[Molecular mechanism of intervertebral disc cell senescence: telomeres, mitochondria, and cellular metabolic...

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), as a common spinal disorder, is closely associated with intervertebral disc cell senescence in its pathogenesis. Cellular senescence leads to alterations in the biomechanical properties of intervertebral discs and causes clinical symptoms including chronic pain and functional impairment. Current research demonstrates that telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular metabolic reprogramming constitute the core molecular mechanisms underlying intervertebral disc cell senescence. This review systematically examines the molecular mechanisms of intervertebral disc cell senescence, analyzes the roles of telomere dynamics, mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance, and metabolic reprogramming in this process, and summarizes corresponding potential therapeutic strategies. By elucidating these molecular mechanisms, this work provides a theoretical foundation for developing therapeutic targets to delay IVDD.