Biological treatment for intervertebral disc degeneration to preserve motion - reality or fantasy?

Abstract

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and its associated low back pain affects a large proportion of the worldwide population and is characterised by biochemical changes in the IVD, such as loss of proteoglycans and water, which leads to structural and functional changes of the IVD. The majority of conventional treatments for IVD degeneration aim to reduce the clinical symptoms associated with this condition, yet few commonly used treatments address the underlying biological causes of IVD degeneration. Recently, there has been an increase in the study of biological therapeutics to counter IVD degeneration. The rationale behind this is that by addressing the underlying biological causes of IVD degeneration, the structure, integrity and function of the degenerated IVD could improve. Several approaches including that of the application of growth factors, gene therapy and cellular therapy have been taken and we review here the latest updates in their potential as treatments for IVD degeneration. © TOUCH BRIEFINGS 2012.