Therapeutic Effects of Baicalin on Degeneration of Intervertebral Disk Cartilage Endplate Cells by Inhibiting IL-113 Activation via the NF-KB Pathway

We aimed at the assessment of efficacy of baicalin (BAI) on the degeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) cartilage endplate-derived stem cells (CESCs). CESCs fell into control, IL-113 and BAI groups. MTT assay and EdU staining were employed for proliferation examination, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining for apoptosis monitoring. The mRNA expressions of IL-6, aggrecan (Acan) and type II and X collagens were measured using RT-qPCR, and the protein expressions of type II collagen, Acan and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 were measured using immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Compared with IL-113 group, 12.5, 25 and 50 mu g center dot mL-1 BAI groups had weakened apoptosis ability, decreased mRNA levels of IL-6 and type X collagen, reduced protein levels of NF -KB p65, MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13, and increased mRNA levels of type II collagen and Acan in dose-dependent manners (P<0.05). Through regulating the NF -KB pathway, BAI inhibits the apoptosis of CESCs and the degradation of extracellular matrix induced by IL-113, and reduces the cellular inflammatory level, thereby alleviating degradation.