Growth factors in intervertebral disc homeostasis.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a complex age-related pathology associated with back pain. Research on the growth factors that regulate disc homeostasis is of critical importance for understanding the basis of the disease. Here we summarize the data on the expression and function of various growth factors in the disc from in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as on their alterations during degeneration and ageing. Such studies are becoming more crucial in the prospect of clinical application of growth factors for the treatment of disc degeneration.