The use of stem cells in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract

The paper presents a review of current data on the use of stem cells in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Acute spinal pain is often a consequence of the pathology affecting the intervertebral disc. Many applied therapeutic techniques do not provide effective results as expected because most of them address symptoms, but do not treat the underlying disease. We have outlined current findings on the molecular mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration, analyzed international experimental studies demonstrating the feasibility of a stem cell therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration. The conducted studies reported on the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells or stem cells derived from adipose, synovium, and bone marrow tissue. The most pressing and undetermined issues that require further experimental and clinical studies are indicated and defined in the article.