Alginate vs. Hyaluronic Acid as Carriers for Nucleus Pulposus Cells: A Study on Regenerative Outcomes in Disc Degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a leading cause of chronic low back pain, affecting millions globally. Regenerative medicine, particularly cell-based therapies, presents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of two biomaterials-hyaluronic acid (HA) and alginate-as carriers for nucleus pulposus (NP) cell transplantation in a beagle model of induced disc degeneration. NP cells were isolated, cultured, and injected with either HA or alginate into degenerated discs, with saline and non-cell-loaded carriers used as controls. Disc height index, T2-weighted MRI, and histological analyses were conducted over a 12-week follow-up period to assess reparative outcomes. Imaging revealed that both carrier and cell-loaded treatments improved outcomes compared

SUBMITTER: Ogasawara S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11639827 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature