Article

Intervertebral disk degeneration has been considered an irreversible process
characterized by a decrease in cell viability, attenuation of proteoglycan and
type II collagen synthesis, and dehydration of nucleus pulposus. Stem cell
therapy specifically addresses the degenerative process and offers a potentially
effective treatment modality. Current preclinical studies show that mesenchymal
stem cells have the capacity to repair degenerative disks by differentiation
toward chondrocyte-like cells, which produce proteoglycans and type II collagen.
There has been evidence that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation into the
intervertebral disk increases the intradiskal magnetic resonance imaging T2
signal intensity, increases the disk height, and decreases the degenerative grade
in animal models. Appropriate selection of cell carriers/matrix is important
because it may prevent cell leakage into the spinal canal and provide an
environment that facilitates cell proliferation and differentiation. Although
human cell therapy trials for degenerative disk disease are on the horizon,
potential issues might arise. The authors hereby review the current state of
regenerative cell therapy in degenerative disk disease, with emphasis in cell
source, techniques for cellular expansion, induction, transplantation, potential
benefit, and risks of the use of this novel medical armamentarium in the
treatment of degenerative disk disease.

Langue : ANGLAIS