Kartogenin-loaded hydrogel promotes intervertebral disc repair via protecting MSCs against reactive oxygen species microenvironment by Nrf2/TXNIP/NLRP3 axis

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) and the consequent low back pain present a major medical challenge. Stem cell-based tissue engineering is promising for the treatment of IDD. However, stem cell-based treatment is severely impaired by the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in degenerative disc, which can lead to a high level of cell dysfunction and even death. In this study, a kartogenin (KGN)@PLGAGelMA/PRP composite hydrogel was designed and used as a carrier of ADSCs-based therapies in disc repair. Injectable composite hydrogel act as a carrier for controlled release of KGN and deliver ADSCs to the degenerative disc. The released KGN can stimulate the differentiation of ADSCs into a nucleus pulposus (NP) -like phenotype and boost antioxidant capacity of ADSCs via activating Nrf2/TXNIP/NLRP3 axis. Furthermore, the composite hydrogel combined with ADSCs attenuated the in vivo degeneration of rat IVDs, maintained IVD tissue integrity and accelerated the synthesis of NP-like extracellular matrix. Therefore, the KGN@PLGA-GelMA/PRP composite hydrogel is a promising strategy for stem cell-based therapies of IDD.

Automated summary

A kartogenin (KGN)@PLGAGelMA/PRP composite hydrogel was developed as a carrier for adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs)-based therapies in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The released KGN promoted the differentiation of ADSCs into a nucleus pulposus (NP)-like phenotype and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of ADSCs by activating the Nrf2/TXNIP/NLRP3 axis. Moreover, the hydrogel combined with ADSCs attenuated the degeneration of rat intervertebral discs and promoted the synthesis of NP-like extracellular matrix. The KGN@PLGA-GelMA/PRP composite hydrogel shows promise for stem cell-based therapies of IDD.