[Study progress of growth differentiation factor 5 or osteogenic protein 1 injection into a degenerated disc]

To review the advance in the experimental studies and evaluate the potential therapeutic application of the growth differentiation factor 5(GDF-5) and osteogenic protein 1 (OP-1) in intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods Relevant literature at home and abroad published in recent years was searched and analyzed comprehensively. Results The growth factor was one of the most potential proteins in curing the intervertebral disc degeneration. In vitro, exogenous GDF-5 or OP-1 increased the deoxyribonucleic acid and proteoglycan contents of both nucleus pulposus and annlus fibrosis cells types significantly. GDF-5 at 200 ng/mL or OP-1 significantly stimulated proteoglycan synthesis and collagen synthesis. In vivo, the injection of GDF-5 (100 microg) or OP-1(100 microg in 10 microL 5% lactose) resulted in a restoration of disc height, improvement of magnetic resonance imaging scores, and histologic grading scores had statistical significance.

A single injection of GDF-5 or OP-1 has a reparative capacity on intervertebral discs, presumably based on its effect to stimulate matrix metabolism of intervertebral disc cells and enhance extracellular matrix production. A single injection of exogenous GDF-5 or OP-1 in the degenerated disc shows a good prospect.