Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Operational and Intervention Effects of Targeted Tuina in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rabbits
06:05

Operational and Intervention Effects of Targeted Tuina in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rabbits

Published on: July 21, 2023

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Roles of p38 MAPK signalling in intervertebral disc degeneration

Zheng-Wei Shi1, Lei Zhu1, Zong-Rang Song1

  • 1Department of Spine Surgery, Hong-Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, China.

Cell Proliferation
|March 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) involves complex mechanisms. Targeting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling shows promise for treating this common condition.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent degenerative condition with complex causes and pathology.
  • Current treatments for IVDD are limited due to a lack of understanding of specific molecular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling.
  • To highlight the role of p38 MAPK signaling in the pathological processes of IVDD.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting p38 MAPK for IVDD treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of studies investigating p38 MAPK expression in IVDD.
  • Synthesis of current research on p38 MAPK as a therapeutic target.

Main Results:

  • p38 MAPK signaling is implicated in IVDD progression through inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, apoptosis, senescence, and suppressed proliferation/autophagy.
  • Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect on IVDD.

Conclusions:

  • p38 MAPK signaling is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of IVDD.
  • Targeting p38 MAPK presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing intervertebral disc degeneration.

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