Osteogenic protein-1 attenuates apoptosis and enhances matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells under high magnitude compression though inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway

Abstract

OP-1 can attenuate high magnitude compression-induced NP cell apoptosis and promoted NP matrix biosynthesis, and inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway may participate in this regulatory process. This study provides that OP-1 may be efficacy in retarding mechanical overloading-exacerbated disc degeneration.