TWEAK/Fn14 signaling: a promising target in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a potent chemoattractant cytokine with various biological functions, such as stimulation of angiogenesis, induction of proinflammatory cytokines, regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, it has also been implicated in several pathological processes, from cancer to inflammatory diseases. Remarkably, TWEAK and its receptors, fibroblast growth factor inducible 14 (Fn14), are also present in intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue, where they play a role in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.

Regulatory Tweak/Fn14 signaling pathway as a potent target for controlling bone loss.

Metabolic bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis, are characterized as imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption, leading to bone microarchitecture damage and bone mineral density loss. Bone loss is huge threat for older people's health, which imposes a heavy financial burden on patients and their families. However, the effectiveness of bone loss treatment in clinical practice is limited.