Melatonin attenuates degenerative disc degression by downregulating DLX5 via the TGF/Smad2/3 pathway in nucleus pulposus cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of low back pain, and apoptosis plays a key role in its pathogenesis. Distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) has been reported to induce cell apoptosis. Melatonin, as a powerful antiapoptotic agent, has been widely reported.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the role of DLX5 in the pathogenesis of IVDD and the potential therapeutic role of melatonin in targeting DLX5 in IVDD.

Materials & methods

Western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, si-DLX5, Ex-DLX5, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence were used to examine the regulatory effect of DLX5 on apoptosis. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by the intraperitoneal injection of melatonin into IVDD mice.

Results

The expression level of DLX5 is

SUBMITTER: Zhang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11558270 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature