Research progress of hydrogel-based growth factors for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration_Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery

Authors：

HUO Xiangze ¹ ,  LI Zhonghai ^1,2

1. Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Liaoning, 116600, P. R. China;
2. Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian Liaoning, 116085, P. R. China;

Corresponding author：

LI Zhonghai, Email: Lizhonghaispine@126.com

Keywords：

Intervertebral disc degeneration; hydrogel; growth factors; repair; regeneration

DOI：

10.7507/1002-1892.202507006

Video：

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Abstract Full text Figures/Tables Video References Cited by

Objective To summarize recent research progress in hydrogel-based growth factors for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Methods The relevant literature on hydrogel-based growth factors for IDD treatment at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and their advantages and therapeutic effects in repairing IDD were analyzed and summarized. Results Hydrogels exhibit high hydration, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, enabling targeted delivery and sustained release of growth factors such as growth differentiation factors and transforming growth factors. This facilitates enhanced efficacy in promoting cell proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, and reducing inflammatory responses. Consequently, hydrogels demonstrate broad application prospects in the repair of IDD. Conclusion Research on hydrogel-based growth factors for treating IDD demonstrates advantages such as avoiding disc damage caused by repeated injections and controlling growth factor release concentrations. However, drawbacks include the limited variety of loaded growth factors and the need to verify the long-term stability and biocompatibility of hydrogels. Therefore, further research is required on aspects such as the types of loaded growth factors and the long-term stability and biocompatibility of hydrogels to establish an experimental foundation for their clinical application.

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2.	Zhang S, Hu B, Liu W, et al. The role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in intervertebral disc-related low back pain. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2021, 29(1): 17-27.
3.	Xin J, Wang Y, Zheng Z, et al. Treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Orthop Surg, 2022, 14(7): 1271-1280.
4.	Gu Z, He Y, Xiang H, et al. Self-healing injectable multifunctional hydrogels for intervertebral disc disease. Mater Today Bio, 2025, 32: 101655. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101655.
5.	Lillyman DJ, Reddick EC, Ney KE, et al. An extracellular matrix hydrogel restores disc volume and alleviates axial hypersensitivity in a rat model of disc-associated pain. JOR Spine, 2025, 8(2): e70073. doi: 10.1002/jsp2.70073.
6.	Cai W, Yang F, Yang C, et al. Multiscale mechanical-adapted hydrogels for the repair of intervertebral disc degeneration. Bioact Mater, 2025, 48: 336-52.
7.	Wang S, Zhai Y, Liu M, et al. A hydrogel-based drug delivery system reduces inflammation and oxidative stress to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration. Acta Biomater, 2025, 203: 229-244.
8.	Li J, Ren L, Wan L, et al. Quercetin nanoformulation-embedded hydrogel inhibits osteopontin mediated ferroptosis for intervertebral disc degeneration alleviation. J Nanobiotechnology, 2025, 23(1): 492. doi: 10.1186/s12951-025-03574-w.
9.	Wang J, Zhang Y, Huang Y, et al. Application trends and strategies of hydrogel delivery systems in intervertebral disc degeneration: A bibliometric review. Mater Today Bio, 2024, 28: 101251. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101251.
10.	Wu Y, Li F, Shu S, et al. Baicalin alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Exp Gerontol, 2025, 204: 112743. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2025.112743.
11.	Xu J, Shao T, Lou J, et al. Aging, cell senescence, the pathogenesis and targeted therapies of intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Pharmacol, 2023, 14: 1172920. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1172920.
12.	Tian X, Wen Y, Zhang Z, et al. Recent advances in smart hydrogels derived from polysaccharides and their applications for wound dressing and healing. Biomaterials, 2025, 318: 123134. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123134.
13.	Bashir S, Hina M, Iqbal J, et al. Fundamental concepts of hydrogels: Synthesis, properties, and their applications. Polymers (Basel), 2020, 12(11): 2702. doi: 10.3390/polym12112702.
14.	Lee JH, Kim HW. Emerging properties of hydrogels in tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng, 2018, 9: 2041731418768285. doi: 10.1177/2041731418768285.
15.	Gradinaru V, Treweek J, Overton K, et al. Hydrogel-tissue chemistry: Principles and applications. Annu Rev Biophys, 2018, 47: 355-376.
16.	Mehta P, Sharma M, Devi M. Hydrogels: An overview of its classifications, properties, and applications. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2023, 147: 106145. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106145.
17.	Chen G, Bian C, Cheng X, et al. Bio-engineered thermo-sensitive alginate/PNIA-g-CS co-polymeric injectable hydrogel laden with GDF-5 to stimulate nucleus pulposus for IVD regeneration. J Biol Eng, 2025, 19(1): 49. doi: 10.1186/s13036-025-00520-0.
18.	Choi MH, Blanco A, Stealey S, et al. Micro-clotting of platelet-rich plasma upon loading in hydrogel microspheres leads to prolonged protein release and slower microsphere degradation. Polymers (Basel), 2020, 12(8): 1712. doi: 10.3390/polym12081712.
19.	Ma T, Liu C, Zhao Q, et al. Decellularized nucleus pulposus matrix/chitosan hybrid hydrogel combined with nucleus pulposus stem cells and GDF5-loaded microspheres for intervertebral disc degeneration prevention. Mol Med, 2024, 30(1): 7. doi: 10.1186/s10020-024-00777-z.
20.	Han F, Tu Z, Zhu Z, et al. Targeting endogenous reactive oxygen species removal and regulating regenerative microenvironment at annulus fibrosus defects promote tissue repair. ACS Nano, 2023, 17(8): 7645-7661.
21.	Li M, Wu Y, Li H, et al. Nanofiber reinforced alginate hydrogel for leak-proof delivery and higher stress loading in nucleus pulposus. Carbohydr Polym, 2023, 299: 120193. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120193.
22.	Hu A, Xing R, Jiang L, et al. Thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with human-induced pluripotent stem cells overexpressing growth differentiation factor-5 ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in rats. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2020, 108(5): 2005-2016.
23.	Ligorio C, O'Brien M, Hodson NW, et al. TGF-β3-loaded graphene oxide-self-assembling peptide hybrid hydrogels as functional 3D scaffolds for the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus. Acta Biomater, 2021, 127: 116-130.
24.	Tian Z, Shen Z, Chen H, et al. Silk fibroin-collagen hydrogel loaded with IGF1-CESCs attenuates intervertebral disk degeneration by accelerating annulus fibrosus healing in rats. Front Pharmacol, 2025, 16: 1552174. doi. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1552174.
25.	Wei Z, Ye H, Li Y, et al. Mechanically tough, adhesive, self-healing hydrogel promotes annulus fibrosus repair via autologous cell recruitment and microenvironment regulation. Acta Biomater, 2024, 178: 50-67.
26.	Wang C, Li Z, Zhang K, et al. Self-assembling peptides with hBMP7 biological activity promote the differentiation of ADSCs into nucleus pulposus-like cells. J Orthop Surg Res, 2022, 17(1): 197. doi: 10.1186/s13018-022-03102-8.
27.	Zhu C, Zhou Q, Wang Z, et al. Growth differentiation factor 5 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-mediated pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells via RhoA signaling pathway. Mol Biol Rep, 2023, 50(8): 6337-6347.
28.	Tam V, Chopra N, Sima S, et al. Effects of GDF6 on active protein synthesis by cells of degenerated intervertebral disc. Eur Spine J, 2025, 34(6): 2066-2078.
29.	Chen S, Liu S, Ma K, et al. TGF-β signaling in intervertebral disc health and disease. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2019, 27(8): 1109-1117.
30.	Zheng D, Chen W, Chen T, et al. Hydrogen ion capturing hydrogel microspheres for reversing inflammaging. Adv Mater, 2024, 36(5): e2306105. doi: 10.1002/adma.202306105.
31.	Luo J, Darai A, Pongkulapa T, et al. Injectable bioorthogonal hydrogel (BIOGEL) accelerates tissue regeneration in degenerated intervertebral discs. Bioact Mater, 2022, 23: 551-562.
32.	Lodyga M, Hinz B. TGF-β1—A truly transforming growth factor in fibrosis and immunity. Semin Cell Dev Biol, 2020, 101: 123-139.
33.	Okoro PD, Frayssinet A, De Oliveira S, et al. Combining biomimetic collagen/hyaluronan hydrogels with discogenic growth factors promotes mesenchymal stroma cell differentiation into Nucleus Pulposus like cells. Biomater Sci, 2023, 11(24): 7768-7783.
34.	Zhou L, Cai F, Zhu H, et al. Immune-defensive microspheres promote regeneration of the nucleus pulposus by targeted entrapment of the inflammatory cascade during intervertebral disc degeneration. Bioact Mater, 2024, 37: 132-152.
35.	Frapin L, Clouet J, Chédeville C, et al. Controlled release of biological factors for endogenous progenitor cell migration and intervertebral disc extracellular matrix remodelling. Biomaterials, 2020, 253: 120107. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120107.
36.	Kuang W, Liu C, Xu H. The application of decellularized nucleus pulposus matrix/chitosan with transforming growth factor β3 for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering. Cytotechnology, 2021, 73(3): 447-456.
37.	Xie X, Peng Y, Liu G, et al. Application and mechanism of percutaneous puncture disc platelet-rich plasma injection for lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res, 2025, 20(1): 699. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06025-2.
38.	Lu L, Xiao K, He LR, et al. Comparison of full endoscopic lumbar discectomy combined with and without platelet-rich plasma injections for lumbar disc herniation: a meta-analysis. Asian Spine J, 2025. doi: 10.31616/asj.2024.0243.
39.	Wang X, Zhang Y. Therapeutic interventions of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injections for lumbar radicular pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res, 2025, 20(1): 306. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05725-z.
40.	Zhang L, Zhang C, Song D, et al. Combination of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and platelet-rich plasma hydrogel injection for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. J Orthop Surg Res, 2023, 18(1): 609. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-04093-w.
41.	Yahia S, Khalil IA, El-Sherbiny IM. Fortified gelatin-based hydrogel scaffold with simvastatin-mixed nanomicelles and platelet rich plasma as a promising bioimplant for tissue regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol, 2023, 225: 730-744.
42.	Chai Q, Zhang B, Da Y, et al. Enhancement and repair of degenerative intervertebral disc in rats using platelet-rich plasma/ferulic acid hydrogel. Cartilage, 2023, 14(4): 506-515.
43.	Growney EA, Linder HR, Garg K, et al. Bio-conjugation of platelet-rich plasma and alginate through carbodiimide chemistry for injectable hydrogel therapies. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2020, 108(5): 1972-1984.
44.	Lin H, Tian S, Peng Y, et al. IGF signaling in intervertebral disc health and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol, 2022, 9: 817099. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.817099.
45.	Yu L, Wu H, Zeng S, et al. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with collagen I gel as a regenerative therapeutic strategy for degenerated disc after discectomy in rats. Stem Cell Res Ther, 2024, 15(1): 75. doi: 10.1186/s13287-024-03680-w.
46.	Zhang W, Gong Y, Zheng X, et al. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration via suppressing pyroptosis and activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol, 2021, 12: 799130. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.799130.
47.	Zheng X, Qiu J, Ye J, et al. Macrophage-derived PDGF-BB modulates glycolytic enzymes expression and pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells via PDGFR-β/TXNIP pathway. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2024, 32(10): 1245-1260.
48.	Fukunaga T, Pearson JJ, Miller RC, et al. PDGF-releasing hydrogels for enhanced proliferation of human nucleus pulposus cells. J Biomed Mater Res A, 2025, 113(5): e37918. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37918.
49.	Chen Z, Lv Z, Zhuang Y, et al. Mechanical signal-tailored hydrogel microspheres recruit and train stem cells for precise differentiation. Adv Mater, 2023, 35(40): e2300180. doi: 10.1002/adma.202300180.
50.	Hingert D, Barreto Henriksson H, Baranto A, et al. BMP-3 promotes matrix production in co-cultured stem cells and disc cells from low back pain patients. Tissue Eng Part A, 2020, 26(1-2): 47-56.
51.	Gandhi SD, Maerz T, Mitchell S, et al. Intradiscal delivery of anabolic growth factors and a metalloproteinase inhibitor in a rabbit acute lumbar disc injury model. Int J Spine Surg, 2020, 14(4): 585-593.

