BPrice,
Regarding fibrin, i had no luck finding a copy of ......."3 Buser Z, Jane L, Thorne KJ, et al. Fibrin sealant modulates the inflammatory response in intervertebral disc cells. Unpublished manuscript."
Being "unpublished" is likely reason.
Found this promising paper....
J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(9):1219-37.
Fibrin promotes proliferation and matrix production of intervertebral disc cells cultured in three-dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold.
Sha'ban M, Yoon SJ, Ko YK, Ha HJ, Kim SH, So JW, Idrus RB, Khang G.
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract
Previously, we have proven that fibrin and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds facilitate cell proliferation, matrix production and early chondrogenesis of rabbit articular chondrocytes in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In this study, we evaluated the potential of fibrin/PLGA scaffold for intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue engineering using annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in relation to potential clinical application. PLGA scaffolds were soaked in cells-fibrin suspension and polymerized by dropping thrombin-sodium chloride (CaCl(2)) solution. A PLGA-cell complex without fibrin was used as control. Higher cellular proliferation activity was observed in fibrin/PLGA-seeded AF and NP cells at each time point of 3, 7, 14 and 7 days using the MTT assay. After 3 weeks in vitro incubation, fibrin/PLGA exhibited a firmer gross morphology than PLGA groups. A significant cartilaginous tissue formation was observed in fibrin/PLGA, as proven by the development of cells cluster of various sizes and three-dimensional (3D) cartilaginous histoarchitecture and the presence of proteoglycan-rich matrix and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The sGAG production measured by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay revealed greater sGAG production in fibrin/PLGA than PLGA group. Immunohistochemical analyses showed expressions of collagen type II, aggrecan core protein and collagen type I genes throughout in vitro culture in both fibrin/PLGA and PLGA.
In conclusion, fibrin promotes cell proliferation, stable in vitro tissue morphology, superior cartilaginous tissue formation and sGAG production of AF and NP cells cultured in PLGA scaffold. The 3D porous PLGA scaffold-cell complexes using fibrin can provide a vehicle for delivery of cells to regenerate tissue-engineered IVD tissue....."
A broader study....
The implantation of non-cell-based materials to prevent the recurrent disc herniation: an in vivo porcine model using quantitative discomanometry examination
Small numbers of spine patients have actually had Fibrin disc treatment and a few have posted their outcomes on the web. 'Sounds' incredible actually. Is a pity medical industry or big pharma didn't put some serious money into biological disc treatment research years ago. Maximum $ per patient seems to be their focus.
I edited names.
" 18 January, 2010. I just had my second 4 level Fibrin Sealant last week. My first treatment was 4 level also in October of 2008. Before learning of the Fibrin Sealant I was told by every surgeon I saw in Honolulu I needed 3 level fusion. I looked into the ADR option , but was told since I would need 2 level high on the lumbar L2-3 L3-4 my chances would be poor at best. I then read .......'s post about her Fibrin Sealant she had in Tyler Texas. The idea of not having hardware in my spine and life without pain meds was worth a shot, no pun intended. I came to Texas with very bad leg pain before my first treatment and a constant stabbing pain on my left facet joint besides disc pain. I walked out of the first treatment without any leg pain period and most of the facet and disc pain was much better.
After 5 weeks I was completely pain free and off all pain meds. The relief lasted over 12 months but slowly crept back except the leg pain which has remained pain free. I decided to have a second treatment in Texas again, once again my disc pain and facet pain has disappeared. Anyone who wants a less invasive treatment should consider the Fibrin Sealant. It burns no bridges and might bring long lasting pain relief. Time and technology will always improve your chances for a better treatment.
Aloha ...........____________
Surfing Accident 20 years ago.
Back pain started 3 to 4 years ago.
Chiropractics, Massage, Meds
MRI 7/30/07
MRI 8/1/08
MRI 3/1/09
DDD in L2-3 and L3-4
Facet injections almost every month for 16 months
Discogram 9/1/08 Positive L2-3 L3-4
4 Level Fibrin Sealant 10/08 pain relief to my legs the next day. Disc Pain much better , but pain returning about 8/09.
4 Level Fibrin Sealant top off 1/10 looking forward to a longer relief this time. "
"21 January, 2010.
Yes the study is very limited and full at this point, but you might be able it receive fibrin sealant outside of the study. Remember I was turned down by all the ADR surgeons based on how many levels I needed and the levels on the lumbar spine. I went from daily goofballs Vicoden ES to no pain meds within 5 weeks of my first procedure and I had 4 levels done. So going from almost inoperable, besides fusion, to pain free and med free with in less then 6 weeks. Without this procedure I would have a 3 level fusion right now and even thou I needed a second treatment I am planning a surf trip to Sumatra Indonesia in April and enjoyed surfing in Hawaii all summer last year.
If I had to get topped off with additional injections for the rest of my life it would be well worth the quality of life it gave me back. With all the technology that will improve the current ADR think how much a few years time a fibrin injection could give you time to get a much better ADR down the road a few years and maybe you will be able to avoid the hardware completely.
Cheers .............
_______________
Surfing Accident 20 years ago.
Back pain started 3 to 4 years ago.
Chiropractics, Massage, Meds
MRI 7/30/07
MRI 8/1/08
MRI 3/1/09
DDD in L2-3 and L3-4
Facet injections almost every month for 16 months
Discogram 9/1/08 Positive L2-3 L3-4
4 Level Fibrin Sealant 10/08 pain relief to my legs the next day. Disc Pain much better , but pain returning about 8/09.
4 Level Fibrin Sealant top off 1/10 looking forward to a longer relief this time."