[A study on blocking effect of polylactic acid patch on intra-discal inflammation after annulus puncture]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Annulus fibrosus puncture can lead to intra-discal inflammation and disc degeneration.
• Effective sealing of annulus defects is crucial for preventing further damage and promoting healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a polylactic acid (PLA) patch, secured with medical glue, in preventing intra-discal inflammation following annulus puncture.
• To evaluate the protective effect of the PLA patch on intervertebral disc tissue structure and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

• New Zealand white rabbits underwent annulus puncture at L2-7, with experimental groups receiving either a PLA patch with medical glue or medical glue alone to seal the defect.
• Intervertebral disc tissues were harvested after 1 week for histological analysis (HE and Masson staining).
• Expressions of inflammatory factors (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, iNOs) were quantified using immunohistochemistry and ELISA.

Main Results:

• The PLA patch group (Group C) demonstrated histological similarity to the control group (Group A), with normal nucleus pulposus structure.
• The medical glue-only group (Group D) showed significant disc degeneration, similar to the punctured-only group (Group B).
• Significantly lower levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, iNOs) were observed in the PLA patch group compared to the medical glue-only and puncture-only groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• A polylactic acid (PLA) patch, when secured with medical glue, effectively seals annulus defects and blocks intra-discal inflammation.
• This biomaterial-based approach shows potential for preserving intervertebral disc integrity after injury.