Increasing cell density can help repair degenerated intervertebral discs

PHILADELPHIA — Several cell therapy techniques can provide long-term efficacy in the treatment of degenerated intervertebral discs, according to researchers.

Using a computer simulation of a degenerated intervertebral disc, Weiyong Gu, PhD, and colleagues tested three cell therapies to see whether they could repair a degenerated disc after 10 years. The study included four simulation cases: a cell density increase, a synthesis rate increase, a degradation rate decrease and a control case. Gu presented the results of the study at the Philadelphia Spine Research Symposium, here.

Gu and colleagues found treatment with increasing cell density was effective for disc repair; however, it did not work for degenerative discs with a poor nutritional supply because it increased the therapy increased the demand for a nutrition supply.

“If we double the cell density, 10 years later, we almost see a completely healed disc,” Gu said.

However, if the disc has a nutrition supply problem, he said, increasing the cell density should be avoided because the therapy will not work.

Increasing the glycosaminoglycan synthesis rate by 100% demonstrated an increase of the water content in a degenerated disc, but this may not be effective where cell density is low in the degenerated disc, according to Gu.

Finally, inhibiting the catabolic processes in the disc can effectively slow down the degeneration process, Gu said, but it has little effect on disc repair or restoration in a degenerated disc. — by Robert Linnehan

Reference:

Gu W. Quantitative analysis of long-term efficacy of cell therapy for intervertebral disc repair. Presented at: Philadelphia Spine Research Symposium; Oct. 28, 2014; Philadelphia.

Disclosure: Gu has no relevant financial disclosures.