Extracellular matrix in intervertebral disc: basic and translational implications

Ferroptosis: A potential target for the intervention of intervertebral disc degeneration

“…Under normal circumstances, the components of the ECM in the IVD are continuously updated through anabolism and catabolism, and the cells in the IVD associated with ECM form a coordinated functional system ( 138 ). However, the imbalance of anabolic and catabolic activities might result in ECM degradation, which is a pathological characteristic of IVDD ( 139 ).…”

Endoplasmic reticulum stress associates with the development of intervertebral disc degeneration

“…It has been demonstrated the presence of aggrecan catabolic products in both normal and degenerated human IVD tissues activates ERS with different levels (76). Consistently, the levels of biglycan and decorin, the degradation products of native glycanated forms, increase in rat NP cells with persistent activation of ERS (71,72). Additionally, NP cells cultured under hypoxia show higher ERS and ADAMTSs expression, which contribute to ECM degradation (75,76).…”

“…IDD development is associated with an ERS-mediated process of ECM metabolism that ultimately leads to pathological changes in the structures and functions of IVD ( 60 , 71 ). Consistently, another study shows that more dilated and abundant ER and higher UPR target gene expression are observed in the degenerated NP cells isolated from IDD ( 12 ).…”

Research progress in decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels for intervertebral disc degeneration

“…Hence, maintaining the homeostasis of ECM synthesis and degradation in IVD cells is particularly important for the prevention and treatment of IDD. [134][135][136] The dECM hydrogel can maintain stability of the ECM within the IVD, and the ideal dECM hydrogel should have the following properties to prevent and control IDD: (1) injectability, as most of these hydrogels are temperature-sensitive and since the hydrogel precursor is liquid and gels rapidly in vivo at 37 °C; (2) natural extracellular matrix activity; (3) absence of immunogenic cellular material after decellularization; (4) a three-dimensional structure so that the gel can serve as a vehicle for cells, therapeutic drugs or other biologically active molecules; (5) slow degradation during treatment so that the gel gradually releases the drugs and growth factors encapsulated inside, which can maintain optimal drug concentration locally. 137 For this review, we searched the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases using the terms "Decellularized hydrogel or ECM hydrogel" and "Intervertebral discs", and the search time was from the establishment of the database until October 2022.…”