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

Figure 2

Caudal IVD inoculation with P. acnes-induced IVDD by promoting iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE₂ expression in rats. (a, b) Western blot analysis of aggrecan, collagen II, iNOS, and COX-2 expression in the IVDs of rats inoculated with P. acnes for 72 h, with or without L-NMMA (1 mM) and DS (200 μM) pretreatment. /The infected group compared with the infection + L-NMMA and/or DS groups. The infection + L-NMMA and DS group compared with the infection + L-NMMA or DS groups. (c, d) The concentration of NO and PGE₂ as tested in different groups. The infected group compared with the infection + L-NMMA or DS groups; . values were analyzed by Student’s -test and one-way ANOVA. Data are presented as the mean ± SD from three independent experiments.

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