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European Spine Journal

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01-04-2012 | Original Article

Study to determine the presence of progenitor cells in the degenerated human cartilage endplates

Authors: Bo Huang, Lan-Tao Liu, Chang-Qing Li, Ying Zhuang, Gang Luo, Shi-Yuan Hu, Yue Zhou

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 4/2012

Abstract

Introduction

Cartilage endplate (CEP) degeneration is usually accompanied by loss of cellularity, and this loss may be a crucial key factor in initiation and development of degenerative disc disease. The study of cell types in degenerated CEP could help in understanding CEP etiopathogenesis, and may help in devising new treatments, especially if the presence of progenitor cells could be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine if progenitor cells existed in degenerated human CEP.

Materials and methods

Cells isolated from CEP were cultured in a three-dimensional agarose suspension to screen for proliferative cell clusters. Cell clusters were then expanded in vitro and the populations were analyzed for colony forming unit, immunophenotype, multilineage induction, and expression of stem cell-related genes.

Results

The presence of progenitor cells in degenerated human CEP is indicated by the results of CFU, immunophenotype, multilineage induction, and expression of stem cell-related genes.

Conclusions

We believe that this is the first study which has conclusively shown the presence of progenitor cells in degenerated CEP. The finding of this study may influence the clinical management of degenerative disc disorder.

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Title: Study to determine the presence of progenitor cells in the degenerated human cartilage endplates
Authors: Bo Huang
Lan-Tao Liu
Chang-Qing Li
Ying Zhuang
Gang Luo
Shi-Yuan Hu
Yue Zhou
Publication date: 01-04-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-011-2039-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Study to determine the presence of progenitor cells in the degenerated human cartilage endplates

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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