1. Mohd Isa IL, Teoh SL, Mohd Nor NH, et al. Discogenic low back pain: Anatomy, pathophysiology and treatments of intervertebral disc degeneration. Int J Mol Sci, 2022, 24(1): 208. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010208.
2. Zhang S, Hu B, Liu W, et al. The role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in intervertebral disc-related low back pain. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2021, 29(1): 17-27.
3. Xin J, Wang Y, Zheng Z, et al. Treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Orthop Surg, 2022, 14(7): 1271-1280.
4. Gu Z, He Y, Xiang H, et al. Self-healing injectable multifunctional hydrogels for intervertebral disc disease. Mater Today Bio, 2025, 32: 101655. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101655.
5. Lillyman DJ, Reddick EC, Ney KE, et al. An extracellular matrix hydrogel restores disc volume and alleviates axial hypersensitivity in a rat model of disc-associated pain. JOR Spine, 2025, 8(2): e70073. doi: 10.1002/jsp2.70073.
6. Cai W, Yang F, Yang C, et al. Multiscale mechanical-adapted hydrogels for the repair of intervertebral disc degeneration. Bioact Mater, 2025, 48: 336-52.
7. Wang S, Zhai Y, Liu M, et al. A hydrogel-based drug delivery system reduces inflammation and oxidative stress to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration. Acta Biomater, 2025, 203: 229-244.
8. Li J, Ren L, Wan L, et al. Quercetin nanoformulation-embedded hydrogel inhibits osteopontin mediated ferroptosis for intervertebral disc degeneration alleviation. J Nanobiotechnology, 2025, 23(1): 492. doi: 10.1186/s12951-025-03574-w.
9. Wang J, Zhang Y, Huang Y, et al. Application trends and strategies of hydrogel delivery systems in intervertebral disc degeneration: A bibliometric review. Mater Today Bio, 2024, 28: 101251. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101251.
10. Wu Y, Li F, Shu S, et al. Baicalin alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Exp Gerontol, 2025, 204: 112743. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2025.112743.
11. Xu J, Shao T, Lou J, et al. Aging, cell senescence, the pathogenesis and targeted therapies of intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Pharmacol, 2023, 14: 1172920. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1172920.
12. Tian X, Wen Y, Zhang Z, et al. Recent advances in smart hydrogels derived from polysaccharides and their applications for wound dressing and healing. Biomaterials, 2025, 318: 123134. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123134.
13. Bashir S, Hina M, Iqbal J, et al. Fundamental concepts of hydrogels: Synthesis, properties, and their applications. Polymers (Basel), 2020, 12(11): 2702. doi: 10.3390/polym12112702.
14. Lee JH, Kim HW. Emerging properties of hydrogels in tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng, 2018, 9: 2041731418768285. doi: 10.1177/2041731418768285.
15. Gradinaru V, Treweek J, Overton K, et al. Hydrogel-tissue chemistry: Principles and applications. Annu Rev Biophys, 2018, 47: 355-376.
16. Mehta P, Sharma M, Devi M. Hydrogels: An overview of its classifications, properties, and applications. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2023, 147: 106145. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106145.
17. Chen G, Bian C, Cheng X, et al. Bio-engineered thermo-sensitive alginate/PNIA-g-CS co-polymeric injectable hydrogel laden with GDF-5 to stimulate nucleus pulposus for IVD regeneration. J Biol Eng, 2025, 19(1): 49. doi: 10.1186/s13036-025-00520-0.
18. Choi MH, Blanco A, Stealey S, et al. Micro-clotting of platelet-rich plasma upon loading in hydrogel microspheres leads to prolonged protein release and slower microsphere degradation. Polymers (Basel), 2020, 12(8): 1712. doi: 10.3390/polym12081712.
