Detection of O-Linked-N-Acetylglucosamine Modification and Its Associated Enzymes in Human Degenerated Intervertebral Discs

STUDY DESIGN: Human herniated discs were obtained from discectomy specimens for the immunohistochemical detection of O-GlcNAc and O-GlcNAcase (OGA)/O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify the extent of O-GlcNAcylation and its associated enzymes (OGT/OGA) in human degenerated intervertebral discs. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The O-GlcNAcylation of nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial proteins as well as the effects of such post-translational modifications are currently the focus of extensive research. O-GlcNAcylation is believed to contribute to the etiology of chronic illnesses by acting as a nutrient and stress sensor in the cellular environment. Mature intervertebral disc cells are chondrocyte-like cells, and O-GlcNAc has been shown to promote chondrocyte apoptosis in vitro. We believe that O-GlcNAcylation is a key regulator of disc degeneration. METHODS: Fifty-six specimens were fixed for 24 hours in a 10% solution of neutral-buffered formaldehyde, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin. Tissue slices (4-µm-thick) were used for hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We found that O-GlcNAcylation of cytoplasmic proteins was less than that of nuclear proteins in both single cells and cell clusters. Cytoplasmic O-GlcNAcylation occurs subsequent to nuclear O-GlcNAcylation and is directly proportional to disc degeneration. OGT and O-GlcNAc expression levels were identical in all specimens examined. CONCLUSIONS: O-GlcNAc and OGA/OGT expression is shown to correlate for the first time with intervertebral disc cell degeneration. Increasing disc degeneration is associated with increasing O-GlcNAcylation in both nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins in human disc cells.

Ambroise Pare [1510-1590] and his contribution to the treatment of scoliosis

The purpose of this study is to summarize the treatment options for scoliosis and spine deformities from Antiquity through Medieval Times up to the Renaissance. Furthermore, it is to present the contribution of "the Father of Modern Surgery", Ambroise Pare [1510-1590], to this field. Pare was a distinguished surgeon of the Renaissance with many contributions to surgery, including war trauma, obstetrics, forensic medicine, and Orthopaedics. He was the first to recognize the importance of bracing for the treatment of scoliosis, inventing his famous metallic brace with holes to reduce weight. In conclusion, it is noted that up to the time of the Renaissance traction and exercise were the main treatments of spinal deformities, especially scoliosis. The pioneering work of Ambroise Pare, "The father of Modern Surgery", suggested the use of a metallic brace during adolescence in order to correct spine curvature of scoliosis. Besides that, Pare never rejected more traditional treatment options, like traction and exercise. He just suggested continuous bracing in order to add to the already existing conservative therapeutic options