Advances of cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration

Objective: To introduce the research of cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration.

Methods: The original articles in recent years about cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration were extensively reviewed, and retrospective and comprehensive analysis was performed.

Results: Transplantation of intervertebral disc-derived cells or BMSCs by pure cell transplantation or combined with collagen scaffold into intervertebral disc could express nucleus pulposus-like phenotype. All the cells transplanted into intervertebral disc could increase extracellular matrix synthesis and relieve or even inhibit further intervertebral disc degeneration.

Conclusions: Cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration may be a promising approach.