A drug already used for osteoporosis blocked spinal damage in a new study
Genetic changes may set off a chain reaction that causes the spine’s natural shock absorbers to harden and deteriorate. Zebrafish with a faulty collagen-related gene developed mineral buildup and spinal fusion similar to human disc disease. Researchers were able to reduce the damage using an existing osteoporosis drug and by targeting fat metabolism. The discovery points to several exciting…
A groundbreaking study published in Communications Biology has revealed that a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis can effectively reduce spinal damage caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Bristol conducted their investigation using zebrafish as a model organism, observing that defects in a gene linked to collagen IX led to spinal abnormalities resembling those seen in humans with IVDD.
The study found that mineral deposits within the spine, rather than directly damaging the discs, triggered the progression of spinal tissue hardening. This process was found to be initiated by the deterioration of a supportive scaffold layer within the developing spine. The researchers identified several biological pathways associated with this mineral accumulation, including those related to fat processing, mTOR pathways, phosphate control, and vitamin A signaling.
Among the promising avenues for future treatments were the findings that a bisphosphonate, a bone-protecting medication already used to manage osteoporosis, prevented mineral buildup, and that dietary restrictions or drugs that suppressed fat metabolism reduced spinal fusion. Dr. Erika Kague, the study's lead researcher, expressed excitement about the potential of these findings, stating that they point to multiple strategies for slowing down the hardening of the spine.
Dr. Caroline Aylott, Head of Research Delivery at Arthritis UK, emphasized the significance of this research for the 9.5 million individuals in the UK suffering from back pain, highlighting the hope it brings for new therapeutic approaches. Dr. Jef Grainger from BBSRC underscored the role of public funding in advancing scientific discovery, which could ultimately lead to improved treatments for back pain, a common condition affecting millions worldwide.
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