19. Ma T, Liu C, Zhao Q, et al. Decellularized nucleus pulposus matrix/chitosan hybrid hydrogel combined with nucleus pulposus stem cells and GDF5-loaded microspheres for intervertebral disc degeneration prevention. Mol Med, 2024, 30(1): 7. doi: 10.1186/s10020-024-00777-z.
20. Han F, Tu Z, Zhu Z, et al. Targeting endogenous reactive oxygen species removal and regulating regenerative microenvironment at annulus fibrosus defects promote tissue repair. ACS Nano, 2023, 17(8): 7645-7661.
21. Li M, Wu Y, Li H, et al. Nanofiber reinforced alginate hydrogel for leak-proof delivery and higher stress loading in nucleus pulposus. Carbohydr Polym, 2023, 299: 120193. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120193.
22. Hu A, Xing R, Jiang L, et al. Thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with human-induced pluripotent stem cells overexpressing growth differentiation factor-5 ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in rats. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2020, 108(5): 2005-2016.
23. Ligorio C, O'Brien M, Hodson NW, et al. TGF-β3-loaded graphene oxide-self-assembling peptide hybrid hydrogels as functional 3D scaffolds for the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus. Acta Biomater, 2021, 127: 116-130.
24. Tian Z, Shen Z, Chen H, et al. Silk fibroin-collagen hydrogel loaded with IGF1-CESCs attenuates intervertebral disk degeneration by accelerating annulus fibrosus healing in rats. Front Pharmacol, 2025, 16: 1552174. doi. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1552174.
25. Wei Z, Ye H, Li Y, et al. Mechanically tough, adhesive, self-healing hydrogel promotes annulus fibrosus repair via autologous cell recruitment and microenvironment regulation. Acta Biomater, 2024, 178: 50-67.
26. Wang C, Li Z, Zhang K, et al. Self-assembling peptides with hBMP7 biological activity promote the differentiation of ADSCs into nucleus pulposus-like cells. J Orthop Surg Res, 2022, 17(1): 197. doi: 10.1186/s13018-022-03102-8.
27. Zhu C, Zhou Q, Wang Z, et al. Growth differentiation factor 5 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-mediated pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells via RhoA signaling pathway. Mol Biol Rep, 2023, 50(8): 6337-6347.
28. Tam V, Chopra N, Sima S, et al. Effects of GDF6 on active protein synthesis by cells of degenerated intervertebral disc. Eur Spine J, 2025, 34(6): 2066-2078.
29. Chen S, Liu S, Ma K, et al. TGF-β signaling in intervertebral disc health and disease. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2019, 27(8): 1109-1117.
30. Zheng D, Chen W, Chen T, et al. Hydrogen ion capturing hydrogel microspheres for reversing inflammaging. Adv Mater, 2024, 36(5): e2306105. doi: 10.1002/adma.202306105.
31. Luo J, Darai A, Pongkulapa T, et al. Injectable bioorthogonal hydrogel (BIOGEL) accelerates tissue regeneration in degenerated intervertebral discs. Bioact Mater, 2022, 23: 551-562.
32. Lodyga M, Hinz B. TGF-β1—A truly transforming growth factor in fibrosis and immunity. Semin Cell Dev Biol, 2020, 101: 123-139.
33. Okoro PD, Frayssinet A, De Oliveira S, et al. Combining biomimetic collagen/hyaluronan hydrogels with discogenic growth factors promotes mesenchymal stroma cell differentiation into Nucleus Pulposus like cells. Biomater Sci, 2023, 11(24): 7768-7783.
34. Zhou L, Cai F, Zhu H, et al. Immune-defensive microspheres promote regeneration of the nucleus pulposus by targeted entrapment of the inflammatory cascade during intervertebral disc degeneration. Bioact Mater, 2024, 37: 132-152.
35. Frapin L, Clouet J, Chédeville C, et al. Controlled release of biological factors for endogenous progenitor cell migration and intervertebral disc extracellular matrix remodelling. Biomaterials, 2020, 253: 120107. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120107.
36. Kuang W, Liu C, Xu H. The application of decellularized nucleus pulposus matrix/chitosan with transforming growth factor β3 for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering. Cytotechnology, 2021, 73(3): 447-456.
