Modulating Macrophage-Nucleus Pulposus Cell Crosstalk via Sequential Drug Delivery Attenuates Disc Degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by an inflammatory environment and dysregulation of the extracellular matrix metabolism (ECM). Improving nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) condition first requires a supportive surrounding environment. However, how to provide an excellent microenvironment before regulating the function of the NPCs is not yet a complete strategy. In this study, a sequential drug delivery system is comprised of chitosan hydrogel (G-CS) loaded with Angiotensin (1-7) and mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSN) coating with α-mangostin to achieve synergistic effects of anti-inflammatory and regulation of metabolic disorders of the ECM in NPCs. The system first explosively releases outer G-CSloaded Angiotensin (1-7) by exploiting the different solubility characteri

SUBMITTER: Kong X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12463071 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature