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Revealing the Dynamic Association Between Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Markers and Intervertebral Disk Degeneration
Qiang Zhang1,2, Maoqiang Lin1,2, Shishun Yan1,2
1Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China.
Biomedicines
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers like LYVE-1 and PDPN dynamically increase with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) severity. This upregulation correlates significantly with IDD progression, suggesting a role in the disease process.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Orthopedics
- Cell biology
Background:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a significant cause of low back pain.
- The role of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers in IDD pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Understanding cellular changes during IDD is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze dynamic changes in LEC markers during IDD progression.
- To investigate the association between LEC marker expression and IDD severity.
- To explore the potential role of LECs in IDD pathology.
Main Methods:
- Human and mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) specimens were analyzed.
- Histopathological staining (H&E, Masson's Trichrome) and scoring were performed.
- Expression of LEC markers (LYVE-1, PDPN, PROX-1, VEGFR-3) and matrix markers (MMP-13, Col II) was quantified using RT-qPCR, IHC, and IF.
- Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- LEC markers (LYVE-1, PDPN, PROX-1, VEGFR-3) were significantly upregulated in human and mouse IDD tissues compared to controls.
- Mouse IDD models showed dynamic, time-dependent increases in LYVE-1, PDPN, PROX-1, and MMP-13, alongside decreased Col II expression.
- Expression levels of LYVE-1, PDPN, and PROX-1 positively correlated with histopathological scores of IDD.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic upregulation of LEC markers parallels the severity and progression of IDD over time.
- A significant positive correlation exists between LEC marker expression and IDD severity.
- These findings suggest that dynamic LEC marker upregulation may be implicated in the pathological progression of IDD.
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