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 new study using zebrafish has revealed that a drug already used for osteoporosis can prevent spinal damage caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). IVDD, which involves the progressive deterioration of the discs that cushion the spine's bones, is a major cause of back pain. The research, conducted by scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and Bristol, shows that altered gene activity contributes to the buildup of minerals within the spine, leading to hardened tissue.
The study found that a bisphosphonate, a type of bone-protecting medication, blocked the spinal damage. Additionally, reducing food intake or treating the fish with drugs that suppress fat metabolism also reduced mineral buildup. Dr. Erika Kague, the study's lead, stated that the findings offer several potential targets for future back pain treatments and highlight the promise of phosphate regulation and fat metabolism as areas for drug development.
Arthritis UK and BBSRC funded the research, which was published in the journal Communications Biology.
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