ROS: Crucial Intermediators in the Pathogenesis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Figure 1

The redox homeostasis of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. The role of the mitochondrion in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of disc cells has been well established. During the transportation of electrons, a small proportion of electrons (1%–3%) leak to produce ROS. However, the nonmitochondrial ROS generation through nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase or xanthine oxidase in disc cells remains unknown. Thus, “?” is labeled in these pathways. ROS scavenging is performed by antioxidants and detoxicating enzymes.