Fig. 3.

Therapeutic approaches for disc degeneration. Cells: Intervertebral disc (IVD) supplementation with reparative cells is essential due major role of cell loss in the degenerative changes. Prominently, Mesenchymal stem cells, stem cells and primary cells are considered as important source of regenerative approaches. Regulatory signals: The degenerative process can be stopped or slowed down by administering therapeutic molecules or proteins directly into the IVD and rebuilding its natural structure. Growth factors like, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) is widely used. The therapeutic approaches for regeneration of disc involve the gene transfer to localised cells inside the IVD. Biomaterials: It has been investigated to implant biomaterials to stimulate native disc cells, repair the degenerating disc structure, or even replace the complete disc. Hydrogels mimic the native extra cellular matrix and can be used as carriers for the delivery of drugs, proteins, and stem cells. Numerous natural and synthetic biomaterials have been thoroughly investigated for IVD regeneration. MSC, mesenchymal stem cell; HA, hyaluronic acid; PEG, polyethylene glycol.