Research Progress on the Role of Cartilage Endplate in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

作者：Ma Zhong, Xin Liu, Mingtao Zhang, Zuolong Wu, Xianxu Zhang, Shicheng Li, Jiangdong An, Zhiqiang Luo · 发表于：Cell Biochemistry and Function · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1002/cbf.4118 · 被引用次数：16 · 研究领域：Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology、Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation、Medical Imaging and Analysis

Low back pain significantly impacts individuals' quality of life, with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) being a primary contributor to this condition. Currently, IDD treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and does not achieve a definitive cure. The cartilage endplate (CEP), a crucial nutrient-supplying tissue of the intervertebral disc, plays a pivotal role in disc degeneration. This review examines the mechanisms underlying CEP degeneration, summarizing recent advancements in understanding the structure and function of CEP, the involvement of various signaling pathways, and the roles of cartilage endplate stem cells (CESCs) and exosomes (Exos) in this process. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference for future research on CEP. Despite progress in understanding the role of CEP in IDD, the mechanisms underlying CEP degeneration remain incompletely elucidated. Future research poses significant challenges, necessitating further investigations to elucidate the complexities of CEP.