Role of microRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration (Review)

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Molecular Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a growing cause of lower back pain, significantly impacting quality of life and incurring socioeconomic costs.
• Current treatments for IDD are limited due to poorly understood underlying mechanisms.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including IDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding the role of miRNAs in the mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
• To explore how abnormal miRNA expression contributes to pathological processes in IDD.
• To highlight the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for IDD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating miRNA involvement in IDD pathogenesis.
• Analysis of research on miRNA dysregulation in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs) and extracellular matrix.
• Examination of studies on miRNA influence on NPC proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Main Results:

• Abnormal miRNA expression is associated with key pathological changes in IDD.
• miRNAs regulate critical processes such as NPC proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammation.
• Specific miRNAs are implicated in changes within the cartilaginous endplate, a hallmark of IDD.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs play a significant role in the molecular mechanisms driving intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
• Further research into miRNA functions is crucial for developing early diagnostic markers for IDD.
• Targeting miRNAs presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies to delay or reverse IDD.