Objective To investigate the effects of human insulin-like growth factor 1 (hIGF-1) gene transfected by recombinant adenovirus vector (Ad-hIGF-1) on the apoptosis of rabbit nucleus pulposus cells induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Methods The intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus were harvested from 8 healthy adult domestic rabbits (male or female, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg). The nucleus pulposus cells were isolated with collagenase II digestion and the passage 2 cells were cultured to logarithm growing period, and then they were divided into 3 groups according to culture condition: DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% PBS, DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% PBS and 100 ng/mL TNF-α, and DMEM/ F12 medium containing 10% PBS, 100 ng/ mL TNF-α, and Ad-hIGF-1 (multiplicity of infection of 50) were used in control group, TNF-α group, and Ad-hIGF-1 group, respectively. The results of transfection by adenovirus vector carrying hIGF-1 gene were observed by fluorescent microscopy; the expression of hIGF-1 protein was detected by Western blot, hIGF-1 mRNA expression by RT-PCR, and the cell apoptosis rate by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Results Green fluorescence was observed by fluorescent microscopy in Ad-hIGF-1 group, indicating that successful cell transfection. The expressions of hIGF-1 protein and mRNA were detected in Ad-hIGF-1 group by Western blot and RT-PCR, while the control group and TNF-α group had no expression. The cell apoptosis rates of TNF-α group, Ad-hIGF-1 group, and control group were 34.24% ± 4.60%, 6.59% ± 1.03%, and 0.40% ± 0.15%, respectively. The early apoptosis rates of TNF-α group, Ad-hIGF-1 group, and control group were 22.16% ± 2.69%, 5.03% ± 0.96%, and 0.49% ± 0.05%, respectively; the late cell apoptosis rates were 13.96% ± 4.86%, 10.68% ± 3.42%, and 0.29% ± 0.06%, respectively. Compared with TNF-α group, the cell apoptosis rates of Ad-hIGF-1 group and control group were significantly reduced (P lt; 0.05); the cell apoptosis rate of Ad-hIGF-1 group was significantly higher than that of control group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Ad-hIGF-1 could inhibit the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells induced by TNF-α.
Objective To review the progress of the mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB) pathways in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods The related literature about the mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-кB pathways in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration was reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. Results Wnt/β-catenin and NF-кB pathways are both activated in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration, and exist interaction. However, the specific mechanisms and interactive mediums of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-кB pathways in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration are still unclear. Conclusion The mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-кB pathways in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration have to be studied deeply.
Objective To review the present clinical research situation of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after lumbar spinal fusion. Methods The recent literature concerning ASD in the concept, the incidence, the risk factors, and prevention was reviewed. Results The concept of ASD includes radiographic ASD and clinical ASD. The incidences of radiographic ASD and clinical ASD were 8%-100% and 5.2%-18.5%, respectively. The risk factors for ASD include both patient and surgical factors. Patient factors include age, gender, preoperative condition, and so on. Surgical factors include the length of the fusion, mode of fusion, internal fixator, sagittal balance, excessive distraction of disc space, and so on. It can prevent ASD to reduce the length of the fusion, to keep sagittal balance, and to use the non-fusion technology. Conclusion Many researches have proved that the incidence of ASD is increased after lumbar spinal fusion, and it can be reduced by the non-fusion technology. Non-fusion technology has obtained good short-term results. But the long-term results should be further observed because there are some complications.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar scoliosis stenosis by expandable tubular retractor. Methods Between April 2009 and October 2010, 39 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis stenosis were treated. Of 39 patients, 20 underwent MI-TLIF (group A) and 19 underwent open surgery (group B). There was no significant differences in gender, age, disease duration, range of lumbar degenerative scoliosis, Cobb angle, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative independently turning over time, postoperative complication rate, Cobb angle, fusion rates, ODI score, and VAS score were compared between 2 groups. Results The operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B (P lt; 0.05), and the intraoperative blood loss of group A was significantly less than that of group B (P lt; 0.05); no significant difference was found in postoperative independently turning over time between 2 groups (t=1.869, P=0.069). The complication rate was 20.0% (4/20) in group A and 26.3% (5/19) in group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.219, P=0.640). All patients were followed up 2 years to 3 years and 6 months (mean, 2.9 years). At last follow-up, the fusion rate of bone graft was 92.9% (78/84) in group A and 95.2% (80/84) in group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.425, P=0.514). According to the Macnab standard for effectiveness evaluation, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 90.0% in group A; the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 89.5% in group B; there was no significant difference between 2 groups (Z= — 0.258, P=0.835). The postoperative VAS score, ODI score, and Cobb angle were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05); and there was no significant differences between 2 groups at 2 weeks after operation and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion MI-TLIF by expandable tubular retractor is an available clinical choice in treating degenerative lumbar scoliosis stenosis. It can obtain the same effectiveness as the open surgery.
