The Therapeutic Use of Solubilized Extracellular Matrix from Bovine Tail to Prevent Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IVDD) is known to lead to disc herniation and pain due to compressed nerves. The nucleus pulposus of the fibrocartilage in the vertebral column is where degeneration usually begins. However, there seems to be no preventative measures for IVDD. The only known treatments include invasive surgeries and painkillers which prove to be a temporary solution. The goal of this research is to find a preventive injection into the nucleus pulposus that can counteract degeneration in the initial stages of this disease. Solubilized extracellular matrix has been shown to contain many components that aid in the repair of a healthy tissue. These components include glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), Collagen II, and Proteoglycans. This has never been applied to intervertebral discs. This research aims to determine the most effective solubilization method of bovine nucleus pulposus to use in medical therapy. Three solubilization methods of bovine nucleus pulposus were carried out using a) Pepsin, b) Urea, and c) Urea decellularization (remove DNA). Results indicate that urea retained the most GAGs and overall proteins, but also needed decellularization since it had >50 ng of residual DNA, which is above the maximum for a medical therapy. This suggests that urea could be the most effective method as it retains the most GAG and protein content, along with decellularization to remove the residual DNA.
Recommended Citation
Li, Emily, "The Therapeutic Use of Solubilized Extracellular Matrix from Bovine Tail to Prevent Intervertebral Disc Degeneration" (2024). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 452.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2024/all/452
Location
RITA 261
Start Date
3-23-2024 9:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
The Therapeutic Use of Solubilized Extracellular Matrix from Bovine Tail to Prevent Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
RITA 261
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IVDD) is known to lead to disc herniation and pain due to compressed nerves. The nucleus pulposus of the fibrocartilage in the vertebral column is where degeneration usually begins. However, there seems to be no preventative measures for IVDD. The only known treatments include invasive surgeries and painkillers which prove to be a temporary solution. The goal of this research is to find a preventive injection into the nucleus pulposus that can counteract degeneration in the initial stages of this disease. Solubilized extracellular matrix has been shown to contain many components that aid in the repair of a healthy tissue. These components include glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), Collagen II, and Proteoglycans. This has never been applied to intervertebral discs. This research aims to determine the most effective solubilization method of bovine nucleus pulposus to use in medical therapy. Three solubilization methods of bovine nucleus pulposus were carried out using a) Pepsin, b) Urea, and c) Urea decellularization (remove DNA). Results indicate that urea retained the most GAGs and overall proteins, but also needed decellularization since it had >50 ng of residual DNA, which is above the maximum for a medical therapy. This suggests that urea could be the most effective method as it retains the most GAG and protein content, along with decellularization to remove the residual DNA.
