The intervertebral disc contains intrinsic circadian clocks that are regulated by age and cytokines and linked to degeneration

摘要

Objectives The circadian clocks are internal timing mechanisms that drive similar to 24-hour rhythms in a tissue-specific manner. Many aspects of the physiology of the intervertebral disc (IVD) show clear diurnal rhythms. However, it is unknown whether IVD tissue contains functional circadian clocks and if so, how their dysregulation is implicated in IVD degeneration.