Aim
Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is known to be closely involved in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Berberine, a small molecule derived from Rhizoma coptidis, has been found to exert antioxidative activity and preserve cell viability. The present study aims to investigate whether berberine can prevent NP cell apoptosis under oxidative damage and the potential underlying mechanisms.
Significance
Our results indicate that berberine could prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by modulating ER stress and autophagy, thus offering a novel potential pharmacological treatment strategy for IVD degeneration.