Cell-based therapies for the regeneration of the intervertebral disc: promises and challenges

Authors

  • Eleni Mavrogonatou Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
  • Anastasios Kouroumalis Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
  • Adamantia Papadopoulou Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
  • Harris Pratsinis Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
  • Dimitris Kletsas Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece

Keywords:

intervertebral disc, low back pain, cell-based therapy, gene therapy, senescence

Abstract

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) has been yet inextricably associated to the manifestation of low back pain, a major cause of disability with a vast socioeconomic impact worldwide. IDD treatment has been challenging given that IDD is characterized by a constellation of changes, major among them being the reduction in cell number and the modification of the cellular phenotype and function, ultimately contributing to tissue structural breakdown. As alternative options to the conservative and surgical approaches that only target IDD symptoms, injection of bioactive substances, gene therapy or cell transplantation have been attempted with some encouraging results even though no complete restoration of the injured tissue has been achieved thus far. In this short review we discuss the effect of the particular IVD environment (a combination of nutrients’ and oxygen deprivation, mechanical and oxidative stress, high osmolality and acidic pH) on several parameters of the physiology of the resident or implanted cells that should be taken under consideration for a successful regenerative intervention. The role of cells’ senescence in IVD physiology is also discussed as a putative novel therapeutic target for IDD. Deep understanding of the molecular alterations underlying IVD cells’ responses could lead to more effective IDD treatment modalities.

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Published

2021-04-26