Fig. 3. The link between autophagy and the circadian rhythm in the regulation of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Nutrient status, redox status, sleep rhythms, inflammation, and the osmotic environment are common factors affecting IVDs that show circadian rhythms in normal conditions and present close connections with autophagy. The intensity and duration of these stimuli determine the consequences of autophagy, affecting IDD. Clock-related components have recently been found to play protective roles in IVDs have been shown to affect autophagy in other organs.