Objective To compare the short-term effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) versus open-TLIF in treatment of single-level lumbar degenerative disease. Methods Between February 2010 and February 2011, 147 patients with single-level lumbar degenerative diseases underwent open-TLIF in 104 cases (open-TLIF group) and MIS-TLIF in 43 cases (MIS-TLIF group), and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease type, lesion level, disease duration, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative radiological exposure time, intra- and post-operative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative complications were compared between 2 groups. The VAS score and ODI were observed during follow-up. The imaging examination was done to observe the bone graft fusion and the locations of internal fixator and Cage. Results There was no significant difference in operation time between 2 groups (t=0.402, P=0.688); MIS-TLIF group had a decreased intra- and post-operative blood loss, shortened postoperative hospitalization time, and increased intraoperative radiological exposure time, showing significant differences when compared with open-TLIF group (P lt; 0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (2 cases) and superficial infection of incision (2 cases) occurred after operation in open-TLIF group, with a complication incidence of 3.8% (4/104); dorsal root ganglion stimulation symptom (3 cases) occurred in MIS-TLIF group, with a complication incidence of 7.0% (3/43); there was no significant difference in the complication incidence between 2 groups (χ2=0.657, P=0.417). The patients were followed up 18-26 months (mean, 21 months) in MIS-TLIF group, and 18-28 months (mean, 23 months) in open-TLIF group. The VAS scores and ODI of 2 groups at each time point after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score between 2 groups at discharge and 3 months after operation (P gt; 0.05); VAS score of MIS-TLIF group was significantly lower than that of open-TLIF group at last follow-up (t= — 2.022, P=0.047). At 3 months and last follow-up, no significant difference was found in the ODI between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The imaging examination showed good positions of Cage and internal fixator, and bone graft fusion in 2 groups. Conclusion The short-term effectiveness of MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF for single-level degenerative lumbar diseases was similar. MIS-TLIF has the advantages of less invasion and quick recovery, but the long-term effectiveness needs more observation.
Objective To summarize the research situation of stem cells transplantation for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Methods The original articles about stem cells transplantation for repair of IVD degeneration were extensively reviewed; the clinical applications, the mechanisms, and related factors to influence repair effect were analyzed; and obstacles in stem cells transplantation for repair of IVD degeneration. Results Autogenic stem cells transplantation can repair IVD degeneration and effectively relieve the symptoms of low back and leg pain. Stem cells can differentiate into disc chondrocytes in the disc microenvironment, increase the production of various growth factors, and exert a trophic effect on disc cells. It is also evident that the transplanted stem cells can potentially protect disc cells from apoptosis and maintain an immune-privileged state in the IVD. Multiple factors such as tissue origin of stem cells, methods to pre-modulate the seeds, choice of injectable scaffolds, and even the severity of degeneration are closely related to the repair effects. To get a more efficient stem cell therapy, future researches are challenged to modulate the migration and distribution of stem cells in the IVD, avoid flow back, and better understand their ability to restore stemness properties within the degenerative disc niche. Conclusion Stem cells transplantation is proven to be a promising biological approach for repair of IVD degeneration.
【Abstract】 Objective To evaluate the mid-term effectiveness of Oxford Unicompartmental Knee system Phase III for medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Between December 2008 and August 2010, 26 patients (32 knees) with medial unicompartmental knee OA were treated. Of 26 patients, 11 were followed up more than 2 years, including 7 males and 4 females (14 knees, 6 left and 8 right knees) with an average age of 62.4 years (range, 50-74 years). All patients had load suffering and tenderness of medial unicompartmental knee, and complicated by varus deformity without limitation of flexion and extension; the disease duration ranged 5-23 years (mean, 11.6 years). According to Ahlback staging, 4 knees were at stage II and 10 knees at stage III. Cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (Oxford Unicompartmental Knee system Phase III) was performed by minimally invasive technique. Results All the incisions were primary healing after operation. Five cases suffered from local ache in the pes anserinus during the first 3 months after operation, which was cured after conservative therapy. Of them, 11 patients were followed up 27.5 months on average (range, 24-30 months). During follow-up, no complication of prosthesis loosening, displacement, arthropathy in the opposite department, or the patellofemoral joint occurred. The range of motion was significantly improved from (109.2 ± 8.7)° preoperatively to (123.5 ± 6.7)° at last follow-up (P lt; 0.05); knee society score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were all significantly improved (P lt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the femoro-tibial angle was significantly improved (P lt; 0.05); tibial plateau and the tibial anatomical axis increased, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05); and posterior tibial slope was significantly decreased (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Oxford Unicompartmental Knee system Phase III has satisfactory mid-term effectiveness in treating medial unicompartmental knee OA with the advantages of little trauma and rapid recovery, but long-term effectiveness is expected for further follow-up.
