Spine Unit Modelling Coupled With hIgh Throughput Analysis (SUIT)

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the response of an inflamed organotypic spine unit model, intended as a 3D in vitro representation of an in vivo environment, to the treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-derived secretome. In particular to investigate the ability of MSC-derived secretome to modulate genes found to be upregulated or downregulated by the inflammatory stimulation in the spine unit model and bring their expression back to a basal state. Secondary aims of the study are: * To identify specific degenerative features related to ageing and inflammation in patients affected by Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) correlating circulating features and tissue degeneration * To develop an organotypic spine unit model using patient-derived cells to investigate the response of cells derived from nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF) and cartilaginous endplate (CEP) to inflammation