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Crosstalk between reactive oxygen species mediated programmed cell death of nucleus pulposus cells

Chaoqi Chen1, Xiaofei Wu1, Baoxin Shen1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, RuiKang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China.

Tissue & Cell
|July 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) mechanisms remain unclear. This review explores programmed cell death (PCD) pathways in IVDD, offering insights for novel therapeutic targets and improved clinical strategies for lower back pain.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a chronic inflammatory condition causing lower back pain.
  • The degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) is a key feature of IVDD.
  • Current treatments for IVDD have significant toxic side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of IVDD.
  • To identify novel therapeutic targets for IVDD.
  • To explore the role of programmed cell death (PCD) in IVDD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of programmed cell death (PCD) pathways.
  • Analysis of PCD's role in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate cells.
  • Summary of known and emerging PCD types, including apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, NETosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis.

Main Results:

  • Dysregulation of PCD is crucial in IVDD pathogenesis.
  • Various PCD pathways, both classical and novel, are implicated in IVDD.
  • Understanding these PCD mechanisms provides a foundation for developing new treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Programmed cell death (PCD) dysregulation is a critical factor in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).
  • Emerging PCD pathways like NETosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis warrant further investigation in IVDD.
  • This research provides a theoretical basis for developing targeted therapies to improve IVDD treatment.
Keywords:
Intervertebral disc degenerationNucleus pulposus cellsProgrammed cell death

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