Photobiomodulation of extracellular matrix enzymes in human nucleus pulposus cells as a potential treatment for intervertebral disk degeneration

Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 3;8(1):11654. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-30185-3.

Abstract

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with imbalances between catabolic and anabolic responses, regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM)-modifying enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Potential contributing factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, derived from infiltrated, activated macrophages within IVD tissues, can trigger abnormal production of ECM-modifying enzymes and progression of IVD degeneration. Novel therapies for regulating ECM-modifying enzymes can prevent or ameliorate IVD degeneration. Photobiomodulation (PBM), known to regulate wound repair, exhibits regenerative potential by modulating biological molecules. This study examined the effects of PBM, administered at various wavelengths (630, 525, and 465 nm) and energy densities (16, 32, and 64 J/cm2), on the production of ECM-modifying enzymes in replicated degenerative IVD. Our results showed that PBM selectively inhibited the production of ECM-modifying enzymes in a dose- and wavelength-dependent manner, suggesting that it could be a novel tool for treating symptomatic IVD degeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Extracellular Matrix / enzymology*
  • Extracellular Matrix / radiation effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1beta / genetics
  • Intervertebral Disc / enzymology
  • Intervertebral Disc / pathology
  • Intervertebral Disc / radiation effects
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / genetics
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / pathology
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / therapy*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy*
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Macrophages / radiation effects
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / radiation effects
  • Nucleus Pulposus / enzymology*
  • Nucleus Pulposus / pathology
  • Nucleus Pulposus / radiation effects
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / genetics
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / radiation effects
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics

Substances

  • IL1B protein, human
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases