| Title: | Degenerative disease of intervertebral disc : a narrative review of pathogenesis, clinical implications and therapies |
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| Authors: | ID Gradišnik, Lidija (Author)
ID Kočivnik, Nina (Author)
ID Maver, Uroš (Author)
ID Velnar, Tomaž (Author) |
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| Files: |  PDF - Presentation file, download (1,96 MB)
MD5: 1F2772B317698D6511FE9A423A5C4E04
 URL - Source URL, visit https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/13/1/40
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| Language: | English |
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| Typology: | 1.02 - Review Article |
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| Organization: |  UKC LJ - Ljubljana University Medical Centre
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| Abstract: | This narrative review examines degenerative disc disease (DDD), a major cause of chronic back pain and disability worldwide. It is a multifactorial condition resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, mechanical, metabolic, and environmental factors that progressively impair disc structure and function. The pathophysiology of DDD involves disruption of extracellular matrix homeostasis, cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation mediated by cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. These processes are further modulated by signalling pathways including NF-κB, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, leading to matrix degradation, dehydration, and loss of disc height. Epidemiological studies highlight the contribution of lifestyle and metabolic disorders, such as obesity, smoking, and diabetes, to disease progression. Traditional conservative and surgical treatments primarily alleviate symptoms but do not halt or reverse degeneration. In contrast, recent advances in molecular biology and regenerative medicine have opened new therapeutic avenues. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, biomaterial scaffolds, and gene-based interventions aim to restore disc homeostasis by promoting matrix synthesis and suppressing catabolic activity. Despite promising experimental results, clinical translation remains limited by challenges in cell viability, delivery methods, and long-term efficacy. Future research integrating molecular, biomechanical, and regenerative strategies offers the potential for true biological repair and disc regeneration. |
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| Keywords: | intervertebral disc, degenerative disc disease, oxidative stress, cytokines, cellular senescence |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 1-39 |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 13, iss. 1 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DiRROS-28825  |
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| UDC: | 616.7 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2306-5354 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/bioengineering13010040 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 266556675 |
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| Note: | Nasl. z nasl. zaslona;
Opis vira z dne 29. 1. 2026;
Št. članka: 40;
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| Publication date in DiRROS: | 08.04.2026 |
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| Views: | 47 |
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| Downloads: | 18 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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