TNF-α-stimulated nucleus pulposus cells induce cell apoptosis through the release of exosomal miR-16 targeting IGF-1 and IGF-1R in rats

Abstract

The inflammatory factor TNF-α stimulated exosome release from NPCs, which induced the apoptosis of normal NPCs through the actions of exosomal miR-16. Exosomal miR-16 directly repressed the anti-apoptotic IGF-1/IGF-1R pathway, increasing the apoptosis of NPCs.