The protective effect and experimental research progress of pleotropic statins in intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the primary causes of low back pain, significantly affecting the quality of life in the elderly population and imposing a substantial economic burden. Currently, clinical treatments for IVDD mainly focus on symptom management, with no available therapies capable of reversing or curing the disease. In recent years, statins, a class of drugs traditionally used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, have been shown to exert beneficial effects on IVDD through multiple mechanisms. With the advancement of research into the pleiotropic effects of statins, an increasing body of evidence suggests their potential as effective therapeutic agents for IVDD. This review summarizes the pleiotropic effects of statins and explores their potential mechanisms and actions in IVDD, with particular emphasis on changes in the expression of relevant molecular markers. Furthermore, recent advancements in the application of statins for IVDD treatment are discussed, along with the potential of combining statins with other drugs as part of multi-target therapeutic strategies. This review aims to provide a scientific reference for further investigations into the use of statins in the treatment of IVDD.