Cells from Degenerative Intervertebral Discs Demonstrate Unfavorable Responses to Mechanical and Inflammatory Stimuli

• DOI: 10.1097/phm.0b013e31825f145a
• Publication Date: 2012-07-03T09:33:33Z
• Authors: Gwendolyn A. Sowa; J. Paulo Coelho; Nam V. Vo; Corey Pacek; Edward Westrick; James D. Kang
• Keywords: Proinflammatory cytokine; Intervertebral Disc; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; Mechanotransduction; Degenerative Disc Disease

Mechanical forces and inflammatory signaling influence intervertebral disc matrix homeostasis. We hypothesized that annulus fibrosus cells from degenerative discs would have altered responses to mechanical stimuli compared with isolated normal discs.Annulus were New Zealand White rabbits magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed created by annular stab. Cells cultured without (tensile strain). After 4 or 24 hrs, the mRNA expression of inflammatory, catabolic, anabolic genes was measured reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Baseline gene differences noted between discs. Degenerative demonstrated a more proinflammatory response profile loss beneficial effects signaling. Decreased catabolic observed in under conditions stimuli.These data demonstrate decreased capacity respond positively levels strain an exaggerated stimulus. This may, part, help explain differential motion-based therapies patients degeneration.