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Stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its receptor CXCR4 are upregulated expression in degenerated intervertebral discs

Hua Zhang1, Li Zhang2, Linwei Chen1

  • 11. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, China.

International Journal of Medical Sciences
|February 12, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) show increased levels of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4. This pathway may contribute to IVD degeneration, impacting spinal health.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 are implicated in articular cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  • The role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway in the degradation of intervertebral disc (IVD) components, specifically the cartilaginous endplate and nucleus pulposus, requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in human and rat intervertebral discs (IVDs).
  • To determine the association between SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway and IVD degeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of SDF-1 and CXCR4 levels in human and rat IVDs using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  • Microscopic quantification of SDF-1 staining (Integrated Optical Density) and CXCR4-positive cells in IVD tissues.

Main Results:

  • SDF-1 and CXCR4 were significantly upregulated in degenerated human and rat IVDs compared to normal discs.
  • Both nucleus pulposus and cartilaginous endplate cells expressed CXCR4.
  • A positive correlation was found between SDF-1 levels and CXCR4-positive cells in the nucleus pulposus and cartilaginous endplate.

Conclusions:

  • Upregulated expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 is observed in degenerated intervertebral discs.
  • The SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of IVD degeneration.
Keywords:
CXCR4SDF-1endplateintervertebral discnucleus pulposus

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