Humanin reduces nucleus pulposus cells ferroptosis to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration: An in vitro and in vivo study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a prevalent etiology of low back pain in the global adult population, leading to considerable morbidity and healthcare costs. Existing therapeutic modalities for IDD remain constrained. Ferroptosis in the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells emerges as a pivotal contributor to IDD. Humanin (HN), a mitochondrial-secreted peptide, is intricately linked to age-related maladies and showcases antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Nonetheless, its precise involvement in IDD remains enigmatic.

Methods

The expression profile of HN in IDD was scrutinized utilizing human NP cell cultures and an IDD rat model (n = 5). The therapeutic efficacy of HN in rats was assessed via MRI and histological evaluation, alongside an

SUBMITTER: Zhu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11788685 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature