Bleomycin induces fibrotic transformation of bone marrow stromal cells to treat height loss of intervertebral disc through the TGFβR1/Smad2/3 pathway

Abstract Background Lower back pain is often accredited to loss of intervertebral disc (IVD) height and compromised spine stability as a result degeneration (IVDD). We aim locally use bleomycin induce the fibrotic transformation bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) means reparative fibrosis slow down loss. Methods IVDs from patients were gathered for histological examination. The expression transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β) signaling pathway was determined by qPCR western blotting. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, annulus fibrosus (AF) rats’ (BMSC) cultured their responsiveness evaluated Cell Counting Kit-8, comet assay, transwell migration, wound healing assays. Rat IVDD models created puncture rescued injection, effectiveness images (X-ray MRI) atomic force microscope. Results Histological examination showed increased levels pro-fibrotic markers in tissues patients. AF BMSC induced adopt phenotype with Col1a1, Col3a1, FSP1. effect on BMSCs part due activation TGFβ-TGFβR1-SMAD2/3 pathway. Pharmacological inhibition or gene knock-down TGFβR1 could mitigate effects. Conclusion Locally, injection IVD rapid maintained its through