Interrelationship between silicon, aluminum, and elements associated with tissue metabolism and degenerative processes in degenerated human intervertebral disc tissue

Abstract

There is a growing body of evidence concerning the significant role of silicon in development and composition of both connective and bone tissue. Bio-essential silicon shows strong chemical and biological affinity to aluminum, which is toxic and biologically inessential element. The presence of silicon was confirmed in a variety of tissues; however, it has never been examined in intervertebral disc tissue, neither in healthy nor in degenerated one. In this paper, for the first time in the literature, we present the content of silicon in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissue. We also compared the results of silicon analysis with aluminum values in degenerated intervertebral disc tissue in humans. We used chemometric methods to find correlations and similarities between silicon, aluminum, and elements associated with tissue metabolism (Mg) and degenerative processes (Zn and Cu). The presence of silicon was confirmed in all 30 samples harvested from 22 patients operated on due to degenerative changes. Its concentration was within the range of 5.37–12.8 μg g−1 d.w., with the mean concentration of 7.82 μg g−1 d.w. The analysis showed significant correlation between Si and both Al and Mg and weak or negative correlation with Zn and Cu, where the latter was probably the result of degenerative processes. Although silicon is considered essential in glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis in connective tissue, it did not show any correlation nor similarities with elements reflecting changes associated with the degenerative process of the intervertebral disc. Silicon showed significant correlation with aluminum, similar to those observed in other human tissues.

Unravelling diagnostic clusters and immune landscapes of cuproptosis patterns in intervertebral disc degeneration through dry and wet experiments

“…Cuproptosis is a copper-triggered manner of mitochondrial cell death [ 38 ]. Mounting evidence has revealed that copper metabolism plays an important role in multiple biological processes of IDD [ 14 , 39 ]. It has been verified that copper complexes exert a toxic and immunogenic effect on intervertebral discs [ 15 ], suggesting that cuproptosis may exist in the pathological process of IDD.…”

Changes in Elements and Relationships among Elements in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

“…The quantitative analysis of the content of trace elements in the human intervertebral discs affected by the degenerative process is of significant importance [ 16 ]. It should be remembered that some of the elements, such as copper, zinc, and magnesium, participate in the metabolic processes, while others, such as lead and cadmium, provide information about exposure to environmental pollutants and have accumulative properties in the examined tissue.…”

“…One of the most important causes of changes in the internal environment leading to IVDD can be changes in the concentration of individual metal elements. Performing a quantitative analysis of the elements present in the intervertebral disc, in which degeneration occurs, enables the identification of the metals that may significantly affect the progression of degenerative changes, or the regeneration of the damaged intervertebral disc [ 16 ].…”

Effect of monocalcium phosphate on the physical, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of calcium silicate cement: an in vitro study

“…The mechanism by which these cement extracts affect collagen type I synthesis is likely associated with silicon regulation of prolyl-hydroxylase activity, an enzyme required for collagen cross-linking [39]. Silicon is a ubiquitous environmental element that binds to glycosaminoglycans, playing a role in cross-linking of this molecule with collagen and preventing enzymatic degradation, and promoting collagen stabilisation [40]. However, further studies are required to explore the exact mechanism.…”