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Review
. 2018 Jun;33(6):543-554.
doi: 10.14670/HH-11-910. Epub 2017 Jun 5.

Animal models for disc degeneration-an update

Li Jin  1 , Gary Balian  1 , Xudong Joshua Li  2
Affiliations
Review

Animal models for disc degeneration-an update

Li Jin et al. Histol Histopathol. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degeneration is considered a major cause of back pain that places a heavy burden on society, both because of its effect on the physiology of individuals and its consequences on the world economy. During the past few decades, research findings in the pre-clinical setting have led to a significant increase in the understanding of intervertebral disc degeneration, although many aspects of the disease remain unclear. The goal of this review is to summarize existing animal models for disc degeneration studies and the difficulties that are associated with the use of such models. A firm understanding of the cellular and molecular events that ensue as a result of injuries, as well as environmental factors, could be instrumental in the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests: we have no conflict of interests.

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