In a preclinical study led by researchers at McGill University, two medications targeting "zombie cells" demonstrated their ability to treat the underlying cause of chronic lower back pain. This condition affects millions of people worldwide.
Illustration image Pixabay
Current treatments manage symptoms through painkillers or surgery, yet fail to address the root cause.
"The results of our study are exciting because they suggest we may be able to treat back pain in an entirely new way—by eliminating the cells responsible for the problem, rather than just masking the pain," said lead author Lisbet Haglund, a professor in the Department of Surgery at McGill University and co-director of the Orthopedic Research Laboratory at the Montreal General Hospital (MUHC).
The aforementioned research was conducted by the Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain at the Montreal General Hospital, part of the MUHC.
Treating pain at its source
Senescent cells, often called zombie cells, accumulate in intervertebral discs as people age or when these discs are damaged. Instead of dying like normal cells, these aging cells remain alive, causing inflammation, pain, and spinal damage.
To explore a potential solution, the research team orally administered two drugs to mice: ortho-vanillin, a natural compound, and RG-7112, an FDA-approved cancer drug. These medications were given both separately and in combination.
The scientists concluded that these drugs could eliminate zombie cells from the spine, reduce pain and inflammation, and even slow or reverse damage to intervertebral discs after eight weeks of treatment. Each drug had a beneficial effect, but the most significant improvements were observed when they were administered together.
"We were surprised to find that an oral treatment could reach the intervertebral discs, which are difficult to access and pose a major obstacle in pain treatment," added Professor Haglund. "The big question now is whether ortho-vanillin and RG-7112 can have the same effects in humans."
The surprising potential of a natural compound
Notably, ortho-vanillin was not originally intended to be part of the study—it was included almost by chance. Professor Haglund explained that while testing other drugs, her team decided to add ortho-vanillin. This compound, a derivative of turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The team wanted to determine if it could be effective in treating lower back pain.
The study's results provide some of the first evidence that ortho-vanillin can eliminate zombie cells. RG-7112 analogs are known to remove zombie cells in osteoarthritis and cancer research but had not yet been used to treat back pain.
Looking ahead, Professor Haglund's research team will work to improve ortho-vanillin's structure to help it remain in the body longer and increase its effectiveness. The scientists believe ortho-vanillin and RG-7112 have the potential to treat other age-related diseases caused by senescent cells, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.