Autophagy: A double-edged sword in intervertebral disk degeneration

Area of Science:

• Cellular Biology
• Biomedical Science
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Autophagy is a cellular process for degrading damaged components, crucial for homeostasis.
• Dysfunctional autophagy is implicated in various degenerative diseases, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
• IDD is a primary cause of low back pain and spinal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review changes in autophagy within degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) cells.
• To discuss the complex relationship between autophagy and the progression of IDD.
• To explore the potential of targeting autophagy as a therapeutic strategy for IDD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on autophagy in intervertebral disc cells.
• Analysis of research investigating the role of autophagy in IDD.
• Synthesis of findings on the dual role of autophagy (protective vs. aggravating) in disc degeneration.

Main Results:

• Autophagy levels vary (higher or lower) in degenerative IVD cells.
• The precise role of autophagy in IDD pathogenesis remains debated.
• Evidence suggests that modulating autophagy holds therapeutic potential for IDD.

Conclusions:

• Autophagy plays a significant, albeit complex, role in intervertebral disc degeneration.
• Targeting the autophagic pathway presents a promising avenue for future treatments.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate and leverage autophagy for managing degenerative disc disease.