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Joji Mochida

Publications and source records attributed to Joji Mochida.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells embedded in Atelocollagen gel to the intervertebral disc: a potential therapeutic model for disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is considered to be one of the major causes of low back pain. Despite this irreversible phenomenon, attempts to decelerate disc degeneration using various techniques have been reported. However, to date there has been no proven technique effective for broad clinical application. Based on previous studies, we hypothesize that maintenance of proteoglycan content in the disc is achieved by avoiding the depletion of nucleus pulposus and preserving the structure of the annulus is a primary factor in decelerating disc degeneration. One novel approach to solve the dilemma of intervertebral disc degeneration is found at the stem cell level. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to possess the ability to differentiate into various kinds of cells from mesenchymal origin. Although the majority of cells that contribute to disc formation are known to obtain chondrocyte-like phenotypes, no reported study has emphasized the correlation with mesenchymal stem cells. To evaluate the possible potential of MSCs in disc cell research and treatment of degenerative disc disease, autologous MSCs embedded in Atelocollagen gel were transplanted into the discs of rabbits which had undergone a procedure proven to induce degeneration. The results suggest that MSC transplantation is effective in decelerating disc degeneration in experimental models and provided new hopes for treatment of degenerative disc disease in humans. Atelocollagen gel served as an important carrier of MSCs in transplantation, permitting proliferation, matrix synthesis and differentiation of MSCs. This study strengthens the viable efficacy of practical application of MSCs in treatment of intervertebral disc disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Vascular endothelial growth factor 121 and 165 in the subacromial bursa are involved in shoulder joint contracture in type II diabetics with rotator cuff disease.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in neovascularization and increases vascular permeability. We reported that VEGF is involved in motion pain of patients with rotator cuff disease by causing synovial proliferation in the subacromial bursa (SAB). The present study investigates whether VEGF is also involved in the development of shoulder contracture in diabetics with rotator cuff disease. We examined 67 patients with rotator cuff disease, including 36 with complete cuff tears, 20 with incomplete tears, and 11 without apparent tears (subacromial bursitis). The patients were into groups according to the presence or absence of diabetes (14 type II diabetics and 53 non-diabetics). Specimens of the synovium of the SAB were obtained from all patients during surgery. Expression of the VEGF gene in the synovium of the subacromial bursa was evaluated by using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The VEGF protein was localized by immunohistochemistry, and the number of vessels was evaluated based on CD34 immunoreactivity. The results showed that VEGF mRNA was expressed in significantly more diabetics (100%, 14/14) than in non-diabetics (70%, 37/53) (P=0.0159, Fisher's test). Investigation of VEGF isoform expression revealed VEGF121 in all 14 diabetics and in 37 of the 53 non-diabetics, VEGF165 in 12 of the 14 diabetics and in 21 of the 53 non-diabetics, and VEGF189 in 1 of the 14 diabetics and in 2 of the 53 non-diabetics. No VEGF206 was expressed in either group. VEGF protein was localized in both vascular endothelial cells and synovial lining cells. The mean number of VEGF-positive vessels and the vessel area were also significantly greater in the diabetics (p<0.015, Mann-Whitney U test). Synovial proliferation and shoulder joint contracture were more common in the diabetics (P=0.0329 and P=0.073, respectively; Fisher's test). The mean preoperative range of shoulder motion significantly differed in terms of elevation between two groups: 103.8 degrees in diabetics and 124.9 degrees in no diabetics (p=0.0039 Mann-Whitney U test). In contrast, external rotation did not significantly differ: 44 degrees in diabetics and 49 degrees in non-diabetics (p=0.4957, Mann-Whitney U test). These results suggest that VEGF121 and VEGF165 expression in the SAB is responsible for the development of shoulder joint contracture, especially in elevation, among type II diabetic patients with rotator cuff disease.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗
PubMed2003

Effect of reinsertion of activated nucleus pulposus on disc degeneration: an experimental study on various types of collagen in degenerative discs.

We examined the emergence and sequential changes in type I, II, and VI collagen production in an experimental rabbit model of disc degeneration. Type I collagen was minimally present initially and did not change over 24 weeks. Type I collagen seemed to have no effect on the degenerative process in this model. Staining for type II collagen was positive circumferentially in chondrocytelike cells and was mild in the early phase of disc degeneration, when the chondrocytelike cells began to appear in the inner layers of the annulus fibrosus. The stain became stronger during the middle phase when the chondrocytelike cells arranged themselves in cluster. Compared with type II collagen, the staining for type VI collagen was relatively strong early in the degenerative process. These findings led us to speculate that these chondrocytelike cells play an active role in the degenerative process. The reinsertion of nucleus pulposus cells cocultured with annulus fibrosus delayed disc degeneration and the emergence of chondrocytelike cells. Considering that the emergence of chondrocytelike cells which produce type II and type VI collagen is delayed in discs with the injection of cocultured nucleus pulposus cells by annulus fibrosus cells, we conclude that chondrocytelike cells that produce type VI collagen also seems to accelerate degeneration. Type VI collagen is produced at an earlier phase than type II collagen and may be both active agent and a marker for disc degeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Spinal osteochondromas in middle-aged to elderly patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Three case reports of solitary spinal osteochondromas in middle-aged and elderly patients. OBJECTIVES: To describe the treatment of three rare cases of spinal osteochondromas in patients significantly older than the cases previously reported in the literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteochondromas arising in the vertebral column are considered rare. The mean age of clinical appearance is said to be in the second or third decade of life. METHODS: Clinical history, physical examinations, plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, myelography, computed tomographic myelography, and histopathologic findings for each case were reviewed in conjunction with previous cases reported in the literature. RESULTS: Total removal of the tumor was effective in causing the symptoms to disappear. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal osteochondromas are rare and tend to appear in young adults. Three cases of spinal osteochondromas that were unusual in terms of age at clinical presentation and localization were reported, suggesting a continuous growth of the tumor beyond skeletal maturity.

Adult↗