Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025
07:25
Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury
Published on: May 25, 2017
11.5K
Exploring the Causes of Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Impairment
Xingyu Guo1, Zian Lu1, Wenbiao Xiao1
1Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqizhong Rd, Shanghai, 200040 China.
Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
|April 28, 2025
Summary
Annulus fibrosus (AF) damage, a key factor in degenerative disc diseases (DDD), stems from physical, chemical, metabolic, immune, and genetic factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for developing new treatments for low back pain.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The annulus fibrosus (AF) is vital for intervertebral disc (IVD) structural integrity and function.
- Impairment of the AF is a primary driver of degenerative disc diseases (DDD), leading to widespread pain and disability.
- The precise mechanisms underlying AF damage remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on the etiologies of AF damage.
- To provide an overview of AF characteristics and existing therapeutic strategies.
- To identify key factors contributing to AF impairment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of articles published between 1952 and 2024.
- Systematic review and categorization of identified research.
- Synthesis of findings related to AF damage mechanisms.
Main Results:
- AF impairment can be induced or worsened by various factors.
- These factors are categorized into physical and chemical stimuli, nutritional/metabolic disorders, immune/inflammatory responses, and genetic abnormalities.
- Multiple pathways contribute to the degeneration of this crucial IVD component.
Conclusions:
- Several distinct factors contribute to AF impairment, impacting IVD health.
- A deeper understanding of these etiologies is essential for advancing DDD prevention and treatment.
- Targeting these factors may lead to novel therapeutic interventions for debilitating disc diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
2.0K
As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
2.0K
01:21Layers of Connective Tissue Proper
1.8K
Fascia, a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue, is distributed throughout the body. It demarcates and forms a supportive covering over skeletal muscles, bones, blood vessels, and organs. There are three main types of facia— superficial fascia, deep fascia, and subserous fascia. These are all present at different depths in the body. Fascia reduces the friction and permits muscles, joints, and organs to easily slide against each other, facilitating movement of the body and preventing...
1.8K
01:30General Structure of a Vertebra
2.4K
A typical vertebra, with the exception of the sacrum and coccyx, consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven different projections termed processes. The anterior portion of the vertebrae, the body, supports about half the body’s weight. The vertebral bodies progressively increase in size and thickness from the cervical region to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs present between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae firmly unites them, forming a continuous...
2.4K