Antioxidative behavior of a2-macroglobulin in intervertebral disc degeneration

Background: To clarify if a2-macroglobulin (a2M) has an antioxidative effect during the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Methods: The content a2M and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured to compare mildly severely degenerated human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue by immunohistochemistry, mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, exogenic was used culture NP in vitro. effects on hypochlorite (HOCl)-treated cells evaluated, containing enzymes, ROS level, collagen II, aggrecan expression, MMP3/13, ADAMTS4/5. Results: level increased NP, accompanying with a decreased content. Supplement could decrease cultured vitro, meanwhile, MMP13 ADAMTS4 expression also reduced. It found that treatment HOCl resulted oxidative damage dose time-dependent manner. Furthermore, stimulation reversed HOCl-triggered accumulation. promotion SOD1/2, CAT, GPX1, aggrecan, suppression ADAMTS4/5 caused observed. Conclusions: Our study indicates ability promoting enzyme production.