The low proliferative viability of human nucleus pulposus(NP) cells is considered as a cause of intervertebral discs degeneration. Growth factors, such as TGF-B1 and IGF-1, have been implicated in cell proliferation and matrix synthesis. The objective of this syudy was to investigate the dose-response and time-course effect of transforming growth factor B1(TGF-B1) and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) on proliferation of NP cells . The authors conclude that TGF-B1 and IGF-1 were efficient to stimulate cell proliferation of human NP cells in vitro with a dose- and time-dependent manner. These results support the therapeutic potentials of the two growth factors in the treatment of disc degeneration.
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2006, 1:9