Quercetin nanoformulation-embedded hydrogel inhibits osteopontin mediated ferroptosis for intervertebral disc degeneration alleviation.

ABSTRACT: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in multiple events during the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Hence, the precision treatment targets associated with ROS should be further explored to promote developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, by analyzing specimens from patients and RNA sequencing of ROS-induced human primary nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), osteopontin (OPN) and ferroptosis were identified as critical molecular entities and cellular pathways implicated in ROS-mediated IDD. Subsequent animal models and cellular assays determined that ROS induced upregulation of OPN, which in turn triggered ferroptosis in NPCs and intervertebral discs, consequently leading to IDD. Building upon these findings, a comprehensive screening of molec

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12235785 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature