The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a vital component of the spinal system, playing a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical integrity of the spine. As individuals age, the IVDs undergo degenerative changes due to various harmful stimuli, including mechanical stresses, chemical agents, and biological factors. These degenerative processes can lead to spinal pathologies such as disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar spondylolisthesis, which often manifest as low back pain, sciatica, or motor impairment. Recent studies have highlighted the complex pathological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in IVD degeneration, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these processes. Despite advances in identifying the cellular and molecular changes associated with IVD degeneration, significant gaps remain in our knowledge, particularly regarding the disc's intrinsic homeostatic mechanisms and their role in counteracting degeneration. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing effective prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for IVD-related disorders.
This research topic aims to investigate the regulation of intervertebral disc homeostasis under various harmful stimuli, focusing on the pathological and pathophysiological changes that occur during the aging process. The research will explore key molecular targets, critical metabolic products, and novel biomarkers associated with IVD degeneration. Additionally, the study will examine the intrinsic homeostatic regulatory mechanisms of the IVD, providing insights into potential therapeutic innovations, including biomaterials and physicochemical treatment modalities.
To gather further insights into the regulation of intervertebral disc homeostasis under harmful stimuli, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Exploration of pathological, pathophysiological, and cellular mechanisms or biomarkers during IVD degeneration or under different harmful stimuli.
- Identification of cellular receptors, key molecules, or mechanisms of nucleus pulposus cells in regulating IVD homeostasis.
- Innovation of biomarkers, prognostic predictive models, and quantitative analysis of pathological and pathobiological processes during IVD degeneration or under various harmful stimuli.
Keywords: Intervertebral disc, homeostasis, nucleus pulposus cell, harmful stimuli, Biomarker
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
