Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology
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Cell. Physiol. Biochem. · Jan 2015
ReviewGrowth and differentiation factor-5 contributes to the structural and functional maintenance of the intervertebral disc.
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a widely recognized contributor to low back pain (LBP). The Prevention or reversal of IDD is a potential treatment for LBP. Unfortunately, current treatments for IDD are aimed at relieving symptoms rather than regenerating disc structure or function. ⋯ The effects of GDF-5 on IVD regeneration and on MSC differentiation are also discussed. GDF-5 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IDD and is a promising therapeutic agent for IDD. Additionally, stem cell transplantation has been shown to be a promising biological therapy for IDD.