An Injectable AAm-DMAEMA/Alg-Ca²⁺ Gel Designed for Damaged Intervertebral Discs Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a primary cause of low back pain, significantly impacting individuals and society.
• Bioactive materials offer potential solutions for tissue repair in conditions like IVDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel calcium alginate-based hydrogel, AAm-DMAEMA/Alg-Ca2+, for its efficacy in treating IVDD.
• To assess the hydrogel's impact on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell behavior and IVDD repair in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• AAm-DMAEMA/Alg-Ca2+ hydrogel morphology was analyzed via SEM.
• IVDD was induced in rats, followed by hydrogel treatment, with assessments including X-ray, MRI, and histological staining.
• In vitro studies used H2O2-induced NP cells to model inflammation, measuring viability, proliferation, and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• AAm treatment increased NP cell viability and proliferation by approximately 50%.
• The hydrogel alleviated disc height loss, improved MRI signals, preserved disc structure, and promoted bone formation and chondrogenesis in rats.
• AAm treatment suppressed inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, NLRP3) and reversed H2O2-induced damage to matrix components (Aggrecan, Collagen II) and matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP3/13).

Conclusions:

• AAm-DMAEMA/Alg-Ca2+ hydrogel promotes NP cell proliferation, reduces inflammation, alleviates tissue damage, and enhances bone formation in IVDD.
• This bioactive hydrogel demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic scaffold for promoting intervertebral disc repair.