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Disc In Flames: Roles Of Tnf-Α And Il-1Β In Intervertebral Disc Degeneration., Z I Johnson, Z R Schoepflin, H Choi, I M Shapiro, M V Risbud

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

The intervertebral disc is an important mechanical structure that allows range of motion of the spinal column. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc--incited by aging, traumatic insult, genetic predisposition, or other factors--is often defined by functional and structural changes in the tissue, including excessive breakdown of the extracellular matrix, increased disc cell senescence and death, as well as compromised biomechanical function of the tissue. Intervertebral disc degeneration is strongly correlated with low back pain, which is a highly prevalent and costly condition, significantly contributing to loss in productivity and health care costs. Disc degeneration is a chronic, progressive condition, and current …