3D assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration in zebrafish identifies changes in bone density that prime disc disease.

ABSTRACT: Back pain is a common condition with a high social impact and represents a global health burden. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the major causes of back pain; no therapeutics are currently available to reverse this disease. The impact of bone mineral density (BMD) on IVDD has been controversial, with some studies suggesting osteoporosis as causative for IVDD and others suggesting it as protective for IVDD. Functional studies to evaluate the influence of genetic components of BMD in IVDD could highlight opportunities for drug development and repurposing. By taking a holistic 3D approach, we established an aging zebrafish model for spontaneous IVDD. Increased BMD in aging, detected by automated computational analysis, is caused by bone deformities at the endplates. However, age

SUBMITTER: Kague E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8408153 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature