Adipose Stem Cells Intervertebral Disc Regeneration: J Cell Mol Med Feb 2008

[Slackwater]

PMID Abstract: 18298653
Fulltext PDF 510 KB

J Cell Mol Med. 2008 Feb 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Adipose stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration: current status and concepts for the future.
Hoogendoorn RJ, Lu ZF, Kroeze RJ, Bank RA, Wuisman PI, Helder MN
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands


New regenerative treatment strategies are being developed for intervertebral disc degeneration of which the implantation of various cell types is promising. The cell types used so far all require in vitro expansion prior to clinical use, as these cells are only limited available.

Adipose-tissue is an abundant, expendable and easily accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells. The use of these cells therefore eliminates the need for in vitro expansion and subsequently one-step regenerative treatment strategies can be developed.

Our group envisioned, described and evaluated such a one-step procedure for spinal fusion in the goat model. In this review, we summarize the current status of cell-based treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration and identify the additional research needed before adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be evaluated in a one-step procedure for regenerative treatment of the intervertebral disc. We address the selection of stem cells from the stromal vascular fraction, the specific triggers needed for cell differentiation and potential suitable scaffolds.

Although many factors need to be studied in more detail, potential application of a one-step procedure for intervertebral disc regeneration seems realistic.

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Not an option this year or next, ...

There is a dog (canine, called large animal) study using ASC (adipose (fat-derived) stem cells). ~Normal, destroy the disk w/puncture, wait XX days, turns black. Results showed radiological, morphological changes, increased disc height, black turned whitish(?). The above article has debate about scaffolds, ... it's a longish read.


Slackwater

[Toebin]

There is just a ton of research going on right now with stem cells and the potential for effective treatment in DDD. I've read they are also looking into the differences between disk's in canines and the human disk, as canines tend to not get DDD like we bipedal do..

It's all quite fascinating, and it looks like an avenue that will bring about some improvement to treatments available in the future for DDD in humans.

Personally I would rather grow new tissue than have the old removed and replaced or fused...lol