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In vivo biofunctional evaluation of hydrogels for disc regeneration.

In vivo biofunctional evaluation of hydrogels for disc regeneration.

Authors :
Reitmaier S
Kreja L
Gruchenberg K
Kanter B
Silva-Correia J
Oliveira JM
Reis RL
Perugini V
Santin M
Ignatius A
Wilke HJ
Source :
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society [Eur Spine J] 2014 Jan; Vol. 23 (1), pp. 19-26.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Purpose: Regenerative strategies aim to restore the original biofunctionality of the intervertebral disc. Different biomaterials are available, which might support disc regeneration. In the present study, the prospects of success of two hydrogels functionalized with anti-angiogenic peptides and seeded with bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (BMC), respectively, were investigated in an ovine nucleotomy model.<br />Methods: In a one-step procedure iliac crest aspirates were harvested and, subsequently, separated BMC were seeded on hydrogels and implanted into the ovine disc. For the cell-seeded approach a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel was used. The anti-angiogenic potential of newly developed VEGF-blockers was investigated on ionically crosslinked metacrylated gellan gum hydrogels. Untreated discs served as nucleotomy controls. 24 adult merino sheep were used. After 6 weeks histological, after 12 weeks histological and biomechanical analyses were conducted.<br />Results: Biomechanical tests revealed no differences between any of the implanted and nucleotomized discs. All implanted discs significantly degenerated compared to intact discs. In contrast, there was no marked difference between implanted and nucleotomized discs. In tendency, albeit not significant, degeneration score and disc height index deteriorated for all but not for the cell-seeded hydrogels from 6 to 12 weeks. Cell-seeded hydrogels slightly decelerated degeneration.<br />Conclusions: None of the hydrogel configurations was able to regenerate biofunctionality of the intervertebral disc. This might presumably be caused by hydrogel extrusion. Great importance should be given to the development of annulus sealants, which effectively exploit the potential of (cell-seeded) hydrogels for biological disc regeneration and restoration of intervertebral disc functioning.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1432-0932
Volume :
23
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
24121748
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2998-8