Elevated synthesis of biglycan and decorin in an ovine annular lesion model of experimental disc degeneration

Abstract

The aim of this study was to extend our earlier observations on the changes that occur in the proteoglycans (PGs)

Recent advances in annular pathobiology provide insights into rim-lesion mediated intervertebral disc degeneration and potential new approaches to annular repair strategies

“…This model has provided some important insights into the temporal ECM changes that occur following induction of rim lesions. Compositional changes previously noted may contribute to the degenerative process, like loss of large high-buoyant density aggrecan type proteoglycans and an elevation in levels of the small leucine repeat proteoglycans (SLRPs) decorin and biglycan in the injured disc [76,77]. Fragmentation of fibromodulin and biglycan further illustrate the ECM remodelling events in the AF-defect site.…”

“…The ovine annular lesion model developed by Osti et al [103] utilises controlled annular defects 5 mm deep by 5 mm wide [75,77,81] (Fig. 2).…”

Static compression induces zonal-specific changes in gene expression for extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal proteins in intervertebral disc cells in vitro

“…These two SLRPs have distinctly different patterns of temporal and spatial expression, however, suggesting their different functions (Hocking et al, 1998). In the degenerating disc and in osteoarthritic cartilage, both decorin and biglycan have been found to increase at the mRNA and protein level (Bock et al, 2001;Cs-Szabo et al, 1997;Inkinen et al, 1998;Little et al, 1996;Melrose et al, 1997). In addition, it has been shown that the biosynthesis of biglycan was stimulated in response to compressive loading at both mRNA and protein levels in tendon fibrocartilage (Robbins et al, 1997), and further that decorin protein synthesis was significantly higher in articular cartilage under compression (Visser et al, 1994).…”

Are animal models useful for studying human disc disorders/degeneration?

“…Alterations in spinal biomechanics due to scoliosis are also important determinants of disc cell metabolism and consequently also affect disc composition [20,40,97]. The introduction of a controlled outer anterolateral annular surgical defect also alters the intrinsic spinal mechanics at this spinal level and changes in disc cell metabolism and composition are measurable in the affected disc [93,94,96].…”