Satoshi Sobajima

TL;DR: The progression of intervertebral disc degeneration following anterolateral “stab” of adult rabbit lumbar discs by 16-gauge hypodermic needle to a limited (5-mm) depth was studied for up to 24 weeks using magnetic resonance imaging, radiograph, and histologic outcome measures.

TL;DR: Encouraging results support feasibility of a stem cell therapy approach toward supplementation/replenishment of IVD cells and synthesis/maintenance of a more functional ECM in a degenerated disc.

TL;DR: The gene expression profiles of ECM components and anabolic, catabolic, and anti-catabolic factors demonstrate many characteristics similar to the findings in human disc degeneration and suggest an inability of the intervertebral disc (IVD) to mount an early anabolic response to injury, thereby offering a possible explanation for the disc's lack of reparative capabilities.

TL;DR: Successful delivery of the anticatabolic gene, TIMP-1, results in increased measured proteoglycan in cultured degenerated disc cells, and supports catabolic inhibition as a promising avenue of research for the treatment of degenerative disc disease via gene therapy.

TL;DR: It is suggested that sustained administration of TGF-beta1 may be more effective in suppressing terminal differentiation than intermittent dosing and thus effective for cartilage repair.