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- Human notochordal cell transcriptome unveils potential regulators of cell function in the developing intervertebral discPublication . Rodrigues-Pinto, Ricardo; Ward, L.; Humphreys, M.; Zeef, L.; Berry, A.; Hanley, K.; Hanley, N.; Richardson, S.; Hoyland, J.The adult nucleus pulposus originates from the embryonic notochord, but loss of notochordal cells with skeletal maturity in humans is thought to contribute to the onset of intervertebral disc degeneration. Thus, defining the phenotype of human embryonic/fetal notochordal cells is essential for understanding their roles and for development of novel therapies. However, a detailed transcriptomic profiling of human notochordal cells has never been achieved. In this study, the notochord-specific marker CD24 was used to specifically label and isolate (using FACS) notochordal cells from human embryonic and fetal spines (7.5-14 weeks post-conception). Microarray analysis and qPCR validation identified CD24, STMN2, RTN1, PRPH, CXCL12, IGF1, MAP1B, ISL1, CLDN1 and THBS2 as notochord-specific markers. Expression of these markers was confirmed in nucleus pulposus cells from aged and degenerate discs. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed molecules involved in inhibition of vascularisation (WISP2, Noggin and EDN2) and inflammation (IL1-RN) to be master regulators of notochordal genes. Importantly, this study has, for the first time, defined the human notochordal cell transcriptome and suggests inhibition of inflammation and vascularisation may be key roles for notochordal cells during intervertebral disc development. The molecules and pathways identified in this study have potential for use in developing strategies to retard/prevent disc degeneration, or regenerate tissue.
- Horner Syndrome After Anterior Revision Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Very Rare Complication: A Case ReportPublication . Marques, M.; Barros, L.; Correia, B.; Silva, E.; Rodrigues-Pinto, R.We report a case of postoperative left-sided Horner syndrome (blepharoptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis) after revision surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. A C4 corpectomy and an anterior cervical fusion from C3 to C5 were performed through a left longitudinal approach in a patient with a surgical history of an anterior discectomy and a fusion from C5 to C6. One year after the revision surgery, the patient had recovered from the anhidrosis and the miosis, but the blepharoptosis was not fully resolved. CONCLUSION: Horner syndrome resulting from surgical injury to the ipsilateral cervical sympathetic chain is a very rare complication of anterior spine surgery that has been reported when the lower cervical levels have been approached. Awareness of this important cervical structure may help to avoid this complication.
- Femoral neck stress fracture in a young female recruit: case reportPublication . Fonte, H.; Rodrigues-Pinto, RicardoIntroduction: Femoral neck stress fractures are uncommon and depending on their location, can be at high risk for non-union and significant morbidity. Their prevalence is higher among runners and military recruits, and women seem to be at higher risk. Methods: A 27-year-old female, who was enrolled in military recruit, reported left side groin pain after a strenuous running exercise. Due to persistent pain an X-Ray was ordered, which revealed no signs of acute lesions. Further imaging studies with CT scan and MRI identified a compression-type femoral neck stress fracture. Results: The patient was submitted to conservative treatment consisting of restricting from full weight-bearing. Six weeks after she initiated partial weight-bearing, becoming asymptomatic at seven months. Follow-up imaging studies revealed union of the fracture. Discussion: This diagnosis should be considered when evaluating military and athlete populations. Early recognition of these injuries is crucial because complication and morbidity rates are high.