Journal of cellular and molecular medicine
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Recent studies have suggested that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an effective way to retard intervertebral disc degeneration, but the mechanism of action is unclear. Activated platelets release some growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which positively modulate the extracellular matrix of nucleus pulposus cells. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying the PRP-mediated inhibition of intervertebral disc degeneration. ⋯ These results demonstrated that a high TGF-β1 content in the platelets retarded disc degeneration in vitro and in vivo. Inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway could prevent this recovery by inactivating Smad2/3 and down-regulating the extracellular matrix. Therefore, the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway might play a critical role in the ability of PRP to retard intervertebral disc degeneration.