Influence of age-related degeneration on regenerative potential of human nucleus pulposus cells
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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Preparation and Culture of Myogenic Precursor Cells/Primary Myoblasts from Skeletal Muscle of Adult and Aged Humans
Published on: February 16, 2017
Shu-Hua Yang1, Chen-Chiang Lin, Ming-Hsiao Hu
1Department of Orthopedics, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Douliou City, Yunlin County, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, sourced from herniation surgeries, may be used as a cell-based therapy for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. But, both the regenerative potential of these degenerative adult NP cells and how to stimulate optimum matrix synthesis is not yet clear. The purpose of the current study was to understand the different phenotypic behaviors between degenerative adult NP cells and normal adolescent NP cells. Degenerative adult NP cells produced a significantly higher amount of proteoglycans and collagens than adolescent cells. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was the only anabolic cytokine with increased endogenous expression in degenerative adult NP cells. TGF-beta1 treatment of degenerative NP cells promoted matrix synthesis but stimulated too much type I collagen and suppressed type II collagen and aggrecan. Adult degenerative NP cells possess upregulated regenerative potential, but stimulation in addition to TGF-beta1 is needed to enhance matrix productivity and optimize the collagen expression profile.
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