37. Xie X, Peng Y, Liu G, et al. Application and mechanism of percutaneous puncture disc platelet-rich plasma injection for lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res, 2025, 20(1): 699. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06025-2.
38. Lu L, Xiao K, He LR, et al. Comparison of full endoscopic lumbar discectomy combined with and without platelet-rich plasma injections for lumbar disc herniation: a meta-analysis. Asian Spine J, 2025. doi: 10.31616/asj.2024.0243.
39. Wang X, Zhang Y. Therapeutic interventions of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injections for lumbar radicular pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res, 2025, 20(1): 306. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05725-z.
40. Zhang L, Zhang C, Song D, et al. Combination of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and platelet-rich plasma hydrogel injection for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. J Orthop Surg Res, 2023, 18(1): 609. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-04093-w.
41. Yahia S, Khalil IA, El-Sherbiny IM. Fortified gelatin-based hydrogel scaffold with simvastatin-mixed nanomicelles and platelet rich plasma as a promising bioimplant for tissue regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol, 2023, 225: 730-744.
42. Chai Q, Zhang B, Da Y, et al. Enhancement and repair of degenerative intervertebral disc in rats using platelet-rich plasma/ferulic acid hydrogel. Cartilage, 2023, 14(4): 506-515.
43. Growney EA, Linder HR, Garg K, et al. Bio-conjugation of platelet-rich plasma and alginate through carbodiimide chemistry for injectable hydrogel therapies. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2020, 108(5): 1972-1984.
44. Lin H, Tian S, Peng Y, et al. IGF signaling in intervertebral disc health and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol, 2022, 9: 817099. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.817099.
45. Yu L, Wu H, Zeng S, et al. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with collagen I gel as a regenerative therapeutic strategy for degenerated disc after discectomy in rats. Stem Cell Res Ther, 2024, 15(1): 75. doi: 10.1186/s13287-024-03680-w.
46. Zhang W, Gong Y, Zheng X, et al. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration via suppressing pyroptosis and activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol, 2021, 12: 799130. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.799130.
47. Zheng X, Qiu J, Ye J, et al. Macrophage-derived PDGF-BB modulates glycolytic enzymes expression and pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells via PDGFR-β/TXNIP pathway. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2024, 32(10): 1245-1260.
48. Fukunaga T, Pearson JJ, Miller RC, et al. PDGF-releasing hydrogels for enhanced proliferation of human nucleus pulposus cells. J Biomed Mater Res A, 2025, 113(5): e37918. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37918.
49. Chen Z, Lv Z, Zhuang Y, et al. Mechanical signal-tailored hydrogel microspheres recruit and train stem cells for precise differentiation. Adv Mater, 2023, 35(40): e2300180. doi: 10.1002/adma.202300180.
50. Hingert D, Barreto Henriksson H, Baranto A, et al. BMP-3 promotes matrix production in co-cultured stem cells and disc cells from low back pain patients. Tissue Eng Part A, 2020, 26(1-2): 47-56.
51. Gandhi SD, Maerz T, Mitchell S, et al. Intradiscal delivery of anabolic growth factors and a metalloproteinase inhibitor in a rabbit acute lumbar disc injury model. Int J Spine Surg, 2020, 14(4): 585-593.

Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery

Latest ArticlesResearch progress of hydrogel-based growth factors for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration

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