Degenerative disorders of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) are generally characterized by enhanced matrix degradation, angiogenesis, innervation, and increased expression of catabolic cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effects of inflammatory cytokines, IL-1␤, and TNF-␣, on the expression of an angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neurotrophic factors, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in human IVD degeneration. IL-1␤ and TNF-␣ stimulated the gene expression of VEGF, NGF, and BDNF in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells isolated from patient tissues. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated a positive correlation between IL-1␤ and VEGF/NGF/BDNF expression in human IVD tissues. RNA expression analysis of patient tissues also identified positive correlations between VEGF and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and between NGF/BDNF and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5). Our findings suggest that IL-1␤ is generated during IVD degeneration, which stimulates the expression of VEGF, NGF, and BDNF, resulting in angiogenesis and innervation. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Orthop. Res. 29: 265-269, 2011 Keywords: interleukin-1␤; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); angiogenesis; innervation; intervertebral disc (IVD) Degenerative changes in intervertebral discs (IVDs) include increased expression of catabolic cytokines, decreased synthesis of normal IVD matrix and enhanced matrix degradation, and disc cell senescence and apoptosis.1-5 IVD degeneration results in the loss of hydrophilic matrix molecules leading to spinal instability and is the main cause of disc-related diseases, such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Normal lumbar IVD is avascular and aneural except for the outer third of the annulus fibrosus (AF). However, previous studies have described the ingrowth of nerves into the AF and nucleus pulposus (NP) of degenerated IVD 6,7 and these nerves were usually accompanied by microvascular blood vessels.8 Though, the mechanisms underlying nerve ingrowth and neovascularization are largely unknown.Neurotrophins play a role in the survival, growth, differentiation, and function of neurons.9 The neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been detected in human IVD degeneration and have been implicated in the promotion of nerve ingrowth and generation of discogenic pain. 8,10,11 A histologic study examining degenerative IVD tissues from rats demonstrated that the major population of disc-innervating dorsal root ganglion neurons was the NGF-dependent neurons.

Background: Older adults-classified as a high-risk group-are highly likely to experience increased loneliness due to the implementation of various policies designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the effects of a pilot social prescribing project for elderly people in rural area of South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, the effectiveness of the pilot project was verified through pre-and post-impact and outcome evaluation.Results: According to the results of the impact evaluation, loneliness reduced significantly, while the social participation attitude score increased. Although the average score of self-efficacy increased, it was not statistically significant. Moreover, it was found that self-esteem increased significantly. In the outcome evaluation, depression reduced considerably. Conclusion:To conclude, the pilot social prescribing project was effective in reducing depression and loneliness for the elderly in rural areas of Korea. It was also confirmed that there is potential to develop a new health promotion project that can improve the self-esteem of the elderly, and expand their social activities.Second, the pilot project was carried out in an integrated manner by utilizing resources in communities with good accessibility. Therefore, it is expected to be used as a new "Integrated community care model" to improve the mental health of the elderly in rural areas. Third, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly tend to experience increasing feelings of depression, isolation, and loneliness due to "social distancing." Therefore, it is expected that social prescribing programs for the elderly in rural areas would become a new alternative for relieve mental disorder of the seniors.

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Surgery in patients who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy with scoliosis improved function and decreased the rate of deterioration of forced vital capacity compared with patients treated conservatively. However, the muscle power and forced vital capacity decreased in both groups.