Therapeutic potential of growth differentiation factors in the treatment of degenerative disc diseases.

ABSTRACT: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributing factor to chronic low back pain and disability, leading to imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes, altered extracellular matrix composition, loss of tissue hydration, inflammation, and impaired mechanical functionality. Current treatments aim to manage symptoms rather than treat underlying pathology. Therefore, IVD degeneration is a target for regenerative medicine strategies. Research has focused on understanding the molecular process of degeneration and the identification of various factors that may have the ability to halt and even reverse the degenerative process. One such family of growth factors, the growth differentiation factor (GDF) family, have shown particular promise for disc regeneration in in vitro and

SUBMITTER: Hodgkinson T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6686806 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature