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Injectable smart-blended hydrogel cross-linked with Vanillin to accelerate differentiation of intervertebral disc-derived stem cells (IVDSCs) for promoting degenerative nucleolus pulposus in a rat model
Vanillin-crosslinked injectable hydrogel speeds up stem cell growth to help repair damaged spinal disc tissue in rats
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Abstract
Cell viability was maintained up to 500 µg/mL in the developed hydrogel incorporating IVDSCs.
- The hydrogel supported cell proliferation over 14 days and facilitated multilineage differentiation.
- Reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) were observed after treatment, indicating anti-inflammatory effects.
- Gene expression analysis showed increased levels of chondrocyte markers (Acan, Sox9, Col2).
- In vivo studies indicated a significant increase in disk height index (DHI%) after 8 weeks following hydrogel injection.
- Biomechanical testing demonstrated that the hydrogel enhanced compressive stiffness and reduced neutral zone stiffness post-denucleation.
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