Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis contributed to disc degeneration. Baicalein, a natural steroid saponin, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidative effects in various diseases. However, little is known about the roles of baicalein in intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods
To evaluate the roles of baicalein in disc degeneration and its specific mechanism, human NP cells were incubated with TNF-α and various concentrations of baicalein. Cell viability, extracellular matrix protein expression, catabolic factors, degree of apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and related signaling pathways were evaluated by western blotting, fluorescence immunostaining, TUNEL staining, and reverse transcription PCR.Results
Baicalein inhibited TNF-α-activated apoptotic signaling and catabolic activity in NP cells. Baicalein promoted PI3K/Akt signaling and attenuated the level of apoptosis-related markers in TNF-α-stimulated human NP cells.Conclusion
Our work provides that baicalein attenuates TNF-α-activated apoptosis in human NP cells through promoting the PI3K/Akt pathway, indicating that baicalein is a new potential candidate for clinical therapy to attenuate disc degeneration.
SUBMITTER: Liu Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10088118 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Liu Yang Y Liu Dao-Kuo DK Wang Zhi-Wei ZW Zhao Chong C Miao Jun J
Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research 20230411 1
<h4>Background</h4>Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis contributed to disc degeneration. Baicalein, a natural steroid saponin, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidative effects in various diseases. However, little is known about the roles of baicalein in intervertebral disc degeneration.<h4>Methods</h4>To evaluate the roles of baicalein in disc degeneration and its specific mechanism, human NP cells were incubated with TNF-α and various concentrations of ...[more]