Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the unfavorable outcomes in elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative disease.

Objective: Failure to understand long-term quality of life and functional outcomes hinders effective decision making and prognostication. Therefore, the study aims to predict and analyse the unfavorable outcomes (FOs) in elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

Methods: Consecutive 382 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative disease from March 2019 to July 2022 were enrolled in this study.

Melatonin mitigates intervertebral disc degeneration by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the EGR1/DDX3X pathway.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), is one of the leading causes of low back pain. Inflammation is considered to be the main pathophysiological process of IVDD. The nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses are critically involved in the progression of IVDD.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and T2 Relaxometry as Imaging Biomarker of Early Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Study Design: Observational comparative study.

Objective: To study the role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and T2 relaxometry (T2r) as imaging biomarkers for identifying early lumbar disc degeneration.

Methods: We evaluated 236 discs in normal volunteers and 215 discs in low back pain (LBP) patients by MRS and T2r to document the molecular spectra of various metabolites as well as disc hydration and collagen content, respectively.

Mitochondrial quality control: the real dawn of intervertebral disc degeneration?

Intervertebral disc degeneration is the most common disease in chronic musculoskeletal diseases and the main cause of low back pain, which seriously endangers social health level and increases people's economic burden. Disc degeneration is characterized by NP cell apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation and disc structure changes. It progresses with age and under the influence of mechanical overload, oxidative stress and genetics.

Meteorin-like protein alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration by suppressing lipid accumulation in nucleus pulposus cells via PPARα-CPT1A activation.

Disturbances in lipid metabolism are closely related to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the lipid metabolism characteristics of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells during IDD are unclear. Exercise protects against IDD and acts as a potent mediator of organ metabolism, in which muscle-secreted myokines actively participate.

A diagnostic signatures for intervertebral disc degeneration using TNFAIP6 and COL6A2 based on single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses.

Objectives: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent degenerative condition associated with a high incidence rate of low back pain and disability. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers and signaling pathways associated with IVDD.

Methods: Biomarkers were discerned through bulk-RNA and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) investigations of IVDD cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

pH: A major player in degenerative intervertebral disks.

Chronic lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, generating a socioeconomic cost of over $100 billion annually in the United States. Among the prominent causes of low back pain (LBP) is degeneration of the intervertebral disk (IVD), a condition known as degenerative disk disease (DDD). Despite the prevalence of DDD and multiple studies demonstrating its relationship with LBP, the mechanisms by which it contributes to pain remain unknown.

Targeting nucleus pulposus cell death in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a progressive age-related disorder characterized by the reduction in the number of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby leading to chronic pain and disability. The pathogenesis of IDD is multifaceted, and current therapeutic strategies remain limited. The nucleus pulposus (NP), primarily composed of NPCs, proteoglycans, and type II collagen, constitutes essential components for maintaining intervertebral disc (IVD) function and spinal motion.

Inter-observer variability in the classification of lumbar foraminal stenosis in magnetic resonance imaging using different evaluation scales.

Background: The evaluation of lumbar spine degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is prone to inter-reader variability, including when assessing foraminal changes. This variability, often due to subjective criteria and inconsistent terminology, may affect clinical correlations. Standardized criteria could help improve agreement among readers.

Comparison of efficacy and safety between unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus uniportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) versus uniportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods: We electronically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify controlled clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of UBE-TLIF and Endo-TLIF for lumbar degenerative diseases from database establishment to December 2023. Two researchers screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies.

Characteristics and mechanical mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration in old thoracolumbar fractures with kyphosis: clinical observations and finite element analyses.

Background: Low back pain is a common complication in patients with old thoracolumbar fractures with kyphosis (OTLFK), and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major contributor. Mechanical abnormalities are believed to play a key role in the development to IDD. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of lumbar disc degeneration and underlying mechanical mechanisms in patients with OTLFK.

High impact works on stem cell transplantation in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Low back pain is a major disorder that causes disability and is strongly associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Because of the limitations of contemporary interventions, stem cell transplantation (SCT) has been increasingly used to regenerate degenerative discs. Nevertheless, analyses of high-impact papers in this field are rare.

[Mechanism of kaempferol on intervertebral disc degeneration based on p38 MAPK signaling pathway].

This study investigated the mechanism by which kaempferol(KAE) affected intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD) through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, low-dose KAE group, medium-dose KAE group, and high-dose KAE group. An IDD model was established by needle puncture of the caudal intervertebral discs.

[Bushen Huoxue Decoction regulates ADSCs-Exos to affect nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and ERK signaling pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration].

