Objective: To summarize the research situation of stem cells transplantation for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.degeneration.
Methods: The original articles about stem cells transplantation for repair of IVD degeneration were extensively reviewed; the clinical applications, the mechanisms, and related factors to influence repair effect were analyzed; and obstaclesreviewed; the clinical applications, the mechanisms, and related factors to influence repair effect were analyzed; and obstacles
Results: Autogenic stem cells transplantation can repair IVD degeneration and effectively relieve the symptoms of low back and leg pain. Stem cells can differentiate into disc chondrocytes in the disc microenvironment, increase the production of various growth factors, and exert a trophic effect on disc cells. It is also evident that the transplanted stem cells can potentially protect disc cells from apoptosis and maintain an immune-privileged state in the IVD. Multiple factors such as tissue origin of stem cells, methods to pre-modulate the seeds, choice of injectable scaffolds, and even the severity of degeneration are closely related to the repair effects. To get a more efficient stem cell therapy, future researches are challenged to modulate the migration and distribution of stem cells in the IVD, avoid flow back, and better understand their ability to restore stemnness properties within the degenerative disc niche.
Conclusion: Stem cells transplantation is proven to be a promising biological approach for repair of IVD degeneration.