Notochordal cells: A potential therapeutic option for intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal degenerative disorder worldwide, and ~40% of chronic low back pain cases are associated with IDD. Although the pathogenesis of IDD remains unclear, the reduction in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical factors contributing to IDD. Notochordal cells (NCs), derived from the notochord, which rapidly degrades after birth and is eventually replaced by NPCs, play a crucial role in maintaining ECM homeostasis and preventing NPCs apoptosis. Current treatments for IDD only provide symptomatic relief, while lacking the ability to inhibit or reverse its progression. However, NCs and their secretions possess anti‐inflammatory properties and promote NPCs proliferation, leading to ECM formation. Therefore, in recent years, NCs therapy targeting the underlying cause of IDD has emerged as a novel treatment strategy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress on NCs for IDD, covering their biological characteristics, specific markers, possible mechanisms involved in IDD and therapeutic effects. It also highlights significant future directions in this field to facilitate further exploration of the pathogenesis of IDD and the development of new therapies based on NCs strategies.

Microenvironment-responsive metal-phenolic network release platform with ROS scavenging, anti-pyroptosis, and ECM regeneration for intervertebral disc degeneration

“…The main features of IVDD are water molecule loss, ECM degradation, increased fibrosis, and resulting mechanical damage to the disc [ 1 ]. Current research suggests that reducing ROS accumulation and cellular pyroptosis reduces ECM degradation [ 59 ].…”

“…Over two-thirds of the global population suffers from neck, shoulder, or lower back pains, which can negatively affect quality of life and health and impose socioeconomic burdens [ 1 ]. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of these pains.…”

From drugs to biomaterials: a review of emerging therapeutic strategies for intervertebral disc inflammation

“…Research has demonstrated that notochordal cells play a role in the recovery of IDD. In certain animal models of disc injury, the population of notochordal cells persists even as the animals mature ( Li et al., 2023a ). However, studies have shown that, even in the early stages of human development, there is a significant reduction in viable NP progenitor cells with age.…”