Role of microRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration (Review)

Abstract

The incidence of lower back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is gradually increasing. IDD not only affects the quality of life of the patients, but also poses a major socioeconomic burden. There is currently no optimal method for delaying or reversing IDD, mainly due to its unknown pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) participate in the development of a number of diseases, including IDD. Abnormal expression of miRNAs in the intervertebral disc is implicated in various pathological processes underlying the development of IDD, including nucleus pulposus (NP) cell (NPC) proliferation, NPC apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation and cartilaginous endplate changes, among others. The focus of the present review was the advances in research on the involvement of miRNAs in the mechanism underlying IDD. Further research is expected to identify markers for early diagnosis of IDD and new targets for delaying or reversing IDD.

Analysis of miRNA-199-5p expression levels in serum samples of patients with lumbar disc degeneration

“…The Mann-Whitney U statistical pulposus cells and promote degradation mediated by miR-NA-665. In the same study, several miRNAs were reported to trigger inflammation associated with disc degeneration and apoptosis around the disc (17,26). Another study investigated miRNA-199 in patients with uterine leiomyomas.…”

“…seases, including LDD. They have also been reported to be involved in various disc degeneration processes (17).…”

Mesenchymal stem cell exosomes inhibit nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis via the miR-125b-5p/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway axis

“…MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and induce target mRNA degradation or translational repression [16] . miRNAs regulate various aspects of cellular functions, including growth, proliferation, differentiation, development, metabolism, infection, immunity, cell death, organelle biogenesis, messenger signaling, DNA repair, and self-renewal [ 17 , 18 ]. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs can target mRNAs to regulate the apoptosis of NPCs, the inflammatory response, and collagen synthesis, thereby preventing the progression of IVDD [ 19 – 21 ].…”