Open AccessDegenerate intervertebral disc‐like pH induces a catabolic mechanoresponse in human nucleus pulposus cells
Author(s) -
Hodson Nathan W.,
Patel Sonal,
Richardson Stephen M.,
Hoyland Judith A.,
Gilbert Hamish T. J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
jor spine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
0ISSN - 2572-1143
DOI - 10.1002/jsp2.1004
Subject(s) - aggrecan , mmp3 , microbiology and biotechnology , extracellular matrix , integrin , fibronectin , chemistry , syndecan 1 , mechanotransduction , mmp1 , timp1 , matrix metalloproteinase 3 , gene expression , cell , biology , biochemistry , gene , pathology , osteoarthritis , medicine , alternative medicine , articular cartilage
The intervertebral disc (IVD) cells are mechanoresponsive but the influence of other microenvironmental factors associated with IVD degeneration on disc cell mechanoresponse remains largely unknown, with no published studies to date using human cells. Here we investigate the response of agarose encapsulated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to cyclic compression under pH conditions mimicking nondegenerate (pH 7.1) and degenerate (pH 6.5) discs. We report an RGD‐integrin dependent anabolic mechanoresponse at pH 7.1, but an RGD‐integrin independent catabolic response at pH 6.5; suggesting mechanical stimuli may become detrimental during degeneration and operate through an alternative pathway.