Injection of Ultra-Puriﬁed Stem Cells with Sodium Alginate Reduces Discogenic Pain in a Rat Model

Cells, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/cells12030505 · Published: February 3, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a new treatment for back pain caused by disc problems. The treatment involves injecting a mix of stem cells and a special gel into the damaged disc. The study found that this injection reduced inflammation and pain in rats with disc injuries. It also helped to repair the damaged disc tissue. The results suggest that this injection method could be a new, less invasive way to treat chronic low back pain in humans.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

60 Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The injection of REC and UPAL mixture suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and TrkA in rat models.
2
REC and UPAL injection reduced nociceptive behaviors, indicating pain reduction.
3
Intradiscal injection of UPAL solution or a REC and UPAL mixture prevents IVD degeneration after NP punching.

Research Summary

This study explored the therapeutic potential of injecting a mixture of rapidly expanding clone (REC) cells and ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) non-gelling solution into intervertebral discs (IVDs) to treat discogenic pain and promote IVD regeneration in a rat model. The results demonstrated that the REC and UPAL mixture effectively suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and the nerve growth factor receptor TrkA, which are key contributors to discogenic pain. The study concluded that this minimally invasive treatment strategy shows promise for treating discogenic pain and promoting IVD regeneration, offering a potential new approach for managing chronic low back pain.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

The minimally invasive injection method could offer a new outpatient treatment option for chronic low back pain caused by IVD degeneration.

Pain Management

The reduction in inflammatory cytokines and TrkA suggests a targeted approach to managing discogenic pain.

Regenerative Potential

The prevention of IVD degeneration highlights the potential for regenerative therapies to address the underlying cause of low back pain.

Study Limitations

1
The rat caudal IVD punch model does not fully replicate the conditions of human lumbar disc degeneration.
2
Pain-related behavior in rat caudal vertebrae may not directly translate to discogenic pain assessment in humans.
3
The study only followed the rats for 28 days after injection, limiting the assessment of long-term effects.

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