Nucleus pulposus cells regulate macrophages in degenerated intervertebral discs via the integrated stress response-mediated CCL2/7-CCR2 signaling pathway

Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Published online: 05 February 2024; doi:10.1038/s12276-024-01168-4Low back pain, a main reason for disability, is often due to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD - the wear and tear of the discs between the vertebrae of the spine). This degeneration, accounting for about 40% of chronic low back pain instances, results in the damage of spinal structure and function. In this research, scientists explored the role of inflammation in IDD, focusing on the role of macrophages. They found that macrophages with different polarized phenotypes (observable traits) existed in degenerative intervertebral disc tissue. The scientists also found that the polarization of these macrophages turned proinflammatory, which intensified the inflammatory cascade reaction (series of biochemical events that lead to inflammation), worsening inflammation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. This research offers new understanding into the role of inflammation in IDD and potential intervention targets. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.
Source: Experimental and Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research