Expression of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein in human intervertebral discs and its effect on matrix synthesis in degenerate human nucleus pulposus cells.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Loss of intervertebral disc (IVD) matrix and ultimately disc height as a result of 'degeneration' has been implicated as a major cause of low back pain (LBP). The use of anabolic growth factors as therapies to regenerate IVD matrix, hence restoring disc height and thus reversing degenerative disc disease, has been suggested. Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein (CDMP) is a growth factor which stimulates proteoglycan production in chondrocyte-like cells and thus could be a useful growth factor for LBP therapies. However, little is known about the expression of CDMP or its receptor in human IVD, nor its effects on human disc cells.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry we investigated the localisation of CDMP in non-degenerate and degenerate human IVDs. Additional

SUBMITTER: Le Maitre CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2787300 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature