Cell-Free Fat Extract for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Degeneration: A Novel Approach Using Adipose-Derived Biologic
<b>Background</b>: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of chronic back pain. Recent studies suggest that ferroptosis, a form of cell death, contributes to the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). This study explores a novel therapeutic strategy using cell-f...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Biomedicines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/6/1344 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of chronic back pain. Recent studies suggest that ferroptosis, a form of cell death, contributes to the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). This study explores a novel therapeutic strategy using cell-free fat extract (CEFFE), rich in cytokines, to mitigate IVDD by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis. <b>Methods</b>: In vitro, NPC degeneration was induced by TNF-α/TBHP. The effects of CEFFE on matrix metabolism were evaluated using Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and high-density culture, with regenerative effects measured via CCK-8 assays. Ferroptosis was assessed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. In vivo, rats with caudal IVDD were treated with CEFFE for 4 weeks, and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated through imaging and histological analysis. <b>Results</b>: In vitro, CEFFE reduced TNF-α-induced inflammation and promoted matrix synthesis by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB pathways. It also activated NRF2 to prevent TBHP-induced ferroptosis. In rats, CEFFE facilitated nucleus pulposus repair and significantly slowed disc degeneration. <b>Conclusions</b>: CEFFE is a promising strategy to delay IVDD progression by inhibiting ferroptosis, offering potential therapeutic benefits for disc degeneration. |
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| ISSN: | 2227-9059 |