Extracellular matrix remodeling in experimental intervertebral disc degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in intervertebral disc degeneration through the experimental model of intervertebral disc degeneration.


METHODS
The model of disc degeneration induction, using needle 20G and 360° rotation, was applied for 30 seconds between the 6(th)/7(th), and 8(th)/9(th) coccygeal vertebrae of Wistar rats. The intermediary level, between the 7(th) and 8(th) vertebrae, was taken as control, not being subjected puncture. The distribution of the extracellular matrix components involved in the remodeling and inflammation process, such as proteoglycans (aggrecan, decorin, biglycan), growth factors (TGFβ), heparanase isoforms (HPSE1, HPSE2), metaloprotesasis-9 (MMP9) and interleukins (IL-6, IL-10) was analyzed during the post-injury period (15 to 30 days) and in the control group (discs collected immediately after the puncture, day zero). On the 15(th) day, acute phase of the disease, a reduced expression of extracellular matrix components had been observed, whilst there were no differences in the interleukins expression. At 30 days, the molecules followed a very similar pattern of expression in the control group (not affected by disc degeneration).


RESULTS
The results show that during the acute phase significant alterations in the extracellular matrix components occur and in the late phase intervertebral disc returns to a profile similar to noninvolved tissue, probably due to extensive remodeling process of the extracellular matrix that is capable of regenerating the damaged tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
: The experimental model used demonstrated the occurrence of significant changes in the extracellular matrix during the period analyzed after induction of intervertebral disc degeneration. Laboratory investigation.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculdade de Medicina ABC. Santo André, SP, Brazil.
Cintia Pereira
CP
de Oliveira
Faculdade de Medicina ABC, Santo André, SP, Musculoskeletal System Discipline of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Santo André, SP, Brazil.
Luciano Miller Reis
LM
Rodrigues
Department of Biochemistry, Faculdade de Medicina ABC. Santo André, SP, Brazil.
Maria Vitória Ventura Dias
MV
Fregni
Faculdade de Medicina de Santos. Santos, SP, Brazil.
Alberto
A
Gotfryd
Faculdade de Medicina de Santos, Department of Pathology, Santo André, SP, Department of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina ABC. Santo André, SP, Brazil.
Ana Maria
AM
Made
Department of Biochemistry, Faculdade de Medicina ABC. Santo André, SP, Brazil.
Maria Aparecida da Silva
MA
Pinhal
Interleukins; Intervertebral disc degeneration; Proteoglycans; Rats, Wistar