2019 Volume 28 Issue 2 Pages 147-152
The development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is largely influenced by disorders in the nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and collagen loss. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of the overexpression of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B on the biological functions and chondrogenic gene expression in the NPCs. PDGF-B was overexpressed in primary cultured rat NPCs using lentivirus. The CCK8 method was used to assess in vitro cell viability that indicates the proliferation activity. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting were applied to observe the matrix synthesis and expression of the chondrogenic genes. Cell viability was significantly increased in the PDGF-B groups compared to the negative controls in a time- and dose-dependent manner. PDGF-B enhanced mRNA expression of collagen II and aggrecan, and suppressed that of collagen X. On day 7, the number of collagen II-positive cells significantly increased in the PDGF-B group. Taken together, PDGF-B overexpression could promote the proliferation of NPCs and enhance matrix synthesis in vitro. Thus, PDGF-B can be a promising target to prevent and reverse IDD.
