J. Funct. Biomater. 2012, 3(1), 23-36; doi:10.3390/jfb3010023
Biomechanical Conditioning Enhanced Matrix Synthesis in Nucleus Pulposus Cells Cultured in Agarose Constructs with TGFβ
1
School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
2
School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 30 November 2011 / Revised: 23 December 2011 / Accepted: 28 December 2011 / Published: 5 January 2012
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Cells in Context with Biomaterials)
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-β (TGFβ) 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 TGFβ and mechanical loading on anabolic activities in NP cells cultured in agarose constructs. Stimulation with TGFβ 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. View Full-Text
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Tilwani, R.K.; Bader, D.L.; Chowdhury, T.T. Biomechanical Conditioning Enhanced Matrix Synthesis in Nucleus Pulposus Cells Cultured in Agarose Constructs with TGFβ. J. Funct. Biomater. 2012, 3, 23-36.
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