Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Published on: February 14, 2021
Impact of changes in extracellular matrix in the lumbar degenerative disc
G David1, A V Ciurea, M Mitrica
1Regina Maria Military Hospital, Neurosurgery Clinic, Brașov, Romania. david_nch@hotmail.com
Unlabelled:
The complexity of the clinical, biochemical, hystochemical and immunologic aspects of the intervertebral disk, along with its molecular biology, justifies the object of our study on the extracellular matrix modifications in lumbar disk hernias and their impact on patient quality of life.
Material And Method:
The research lot was composed of 50 patients, aged between 18 and 73, who have undergone lumbar disk hernia surgery. MMP-9 (metalloproteinase-9) and TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease 1) have been dosed in order to study the modifications on extracellular disk matrix, and quality of life assessment was carried out both in pre-operatory and post-operatory periods.
Conclusions:
Patients may prevent the appearance of degenerative processes of the intervertebral disk with care and responsibility by controlling their weight, avoiding intense physical activities and ceasing to smoke.
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Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
The Extracellular Matrix
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Extracellular Matrix