This study aims to investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue Decoction regulating adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)-exosomes(Exos) on the apoptosis of intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) signaling pathway. Tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide(TBHP)-induced NPCs were divided into control, model, drug-containing serum, blank Exos, normal serum Exos, and drug-containing serum Exos groups. Cell viability and proliferation were examined by the CCK-8 assay and EdU staining, respectively.

Implications of Circadian Disruption on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: The Mediating Role of Sympathetic Nervous System.

The circadian clock orchestrates a broad spectrum of physiological processes, crucially modulating human biology across an approximate 24-hour cycle. The circadian disturbances precipitated by modern lifestyle contribute to the occurrence of low back pain (LBP), mainly ascribed to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The intervertebral disc (IVD) exhibits rhythmic physiological behaviors, with fluctuations in osmotic pressure and hydration levels that synchronized with the diurnal cycle of activity and rest.

Quantitative observation based on magnetic resonance imaging: the effects of marathon running on lumbar vertebrae, paraspinal muscles, and lumbar disc components.

Background: Lumbar spine injuries and lumbar disc degeneration are common spinal health problems that seriously affect people's quality of life and efficiency at work. Marathon running enhances skeletal muscle strength and endurance, and promotes increased bone mineral density. This study aimed to investigate the effects of marathon running on the lumbar spine and surrounding tissue components.

Machine learning-based diagnostic model of lymphatics-associated genes for new therapeutic target analysis in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Low back pain resulting from intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) represents a significant global social problem. There are notable differences in the distribution of lymphatic vessels (LV) in normal and pathological intervertebral discs. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of lymphatics-associated genes (LAGs) in the development of IVDD remain unclear.

Exploring and analyzing two aging related genes FPR1 and UCHL1 and their potential molecular mechanisms in aggravating lumbar disc herniation.

The aim of this research was to investigate dysregulated pivotal genes in individuals with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for LDH. Key aging-related genes in LDH were identified through multiple methods. Two dysregulated key genes (FPR1 and UCHL1) were finally identified, showing high diagnostic value in both training and external validation cohorts.

Risk factors analysis and predictive model of degree I degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Study Design: Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background: There have been some previous studies on the risk factors associated with lumbar spondylolisthesis, but there are few studies on the risk factors for disease progression in mild degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). To analyze the risk factors associated with aggravation of spondylolisthesis in patients with grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis and construct a prediction model.

Effectiveness of Intradiscal Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Long-Term Relief of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Recent research underscores the potential of intradiscal biologics, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and alpha-2-macroglobulin, in promoting chondrogenesis within lumbar intervertebral discs as a treatment for discogenic low back pain. Studies indicate significant improvements in pain relief, physical function, and overall quality of life following these interventions.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intradiscal injections of MSCs and PRP in managing low back and lower extremity pain.

The pathogenesis and targeted therapies of intervertebral disc degeneration induced by cartilage endplate inflammation.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of low back pain, where degeneration and death of nucleus pulposus cells within the intervertebral disc (IVD) can be obviously revealed. This degeneration can result in an imbalance in the extracellular matrix due to the loss of proteoglycans and water content, which can further lead to catabolic and anabolic dysfunction of the IVD. Recently, the dysfunction of cartilage endplate (CEP) during aging has drawn large attention due to its essential functions in contributing nutrient exchange and maintaining IVD homeostasis.

Morphometric, Biomechanical and Histologic Assessment of Physiologic Ovine Cervical Intervertebral Disc: An Experimental Study and Brief Literature Review.

The ovine cervical spine model has been established as a representative model of the human cervical spine in the current literature, and is the most commonly used large animal model in studies investigating pathogenesis and treatment strategies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, existing data regarding morphometry, biomechanical profiles and the microscopic features of a physiological ovine cervical IVD remain scarce. Hence, the aim of this study was to perform a multimodal morphometric, biomechanical and histologic evaluation of a normal ovine cervical IVD.

Gene-Silencing Therapeutic Approaches Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling in Degenerative Intervertebral Disk Cells: An In Vitro Comparative Study Between RNA Interference and CRISPR-Cas9.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase, promotes cell growth and inhibits autophagy. The following two complexes contain mTOR: mTORC1 with the regulatory associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and mTORC2 with the rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR). The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is important in the intervertebral disk, which is the largest avascular, hypoxic, low-nutrient organ in the body.

Alginate vs. Hyaluronic Acid as Carriers for Nucleus Pulposus Cells: A Study on Regenerative Outcomes in Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a leading cause of chronic low back pain, affecting millions globally. Regenerative medicine, particularly cell-based therapies, presents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of two biomaterials-hyaluronic acid (HA) and alginate-as carriers for nucleus pulposus (NP) cell transplantation in a beagle model of induced disc degeneration.