Sex Hormones Attenuate Pro-Inflammatory Gene Expression in Nucleus Pulposus and Annulus Fibrosus Cells in a Cell-Type Specific Manner.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributor to back pain and disability. The cause of IVD degeneration is multifactorial, with no disease-modifying treatments. Sex steroids, primarily testosterone and its derivatives, are becoming increasingly common in the clinic for the treatment of low back pain and continue to be used as ergogenic aids in sport. While outcomes at the level of pain and athletic performance are promising, little research has investigated the effects of these hormones on the biology of the IVD and how sex hormones may directly influence joint health and homeostasis.

Methods

Primary bovine nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were isolated from 18-month-old female bovine caudal IVDs for primary cell culture. Thes

SUBMITTER: Hutchinson JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12786343 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature