What is it about?
Low back pain is a common problem affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It is caused by various factors, but one of the most significant is the degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). To address this issue, researchers are developing regenerative therapies that can help to restore the function of the IVD. To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of these new therapies and treatments, researchers are using a variety of models. These models include in vitro cell studies using microfluidics, ex vivo organ studies coupled with bioreactors and mechanical test systems, and in vivo testing using a variety of large and small animals. Each model has advantages and limitations, and as models become more complex, while the physiological accuracy may increase, so too may the cost, time, and ethical constraints. Therefore, researchers must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each model carefully and choose the best approach for their research goals.
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Why is it important?
When it comes to developing treatments for degenerative disc disease (DDD), it is crucial to understand how mechanical and biochemical factors interact with each other. By using models that intend to resemble the natural environment in the disc, researchers can better understand how loading affects the disc on a cellular and tissue level, both when DDD is present and when therapies or treatments are introduced. This can improve the speed and safety of developing effective therapies and treatments and provide them to patients suffering from back pain.
Perspectives
By carefully studying and understanding the advantages and limitations of different models used to investigate intervertebral disc degeneration, we can better understand when different models are appropriate and how they can best used to maximum effect. This knowledge is critical in the development of effective therapies to treat degenerative disc disease, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and has a significant impact on their quality of life. The potential for these models to provide insight into the complex interactions between mechanical and biochemical factors that underpin disc degeneration is enormous, and will undoubtedly lead to the development of new and innovative treatments for this condition.
Daniela Lazaro-Pacheco
University of Exeter
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The role of biomechanical factors in models of intervertebral disc degeneration across multiple length scales, APL Bioengineering, May 2023, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0137698.
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