Extracellular matrix synthesis and ultrastructural changes of degenerative disc cells transfected by Ad/CMV-hTGF-beta 1.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the synthesis of proteoglycan, collagen and associated ultrastructure are related to the adenovirus-mediated gene transferred to adult degenerative cells.


METHODS
Adenovirus/cytomegalovirus human transforming growth factor-beta 1 (Ad/CMV-hTGF-beta 1) was used to transfect degenerative cells. Antonopulos method, Miamine method and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to study the synthesis of proteoglycan, collagen, and ultrastructure, respectively. Cell cultures were established from the nucleus pulpous and annulus fibrosus tissues, which were taken from surgery.


RESULTS
Nucleus pulpous and annulus fibrosus cells were efficiently transduced by the adenoviral vector carrying hTGF-beta 1 gene. The synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The metabolism of cells was slightly improved. No significant toxic effects were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of hTGF-beta 1 gene is efficient to accelerates proteoglycan synthesis and thus accelerates the improvement of collagen. The function and structure of degenerative cells are improved. Ad/CMV-hTGF-beta 1 may be suitable for treating disc degeneration.
Tan
Yanbin
Y
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China. ybintan@hefnail.com
Hu
Yougu
Y
Tan
Jiangwei
J
D000256:Adenoviridae; D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014162:Transfection; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D011509:Proteoglycans; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D003094:Collagen