Objective To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 (n-HA/PA66) intervertebral cage for lumbar interbody fusion in the patients with lower lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods Between January and October 2011, 20 patients with lower lumbar degenerative diseases underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with n-HA/PA66 intervertebral cage. There were 8 males and 12 females, aged 22-80 years (mean, 51 years). The disease duration was 1 to 24 months (mean, 4 months). L4, 5 fusion was performed in 8 cases, L5, S1 fusion in 9 cases, and L4-S1 fusion in 3 cases. Among 20 cases, 3 were diagnosed as having recurrent lumbar disc protrusion, 5 as having lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, 9 as having lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis, and 3 as having lumbar spinal stenosis. The intervertebral height and lordosis were measured on X-ray film to assess the surgical correction and postoperative sustain while osseous fusion was observed on 3-dimensional CT. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) and short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) scores were obtained to assess the status of clinical recovery. Results All patients had incision healing by first intention. The pain and numb were relieved in varying degrees after operation. No cerebrospinal leakage, nerve root injury, or wound infection was occurred. All patients were followed up 6-9 months (mean, 7 months). No cage displacement or collapse was found. The intervertebral height and lordosis of single fusion segment were significantly improved at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation when compared with those at preoperation (P lt; 0.01); there was no significant difference among each time point after operation (P gt; 0.05). The fusion rate was 74% at 3 months after operation and 96% at 6 months after operation, with an average of 4 months (range, 3-9 months) for interbody fusion. The ODI and SF-36 scores were significantly improved at 3 days and 6 months after operation when compared with the scores at preoperation (P lt; 0.01); there was no significant difference among each time point after operation (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The interbody fusion with n-HA/PA intervertebral cage is effective and safe to treat the lower lumbar degenerative diseases. The n-HA/PA66 intervertebral cage is an ideal device of interbody fusion with high fusion rate, low subsidence rate, and high transmission X-ray, but the long-term effectiveness need further observation.
Objective To develop a modified short time inversion recovery (STIR) sequence grading system for lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration based on MRI STIR sequences, and to test the validity and reproducibility of this grading system. Methods A modified 8-level grading system for lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration based on routine sagittal STIR sequences and modified Pfirrmann grading system was developed. Between April 2011 and February 2012, 60 patients with different degrees of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration were selected as objects of study, including 32 males and 28 females with an average of 50 years (range, 17-85 years). T2 weighted and STIR sequence images were obtained from the lumbar discs of L1, 2-L5, S1 of each object (total, 300 discs). All examinations were analyzed independently by 3 observers and a consensus readout was performed after all data collected. The validity and reproducibility were analyzed by calculating consistent rate and Kappa value. Results According to the grading system, there were 0 grade 1, 83 (27.7%) grade 2, 87 (29.0%) grade 3, 66 (22.0%) grade 4, 31 (10.3%) grade 5, 15 (5.0%) grade 6, 12 (4.0%) grade 7, and 6 (2.0%) grade 8. Intra-observer consistency was b (Kappa value range, 0.822-0.952), and inter-observer consistency was high to b (Kappa value range, 0.749-0.843). According to the consensus analysis, the total consistent rate was 82.7%-92.7% (mean, 85.6%). A difference of one grade occurred in 13.9% and a difference of two or more grades in 0.5% of all the cases. Conclusion Disc degeneration can be graded by using modified STIR sequence grading system, which can improve the accuracy of grading different degrees of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.
Objective To research the transfer of adenovirus human bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Ad-hBMP-4) to human degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc cells in vitro and analyze its effect on the proteoglycan, collagen type II, and Sox9 of intervertebral disc cells. Methods Identified Ad-hBMP-4 was amplified and detected. Degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc cells were aspirated from the degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc of patients with Modic III level disc protrusion (aged, 27-50 years). The expressing position of collagen type II was identified in the intervertebral disc cells through the laser confocal microscope. The intervertebral disc cells at passage 1 were transfected with Ad-hBMP-4 as experimental group. After 3 and 6 days of transfection, RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of proteoglycan, collagen type II, and Sox9, and Western blot to detect the expressions of proteoglycan and collagen type II proteins. Non-transfected cells at passage 1 served as control group. Results The virus titer of Ad-hBMP-4 was 5 × 106 PFU/mL. No morphological changes in the cells after transfection by Ad-hBMP-4. Collagen type II mainly expressed in the cell cytoplasm. The mRNA expressions of the proteoglycan, collagen type II, and Sox9 in experimental group at 3 and 6 days after transfection were significantly higher than those in control group by RT-PCR (P lt; 0.05), and the expressions of proteoglycan and collagen type II proteins were significantly higher than those in contorl group by Western blot (P lt; 0.05). There were significant differences between 3 days and 6 days in experimental group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Ad-hBMP-4 could transfect human degenerative lumbar intervertebral cells with high efficiency and promote collagen type II, proteoglycan, and Sox9 expressions. hBMP-4 may play an important role in the repair process during early disc degeneration.