Inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration and regeneration

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Molinos, M (Author) Other; Almeida, CR (Author) Other; Caldeira, J (Author) Other; Cunha, C (Author) Other; Goncalves, RM (Author) ICBAS; Barbosa, MA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Vol. 12

ISSN: 1742-5689

Publisher: The Royal Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 247 Citations

Scopus - 309 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-6QN

DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1191

Abstract (EN): Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is one of the major causes of low back pain, a problem with a heavy economic burden, which has been increasing in prevalence as populations age. Deeper knowledge of the complex spatial and temporal orchestration of cellular interactions and extracellular matrix remodelling is critical to improve current IVD therapies, which have so far proved unsatisfactory. Inflammation has been correlated with degenerative disc disease but its role in discogenic pain and hernia regression remains controversial. The inflammatory response may be involved in the onset of disease, but it is also crucial in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, if properly balanced it may contribute to tissue repair/regeneration as has already been demonstrated in other tissues. In this review, we focus on how inflammation has been associated with IVD degeneration by describing observational and in vitro studies as well as in vivo animal models. Finally, we provide an overview of IVD regenerative therapies that target key inflammatory players.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18