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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
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Structure, function, aging and turnover of aggrecan in the intervertebral disc
Sarit Sara Sivan1, Ellen Wachtel2, Peter Roughley3
1Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, Karmiel 21982 Israel.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|July 29, 2014
Summary
Aggrecan, a key intervertebral disc component, declines with age and degeneration due to proteolysis. Restoring aggrecan levels may treat disc degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Aggrecan is the primary non-collagenous protein in the intervertebral disc.
- Its structure enables osmotic properties and resistance to compressive forces.
- Aggrecan degradation leads to impaired disc function and degeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review aggrecan's structure and function in normal and degenerating intervertebral discs.
- To explore changes in aggrecan during aging and degenerative disc disease.
- To assess therapeutic potential of aggrecan supplementation or biomimetics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on aggrecan.
- Analysis of aggrecan's role in intervertebral disc aging.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies for degenerative disc disease.
Main Results:
- Aggrecan levels peak in early adulthood and decline due to proteolysis by MMPs and aggrecanases.
- Aggrecan loss is an early but prolonged event in disc degeneration.
- Low turnover rates hinder repair, with degradation products accumulating over decades.
Conclusions:
- Aggrecan plays a central role in intervertebral disc function, degeneration, and repair.
- Restoring aggrecan content or using biomimetics may impede degeneration.
- Understanding aggrecan dynamics is crucial for scientists and clinicians treating disc disorders.
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