Biomedical subjects

Chadi Tannoury

Publications and source records attributed to Chadi Tannoury.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Sensory neurons and fibers from multiple spinal cord levels innervate the rabbit lumbar disc.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the neurotransmission pathway from the lumbar L5/6 intervertebral disc (IVD) to the spinal cord in the rabbit. DESIGN: Fluorogold particles injected into the posterior portion of the rabbit L5/6 IVD were traced by examining gold-positive neurons and fibers in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord at various root levels. RESULTS: Fluorogold-labeled neurons were observed bilaterally in primary afferent DRG neurons from the L3 through L5 segments; a small number of gold-labeled neurons were found at the L1 level. Fluorogold-labeled neurons were predominantly present in the ipsilateral DRG (the side of the injection) at the L5 level, but they were more equally distributed (on both sides) at the L4 and L3 levels. In the posterior horn of the spinal cord, Fluorogold particles were found in nerve fibers as rostral as the T12 level. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that Fluorogold particles injected into the rabbit L5/6 IVD are taken up by primary sensory neurons in the DRGs and primary sensory fibers in the posterior horn of the spinal cord at multiple levels. This diffuse innervation pattern of the lumbar disc may help explain why discogenic back pain in humans is often poorly localized.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Cellular therapy for disc degeneration.

STUDY DESIGN: Review article regarding the developing field of cellular therapies for symptomatic disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE: To review the rationale and discuss the results of cellular strategies that have been proposed or investigated for disc degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Disc degeneration is a substantial clinical problem. Disc degeneration begins with a loss of disc cells and alterations in the extracellular matrix of the disc. One promising approach for this problem involves the use of cells transplanted to the degenerative disc to achieve functional tissue repair. METHODS: The rationale for using cellular therapy for disc degeneration is discussed. The basic science studies involving cellular transplantation to the disc are reviewed and future directions of this line of research are discussed. RESULTS: Although substantial work remains, the future of cellular therapies for symptomatic disc degeneration appears promising. CONCLUSION: Continued research is warranted to further define the optimal cell type, scaffolds, and adjuvants that will allow successful disc repair in human patients.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Molecular pathogenic factors in symptomatic disc degeneration.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although symptomatic disc degeneration is thought to be the leading cause of chronic low back pain, no available biologic therapy is yet available to treat this highly prevalent condition. PURPOSE: In this article, the cellular, biomechanical and molecular alterations that occur during disc degeneration are reviewed to provide a better understanding of this pathologic process. STUDY DESIGN: The cellular and molecular aspects of disc degeneration are reviewed. METHODS: The available studies detailing the molecular and cellular changes during disc degeneration are reviewed in an effort to provide a basis for understanding the biologic strategies for disc repair. RESULTS: Disc degeneration begins early in life and involves a cascade of changes at the cellular and molecular level that results in degradation of the extracellular matrix of the disc, leading to biomechanical failure of this complex structure. CONCLUSION: With a thorough understanding of the cellular and molecular events causing degeneration of the intervertebral disc, rational strategies for disc repair can be understood and evaluated. It appears that biologic disc repair will be feasible in the future although challenges remain in this blossoming field.

Adult↗