideal HA-based biomaterial needs to be compatible and supportive of the disc microenvironment in general and inhibit inflammation and downstream cascades leading to the innervation, vascularisation and pain sensation in particular. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW HA) and HA-based biomaterials used as therapeutic delivery platforms have been trialled in preclinical models and clinical trials. In this paper, we reviewed a series of studies focused on assessing the effect of different compositions of HA as a therapeutic, targeting IVD degeneration. Overall, tremendous advances have been made towards an optimal form of a HA biomaterial to target specific biomarkers associated with IVD degeneration, but further optimization is necessary to address regeneration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Russel J Reiter ◽  
Sergio Rosales-Corral ◽  
Ramaswamy Sharma

     Low back pain (lumbar pain) due to injury of or damage to intervertebral discs is common in all societies.  The loss of work time as a result of this problem is massive.  Recent research suggests that melatonin may prevent or counteract intervertebral disc damage. This may be especially relevant in aging populations given that endogenous melatonin, in most individuals, dwindles with increasing age. The publications related to melatonin and its protection of the intervertebral disc are reviewed herein, including definition of some molecular mechanisms that account for melatonin’s protective actions. 


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Ching Tzaan ◽  
Hsien-Chih Chen

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a multifactorial process that is influenced by contributions from genetic predisposition, the aging phenomenon, lifestyle conditions, biomechanical loading and activities, and other health factors (such as diabetes). Attempts to decelerate disc degeneration using various techniques have been reported. However, to date, there has been no proven technique effective for broad clinical application. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) is a growth factor cytokine that has been shown to enhance the availability of circulating hematopoietic stem cells to the brain and heart as well as their capacity for mobilization of mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells. GCSF also exerts significant increases in circulating neutrophils as well as potent anti-inflammatory effects. In our study, we hypothesize that GCSF can induce bone marrow stem cells differentiation and mobilization to regenerate the degenerated IVD. We found that GCSF had no contribution in disc regeneration or maintenance; however, there were cell proliferation within end plates. The effects of GCSF treatment on end plates might deserve further investigation.


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