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Advancing the cellular and molecular therapy for intervertebral disc disease
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Collaborative Research Partner Annulus Fibrosus Repair Program, AO Foundation, Davos, Switzerland.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|July 5, 2014
Summary
This review explores cell and molecular therapies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, a major cause of back pain. Advances focus on activating stem cells and delivering therapeutic agents to repair damaged spinal discs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Spinal Research
Background:
- The intervertebral disc (IVD) is crucial for spinal load absorption and flexibility.
- IVD tissues face unique challenges: avascularity, hypoxia, and low nutrients, impacting extracellular matrix homeostasis.
- Degenerative changes can lead to dehydration, fibrosis, and nerve ingrowth, causing debilitating back pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current advancements in cell and molecular therapies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.
- To discuss strategies for harnessing endogenous progenitor cells and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
- To provide insights into potential treatments for back pain stemming from IVD issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cell and molecular therapy approaches for IVD repair.
- Analysis of techniques for progenitor cell mobilization, activation, and homing.
- Examination of methods for targeted delivery of cells, genes, and bioactive factors.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in mobilizing and activating endogenous progenitor cells within the IVD.
- Targeted delivery systems show promise for enhancing cell, gene, and bioactive factor efficacy.
- These therapeutic strategies aim to restore IVD structure and function, potentially alleviating back pain.
Conclusions:
- Cell and molecular therapies offer a promising avenue for treating intervertebral disc degeneration and associated back pain.
- Further research into progenitor cell manipulation and targeted delivery is essential for clinical translation.
- Regenerative approaches hold potential to address the global burden of back pain by restoring spinal health.
Keywords:
Cell therapyHomeostasisHomingIntervertebral disc degenerationIntra-cellular pathwaysNicheProgenitor cellsTargetMore Related Videos
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