Abstract
HYPOTHESIS: The introduction of viral vectors carrying growth factor genes to the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) will stimulate matrix synthesis. Previous studies suggest that growth factors may show different responses in annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Although there have been some reports showing the potential of gene delivery in NP cells, there are no reports showing virus mediated gene therapy increases matrix synthesis in degenerated human AF cells. Studies have shown that BMP-12 stimulates formation of tendon-like tissue in-vivo, suggesting its potential for reparative function in AF cells. Hence, the objective of our study is to investigate the effects of adenovirus mediated delivery of BMP-12 cDNA (Ad/BMP-12) on matrix synthesis in AF and NP cells as well as to determine the types of collagen increased by Ad/BMP-12.
Published Version
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