Introduction to Stem Cells in Spinal Disc Repair
Spinal disc herniations are a common cause of lower back pain, 影响全球数百万的人. Traditional treatments for this condition often involve surgery, which can be invasive and have potential complications. 干细胞疗法 已成为一种有希望的替代方法, offering the potential for non-invasive repair of damaged spinal discs.
Pathophysiology of Lumbar Herniations
腰椎椎间盘突出, gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc pushes through the tough outer layer of the disc. This can cause pressure on nearby nerves, 导致疼痛, 麻木, 下背部和腿部的弱点. The exact cause of disc herniations is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to factors such as age, 遗传学, and mechanical stress on the spine.
Stem Cells for Lumbar Disc Herniation Repair
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the ability to develop into a variety of specialized cell types. This makes them a promising candidate for spinal disc repair, as they could potentially replace damaged cells within the disc and restore its normal function.
Types of Stem Cells Used in Spinal Disc Repair
Several types of stem cells have been investigated for use in spinal disc repair, 包括:
- 间充质干细胞 (MSC): These cells are derived from various tissues, 例如骨髓, 脂肪组织, 和脐带血.
- 诱导多能干细胞 (ipscs): These cells are derived from adult cells that have been reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state.
- 胚胎干细胞 (逃脱): These cells are derived from human embryos.
Stem Cell Delivery Methods for Lumbar Disc Repair
Stem cells can be delivered to the damaged spinal disc using various methods, 包括:
- 直接注射: Stem cells are injected directly into the herniated disc.
- 手术植入: Stem cells are delivered to the disc using a surgical procedure.
- Microdiscectomy: Stem cells are injected into the disc after a small portion of the herniated disc is removed.
Preclinical Studies on Stem Cell Therapy for Lumbar Herniations
动物模型中的临床前研究显示了有希望的结果 干细胞疗法 in lumbar disc herniation repair. These studies have demonstrated that stem cells can reduce pain, improve disc function, and prevent further disc degeneration.