The Natural Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate Protects Intervertebral Disc Cells from Oxidative Stress

Figure 3

EGCG did not influence reactive oxygen species-induced loss of proliferative capacity. Senescence of IVD cells was induced with 50 μM H₂O₂ for 2 hours and proliferative capacity was evaluated on day 10 after stress. ((a)–(c)) Over a period of 10 days, the H₂O₂-treated cells proliferated significantly less than the cells in control groups. The number of cells in the H₂O₂ and H₂O₂ + 10 μM EGCG treatment groups did not significantly differ in either experimental setup (). ((d)–(f)) The activity of p53 and the expression of p21 were not significantly affected by EGCG in either experimental setup (). ((g)–(i)) Metabolic activity in the H₂O₂ and the H₂O₂ + EGCG treatment groups did not significantly differ, indicating reduced proliferative capacity in all stress groups (). Asterisks indicate statistical significance at versus control group (ANOVA, Tukey post hoc).

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