Gene therapy approaches for intervertebral disc degeneration.
METHODS
Review of the literature concerning the development of gene therapy approaches for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of gene therapy principles, summarize the results of completed gene therapy studies, and discuss considerations for the direction of future research.


BACKGROUND
Intervertebral disc degeneration is characterized by progressive loss of the proteoglycan matrix in the nucleus pulposus. Exogenous growth factors have been shown to transiently increase matrix synthesis. Gene therapy offers exciting potential to induce and sustain endogenous production of growth factors within the intervertebral disc and thus possibly alter the degenerative course.


METHODS
Published and presented scientific literature was examined.


CONCLUSIONS
Several in vitro and in vivo studies have documented the capacity of gene therapy to favorably modify the biologic functions of intervertebral disc cells with the delivery of the cDNA for various growth factors. Currently, investigators are exploring the efficacy and safety of gene therapy in animal models of degeneration. With promising initial results and an immense potential clinical impact, gene therapy approaches for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration will continue to receive dedicated research efforts.
Shimer
Adam L
AL
Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Chadderdon
Robert C
RC
Gilbertson
Lars G
LG
Kang
James D
JD
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000628:therapy*
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D006133:Growth Substances