Understanding energy status of disc cells
The EC-funded EURODISC project focused on intervertebral disc degeneration, a major source of back pain, sciatica and other spinal disorders. The degeneration process is attributed to a combination of factors including ageing, genetic predisposition and life-style. Understanding the interplay of these factors at the mechanical as well as the cellular level has been a major goal of EURODISC. Project partner, the University of Oxford, sought to provide answers to a series of questions relating to energy metabolism in disc cells. It had been ascertained that nutrient supplies and the loss thereof is a leading factor of disc degeneration. Researchers carried out in vitro measurement of metabolic rates and noticed significant links between oxygen consumption, lactic acid production and pH. Based on these measurements, mathematical models were derived that can be used to illustrate the links and interdependencies of different inputs and factors. Finding out more about how the supply of nutrients and the surrounding environment affects disc cell status could be an important factor. Degeneration can then be predicted, diagnosed, treated or even prevented.
