Propionibacterium acnes Induces Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Promoting iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE₂ Activation via the ROS-Dependent NF-κB Pathway

Figure 1

The IVDs infected with P. acnes had increased iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE₂ expressions, concomitant with severe disc degeneration. (a–d) Representative images from lateral X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging point to severe degeneration in P. acnes-positive IVDs ( for each group). (e–f) Western blot analysis of aggrecan, collagen II, iNOS, and COX-2 in human IVDs. The P. acnes-positive groups compared with the P. acnes-negative groups. (g, h) The concentration of NO and PGE₂ were tested by the Griess reaction and ELISA, respectively. The P. acnes-positive groups compared with the P. acnes-negative groups; . values were analyzed by paired -test, Student’s -test, and one-way ANOVA. Data are presented as the mean ± SD from three independent experiments.

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