Exosomal MATN3 of Urine-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Antisenescence Effects and Promotes NPC Proliferation and ECM Synthesis by Activating TGF-β

Figure 9

Exosomal MATN3 alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration in the IVD rat model. (a) CT and MRI images of normal rat intervertebral disc. CT and MR images of rat intervertebral discs treated with USC^conshRNA-exos, USC^shMATN3-exos, and PBS at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. (b, c) The change of percentage of disc height index (%DHI) was calculated based on CT measurements in each group, where (b) is the situation at 4 weeks and (c) is the situation at 8 weeks. Data are expressed as . means . (d) HE, Safranin O-fast green staining, and Masson of intact rat IVDs. (e) HE, Safranin O-fast green staining, and Masson of a partially enlarged NP of rat IVDs. (f) HE, Safranin O-fast green staining, and Masson of normal undegenerated rat intervertebral discs. (g) Histological grade was assessed by HE staining and Saffron O solid green staining. Data are expressed as . means .

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