Collagen metabolism imbalance in intervertebral disc degeneration

Dong Yizhi; Song Xinyue; Yao Mingyu; Zhu He; Wu Ruixia; Du Yaxin; Zhu Yong

doi:10.12307/2025.621

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Lumbar disc degeneration is a common disease that causes lower back pain and lower limb neurological symptoms.The balance of collagen metabolism plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the intervertebral discs. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress in the imbalance of collagen metabolism in intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:The first author searched for relevant literature published before May 2024 in CNKI,PubMed and Web of Science databases.Search terms were"degenerative disc disease,""collagen metabolism,""collagenase family,""collagen synthesis related factors,"and"collagen breakdown related factors"in Chinese and English.Seventy-six articles were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the process of intervertebral disc degeneration,the balance of collagen metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the normal intervertebral disc.When intervertebral disc degeneration occurs,a large amount of pro-inflammatory factors,collagenase,and oxidative stress reactions occur in the intervertebral disc,which increases the breakdown of collagen in the intervertebral disc.At the same time,it inhibits the generation of growth factors,collagen synthase,and collagen synthesis-related factors,resulting in a decrease in collagen synthesis in the intervertebral disc.The combined effect of the above two conditions disrupts the balance of collagen metabolism in the intervertebral disc,further exacerbating the process of intervertebral disc degeneration.