Biomechanical conditioning enhanced matrix synthesis in nucleus pulposus cell cultured in agarose constructs with TGF?

Tilwani, R.W., Bader, Dan L. and Chowdhury, T.T. (2012) Biomechanical conditioning enhanced matrix synthesis in nucleus pulposus cell cultured in agarose constructs with TGF? Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 3 (1), 23-36. (doi:10.3390/jfb3010023).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Biomechanical signals play an important role in normal disc metabolism and pathology. For instance, nucleus pulposus (NP) cells will regulate metabolic activities and maintain a balance between the anabolic and catabolic cascades. The former involves factors such as transforming growth factor-? (TGF?) and mechanical stimuli, both of which are known to regulate matrix production through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The present study examined the combined effect of TGF? and mechanical loading on anabolic activities in NP cells cultured in agarose constructs. Stimulation with TGF? and dynamic compression reduced nitrite release and increased matrix synthesis and gene expression of aggrecan and collagen type II. The findings from this work has the potential for developing regenerative treatment strategies which could either slow down or stop the degenerative process and/or promote healing mechanisms in the intervertebral disc.

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