Progranulin Is Positively Associated with Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Interaction with IL-10 and IL-17 Through TNF Pathways

This study aims to determine the role of PGRN in the intervertebral disc degeneration process. We collected intervertebral discs (IVDs) from humans and mice with different gen etic backgrounds. We examined the expression of PGRN in IVD tissues by immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting assay. We examined the peripheral serum level of PGRN by ELISA assay. Murine IVD tissue samples were taken to undergo safranin O, HE, and immunohistochemistry staining. Primary h uman nucleus pulposus cells were used for ELISA and RT-PCR assays. PGRN as well as interlukin-10 (IL-10) and interlukin-17 (IL-17) expressions were elevated in degenerative discs and peripheral blood sera. Loss of PGRN led to accelerated disc degeneration in the animal model, along with decreased ex pression of IL-10 and increased expression of IL-17. Additionally, the PGRN level was positively related to levels of IL-10 and IL-17.In vitro study suggested that PGRN protected against disc degeneration by inducing IL-10 and reducing IL-17. PGRN is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration through interfering with IL-10 and IL-17; thus, PGRN could be an interesting biomarker for diagnosis and a potential treatment target.
Source: Inflammation - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research