Soft tissue injuries induce lumbar instability and intervertebral disc degeneration: A mechanobiological study based on a rabbit model

IF 1.8 3区医学 Q4 ENGINEERING, BIOMEDICAL

Clinical Biomechanics Pub Date : 2026-04-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-05 DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2026.106773

Pengren Luo , Jiawen Zhan , Boyu Zhang , Pingjin Xie , Pengchao Zhen , Zhefeng Jin , Tao Han , Liguo Zhu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Lumbar instability, often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration, is a key contributor to chronic low back pain. However, the mechanobiological interplay between soft tissue injury and the onset of spinal instability remains poorly elucidated.This study aimed to develop and characterize a rabbit model of lumbar instability based on endogenous (ligamentous) and exogenous (muscular) soft tissue injuries, and to investigate the biomechanical and biological progression of intervertebral disc degeneration over time.

Methods

Fifty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: endogenous ligament injury, exogenous muscle injury, and control. Multiple evaluation methods—including X-ray imaging, finite element analysis, creep and fatigue testing, histological staining, TUNEL apoptosis detection, and Western blotting for Aggrecan, Collagen II, and Caspase-3—were conducted at 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks post-modeling.

Findings

Both injury models led to progressive lumbar instability and intervertebral disc degeneration, evidenced by decreased disc elasticity, increased displacement under load, and structural deterioration in imaging and histology. FEA revealed altered stress distribution and increased mechanical burden over time. Aggrecan and Collagen II expression significantly declined, while Caspase-3 levels and TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells increased, especially in the exogenous group.

Interpretation

Muscle and ligament injuries are sufficient to induce lumbar instability and promote progressive disc degeneration through biomechanical failure and apoptosis. These findings underscore the importance of early mechanical and biological interventions targeting soft tissue integrity to prevent intervertebral disc degeneration and lumbar instability.

查看原文本刊更多论文

软组织损伤诱导腰椎不稳定和椎间盘退变：基于兔模型的力学生物学研究。

背景：腰椎不稳定，通常与椎间盘退变相关，是慢性腰痛的一个关键因素。然而，软组织损伤与脊柱不稳定发病之间的机械生物学相互作用仍不清楚。本研究旨在建立基于内源性（韧带）和外源性（肌肉）软组织损伤的兔腰椎不稳定模型并对其进行表征，并研究椎间盘退变的生物力学和生物学进展。方法：54只新西兰大白兔随机分为内源性韧带损伤组、外源性肌肉损伤组和对照组。在造模后0、4、8、16和24周，对Aggrecan、Collagen II和caspase -3进行多种评估方法，包括x射线成像、有限元分析、蠕变和疲劳试验、组织学染色、TUNEL细胞凋亡检测和Western blotting。结果：两种损伤模型均导致进行性腰椎不稳定和椎间盘退变，表现为椎间盘弹性下降，载荷下位移增加，影像学和组织学结构恶化。有限元分析显示，随着时间的推移，应力分布发生变化，机械负荷增加。Aggrecan和Collagen II表达明显下降，Caspase-3水平和tunel阳性凋亡细胞增加，外源组尤为明显。解释：肌肉和韧带损伤足以引起腰椎不稳定，并通过生物力学失效和细胞凋亡促进椎间盘退变。这些发现强调了针对软组织完整性的早期机械和生物干预的重要性，以防止椎间盘退变和腰椎不稳定。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Clinical Biomechanics 医学-工程：生物医学

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

189

审稿时长

12.3 weeks

期刊介绍： Clinical Biomechanics is an international multidisciplinary journal of biomechanics with a focus on medical and clinical applications of new knowledge in the field. The science of biomechanics helps explain the causes of cell, tissue, organ and body system disorders, and supports clinicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of treatment methods and technologies. Clinical Biomechanics aims to strengthen the links between laboratory and clinic by publishing cutting-edge biomechanics research which helps to explain the causes of injury and disease, and which provides evidence contributing to improved clinical management. A rigorous peer review system is employed and every attempt is made to process and publish top-quality papers promptly. Clinical Biomechanics explores all facets of body system, organ, tissue and cell biomechanics, with an emphasis on medical and clinical applications of the basic science aspects. The role of basic science is therefore recognized in a medical or clinical context. The readership of the journal closely reflects its multi-disciplinary contents, being a balance of scientists, engineers and clinicians. The contents are in the form of research papers, brief reports, review papers and correspondence, whilst special interest issues and supplements are published from time to time. Disciplines covered include biomechanics and mechanobiology at all scales, bioengineering and use of tissue engineering and biomaterials for clinical applications, biophysics, as well as biomechanical aspects of medical robotics, ergonomics, physical and occupational therapeutics and rehabilitation.