Dose- and time-dependent effect of high glucose concentration on viability of notochordal cells and expression of matrix degrading and fibrotic enzymes.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is an important aetiological factor in intervertebral disc degeneration. The disappearance of notochordal cells in the nucleus pulposus is thought to be the starting point for intervertebral disc degeneration. A cellular effect of diabetes mellitus on apoptosis of notochordal cells and intervertebral disc degeneration has been recently reported.