Bone mesenchymal stem cells based on matric hydrogels attenuate intervertebral disc degeneration by suppressing oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and its attendant lower back pain are a major medical challenge. Ferroptosis has become a new target for the treatment of IVDD. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising regenerative therapy for IVDD. Hydrogel is usually used as a delivery carrier for MSCs. This study investigated the effect of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in IVDD by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining analysis using a rat-punctured IVDD model. A vitro model of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative stress injury in annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) was used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay. Ferroptosis was assessed by measuring the levels of LDH, Fe 2+ , glutathione, lipid reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde. The underlying mechanism was investigated by western blot and phosphor-kinase array. Results suggested that BMSCs inhibited TBHP-induced ferroptosis and the phosphorylated levels of STAT3 in AFCs. The activation of STAT3 (colivelin, a specific agonist for STAT3) reversed the effects on the ferroptosis of BMSCs. Additionally, BMSCs alleviated IVDD progression based on matrix hydrogels, while colivelin abolished the protective effects of BMSCs-encapsulated hydrogels on IVDD. In short, BMSCs inhibited oxidative stress-induced AFCs ferr

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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