Growth factors and the intervertebral disc

Abstract

Background context The concept of biologically regenerating the intervertebral disc (IVD) using growth factor injection was first proposed in early 1990. Since that time, the technology to produce recombinant proteins, including growth factors, on an industrial scale has been developed. Currently, the effects of recombinant growth factors on IVD cells are less well known than those on articular cartilage chondrocytes. Study design Literature review. Purpose The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent findings of the effects of growth factors on the IVD and, further, to discuss trends in the biological repair of the degenerated intervertebral disc. Methods A literature search was conducted using available databases, such as the National Library of Medicine, as well as data presented at scientific conferences held in the past 2 years, primarily in the United States. Results Herein, we report increasing evidence for the biological regeneration of the IVD. The effect of growth factors on the metabolism of IVD cells or tissues was studied using in vitro and in vivo approaches. In addition to using recombinant growth factor proteins, the gene transfer technique was also applied to study the effect of growth factors on the IVD. For in vivo studies, the availability of recombinant proteins and the use of gene transfer techniques accelerated progress in this field of research. Conclusions The results from these in vitro and in vivo studies clearly suggest the potential usefulness of recombinant growth factors as therapeutic drugs or as medical devices.