RESEARCH PROGRESS OF REGULATION EFFECT OF HYPOXIA INDUCIBLE FACTOR ON INTERVERTEBRAL DISC

Abstract

To summarize the research progress of the regulation effect of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) on intervertebral disc. The domestic and foreign related literature about the regulation effect of HIF on intervertebral disc was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. HIF is a key transcription factor that is in response to hypoxia by cells, which is widely distributed in tissues and organs, including intervertebral disc. Hypoxia inducible factor is expressed highest in the nucleus pulposus which has the lowest oxygen concentration in the intervertebral disc. The effects of HIF include the regulation of nucleus pulposus differentiation and development, maintenance of the survival, energy metabolism, and anabolism of nucleus pulposus cells, and maintenance of the stability of extracellular matrix. HIF plays a vital role in the development and differentiation of intervertebral disc and maintenance of physiological function, which may become a target for the research of the mechanism and the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.