A Computational Model for Investigating the Effects of Changes in Bioavailability of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 on the Homeostasis of the Intervertebral Disc

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is well-known for upregulating cell proliferation and biosynthesis of the extracellular matrix in the intervertebral disc (IVD). Pathological conditions, such as obesity or chronic kidney disease cause IGF-1 deficiency in plasma. How this deficiency impacts disc homeostasis remains unknown. Pro-anabolic approaches for the treatment of disc degeneration based on enhancing IGF-1 bioavailability to tissue-cells are considered, but knowledge of their effectiveness in enhancing cellular anabolism of a degenerated disc is limited.
Source: Computers in Biology and Medicine - Category: Bioinformatics Authors: Source Type: research