Saying goodbye to chronic back pain with a simple injection: it's the promise of a new one gene therapy developed by researchers at Ohio State University (OSU). Successfully tested on mice, this innovative technique is able to repair damaged spinal discs, restoring their functionality and reducing pain. A result that bodes well for future treatment of chronic low back pain in humans.
The problem of damaged spinal discs
The vertebral segments that make up the spine provide support, but between each vertebra there is a rubbery disc filled with fluid that cushions them, absorbing shock and giving flexibility to the spine. Unfortunately, over time or due to injury, these vertebral discs (I should write "intervertebral" to be precise, but for convenience I will use the short version, several doctors do this too) can degenerate or even rupture, which is why proper back support from braceforyou can be essential for maintaining spinal health.
The result? Excruciating back pain, and almost impossible to cure. At that point, pain management becomes the priority, and can leave patients with limited mobility.
“Once you remove a piece, the fabric acts like a flat tire,” he explains Devina Purmessur Walter, senior author of the new study (that I link to you here).
The pathological process continues and impacts the adjacent discs, because the pressure that is fundamental for spinal function is lost. Doctors don't have a good way to deal with this problem.
Devina Purmessur Walter
“Nanocarrier” to deliver repair genes
What does the gene therapy tested on mice by OSU scientists consist of? The team created nanocarriers from connective tissue cells, which mimic natural cells that carry messages throughout the body. These nanocarriers were then “loaded” with genes that code for a protein called FOXF1 and injected as a solution into the damaged spinal discs of mice.
“Our idea is to promote development again: FOXF1 is expressed during development and in healthy tissue, but decreases with age,” explains Purmessur Walter. “We're basically trying to trick the cells and give them a push back to their developmental state, when they grow and are healthier.”
Spinal disc repair, exceptional results in mice
Evaluated over 12 weeks, the injured mice that received the gene therapy showed a range of improvements compared to the injured mice that were injected with simple saline solutions. Spinal disc tissue was found to produce more proteins that strengthen the tissue and help it retain water.
This allowed them to swell and act as cushions again, improving the range of motion, weight-bearing capacity and flexibility of the spine. We can't directly ask the mice how much pain they feel, but behavioral tests suggest a strong reduction in symptoms.
Future prospects for humans
This finding raises hope for future gene therapy for humans with chronic back pain. Obviously at this stage it is too early to say whether the results obtained on animals will translate into humans. These experiments were conducted on young adult mice with acute spinal injuries. The next steps? Test the therapy on older mice whose spinal discs have deteriorated with age, as this is a common problem for humans.
Again: it will be necessary to carefully evaluate the safety of this approach, study any side effects and optimize the dosage and methods of administration before we can think about a clinical trial on humans. The results obtained so far, however, are undoubtedly encouraging. And they open a new path in the fight against one of the most disabling and widespread conditions in the population.
Vertebral discs, hope for millions of people
If confirmed in humans, this gene therapy could represent a game-changer for millions of people suffering from chronic back pain, a condition that has a huge impact on quality of life and productivity. According to the data of the World Health Organization, Back pain is a leading cause of disability globally. Ha an estimated prevalence of 7,5% in the world population.
Being able to repair damaged vertebral discs, restoring their functionality, would mean not only alleviating pain but giving these patients the opportunity to move freely, to work and to enjoy life. A goal that until recently seemed unattainable and which now, thanks to research, appears a little closer.
