PPARγ-Axl axis ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration by activating PI3K/AKT-mediated autophagy to suppress ferroptosis.

ABSTRACT: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play a critical role in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), a major contributor to chronic low back pain (LBP). This condition is characterized by excessive nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) death, which contributes to degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism, has emerged as a key player in IVDD. However, the underlying mechanism and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to assess the function of PPARγ in IVDD and its modulation of ferroptosis in vivo using rat models of IVDD and in vitro using NPC cultures treated with oxidative stress-inducing agents, such as tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and interleukin (IL)-1β. NPC treatment wi

SUBMITTER: Sun G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12570552 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature