Identification of candidate serum biomarkers for intervertebral disk degeneration in an animal model.
OBJECTIVE
To examine serum markers of matrix turnover in an animal model of disk degeneration.


METHODS
Randomized prospective in vivo study.


METHODS
Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research and Department of Large Animal Research.


METHODS
Twenty-one New Zealand White rabbits.


METHODS
Rabbits were randomly grouped into control (n = 8), sham surgery (n = 5), or stab surgery (n = 8). The stab surgical group underwent annulotomy of L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 to induce intervertebral disk degeneration. The sham surgical group underwent surgical exposure without annulotomy, and the control group received no intervention.


METHODS
Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serum samples were obtained before intervention and at 0, 3, 6, and 12 weeks thereafter. MRIs were analyzed for evidence of intervertebral disk degeneration via measurement of MRI index. The serum was assayed at 0, 3, 6, and 12 weeks for the aggrecan biosynthesis marker CS846 and the C-telopeptide of collagen II (CTX-II).


RESULTS
The stabbed disks demonstrate degeneration apparent by MRI criteria. CTX-II increased with time in the stabbed group compared to the control and sham surgery groups regardless of baseline levels. Aggrecan showed no statistically significant difference among groups.


CONCLUSIONS
CTX-II shows promise as a useful serum biomarker for intervertebral disk degeneration.
Sowa
Gwendolyn
G
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, USA. sowaga@upmc.edu
Westrick
Ed
E
Rajasekhar
Arun G
AG
Woods
Barrett
B
Leckie
Steven
S
Coelho
Paulo
P
Vo
Nam
N
Studer
Rebecca
R
Kang
James
J
D053674:Aggrecans / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000097:blood*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011817:Rabbits; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology
D053674:Aggrecans; D015415:Biomarkers; D024043:Collagen Type II