Fig. 5.

PLGA-ABT injected intradiscally inhibits IVDD and restores intervertebral disc structure. (A) SEM image of PLGA-ABT. Scale bars, 500 nm. (B) The diameter range of PLGA-ABT. (C) Biodegradation of PLGA-nanoparticles as evaluated by the molecular weight change of PLGA nanoparticles over the incubation time in buffer at 37 °C. (D) The cumulative release of ABT263 from PLGA-ABT in vitro. (E–F) Immunostaining for MMP13 in AF and NP tissues of normal IVD (Nor) and injured IVD lesions treated with either vehicle (Veh), PLGA-blank, or PLGA-ABT for six weeks. Scale bars, 500 μm. (G–H) Representative coronal (left) and axial (right) MRI, sagittal area, and T2 ROI. Reproduced with permission [112]. Copyright 2021, Wiley-VCH GmbH.