Small-molecule suppressors of proteoglycan catabolism in degenerative disc cells

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Proteoglycans (PGs) occupy the predominant extracellular matrix (ECM) components in cartilages and intervertebral discs (IVDs). Large numbers of compositional glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) render PG highly hydrophilic for providing water retention capacity and swelling pressure to the connective tissues to neutralize the axial mechanical loads [1]. Its loss of content is tightly associated with the tissue degeneration. In the intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), a reduction of PGs in central gelatinous nucleus pulposus (NP) was characterized as the first event, which consequently leads to a replacement of fibrocartilaginous ...