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MSC response to pH levels found in degenerating intervertebral discs

Karin Wuertz1, Karolyn Godburn, James C Iatridis

  • 1School of Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA. wuertz@cabmm.uzh.ch

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Tissue regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is hindered by acidic conditions in degenerated discs. Early intervention and predifferentiation are crucial for successful MSC-based therapies in degenerative disc disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a significant health issue.
  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for tissue regeneration.
  • The disc microenvironment, particularly matrix acidity, poses challenges for MSC survival and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of varying pH levels, simulating disc degeneration, on rat bone marrow-derived MSCs.
  • To assess the effects of acidity and age on MSC gene expression, proliferation, viability, and morphology.

Main Methods:

  • MSCs were isolated from young (<1 month) and adult (4-5 months) Sprague-Dawley rats.
  • Cells were cultured for 5 days at four different pH conditions (7.4, 7.1, 6.8, 6.5).
  • Gene expression (aggrecan, collagen-1, TIMP-3), proliferation, viability, and cell morphology were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Acidity significantly inhibited aggrecan, collagen-1, and TIMP-3 expression.
  • Lower pH levels led to decreased MSC proliferation and viability.
  • Cell morphology changed under acidic conditions, with younger MSCs showing higher mRNA expression levels.

Conclusions:

  • Acidic conditions, characteristic of degenerated discs, impair MSC function and viability.
  • Age influences MSC response, with younger cells exhibiting better mRNA expression.
  • Findings highlight the necessity of early therapeutic interventions and MSC predifferentiation for effective DDD treatment.

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