• 1Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P.R.China;;
  • 2Institute of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University. Corresponding author: WU Xiaotao, E-mail: wuxiaotao@medmail.com.cn;
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Objective To summarize the role of cellular senescence and senescent secretary phenotype in the intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Methods Relevant articles that discussed the roles of cellular senescence in the IVD degeneration were extensively reviewed, and retrospective and comprehensive analysis was performed. The senescent phenomenon during IVD degeneration, senescent secretary phenotype of the disc cells, senescent pathways within the IVD microenvironment, as well as the anti-senescent approaches for IVD regeneration were systematically reviewed. Results During aging and degeneration, IVD cells gradually and/or prematurely undergo senescence by activating p53-p21-retinoblastoma (RB) or p16INK4A-RB senescent pathways. The accumulation of senescent cells not only decreases the self-renewal ability of IVD, but also deteriorates the disc microenvironment by producing more inflammatory cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes. More specific senescent biomarkers are required to fully understand the phenotype change of senescent disc cells during IVD degeneration. Molecular analysis of the senescent disc cells and their intracellular signaling pathways are needed to get a safer and more efficient anti-senescence strategy for IVD regeneration. Conclusion Cellular senescence is an important mechanism by which IVD cells decrease viability and degenerate biological behaviors, which provide a new thinking to understand the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.

Citation: WANG Feng,ZHENG Chenjingmei,WU Xiaotao. RESEARCH PROGRESS OF CELLULAR SENESCENCE AND SENESCENT SECRETARY PHENOTYPE IN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, 2012, 26(12): 1448-1452. doi: Copy