A new study has found that gene therapy using nanocarriers derived from mouse connective-tissue cells can repair damaged spinal discs and alleviate pain in mice. This approach, which involves injecting genetic material to promote tissue regeneration, shows potential as a sustainable alternative to opioids for treating back pain. It could also enhance healing during surgical procedures, according to the researchers from The Ohio State University.
Assessing outcomes over 12 weeks, researchers found through imaging, tissue analysis, and mechanical and behavioral tests that the gene therapy restored structural integrity and function to degenerated discs and reduced signs of back pain in the animals. “Once you take a piece away, the tissue decompresses like a flat tire,” Purmessur Walter said. “The disease process continues, and impacts the other discs on either side because you’re losing that pressure that is critical for spinal function. Clinicians don’t have a good way of addressing that.”
Compared to controls, the discs in mice receiving gene therapy showed a host of improvements: The tissue plumped back up and became more stable through the production of a protein that holds water and other matrix proteins, all helping promote range of motion, load bearing and flexibility in the spine.
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