The in vivo experiments showed that the HIF-2α controlled the catabolic factors MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 that regulated the collagen II and aggrecan metabolism in disc degeneration.
In vitro study to develop an intervertebral disc degeneration organ culture model, using coccygeal bovine intervertebral discs (IVDs) and injection of proteolytic enzymes MMP-3, ADAMTS-4, and HTRA1.
To determine the expression of ADAMTS-4, a metalloproteinase capable of digesting aggrecan, and its role in herniated lumbar intervertebral disc degradation.