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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Extracellular matrix synthesis and ultrastructural changes of degenerative disc cells transfected by Ad/CMV-hTGF-beta
Yanbin Tan1, Yougu Hu, Jiangwei Tan
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China. ybintan@hefnail.com
Objective:
To determine whether the synthesis of proteoglycan, collagen and associated ultrastructure are related to the adenovirus-mediated gene transferred to adult degenerative cells.
Methods:
Adenovirus/cytomegalovirus human transforming growth factor-beta 1 (Ad/CMV-hTGF-beta 1) was used to transfect degenerative cells. Antonopulos method, Miamine method and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to study the synthesis of proteoglycan, collagen, and ultrastructure, respectively. Cell cultures were established from the nucleus pulpous and annulus fibrosus tissues, which were taken from surgery.
Results:
Nucleus pulpous and annulus fibrosus cells were efficiently transduced by the adenoviral vector carrying hTGF-beta 1 gene. The synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The metabolism of cells was slightly improved. No significant toxic effects were found.
Conclusions:
Expression of hTGF-beta 1 gene is efficient to accelerates proteoglycan synthesis and thus accelerates the improvement of collagen. The function and structure of degenerative cells are improved. Ad/CMV-hTGF-beta 1 may be suitable for treating disc degeneration.
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