Embelin protects against apoptosis and inflammation by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling in IL-1β-stimulated human nucleus pulposus cells.

Embelin is a natural benzoquinone compound that displays a beneficial effect in various inflammatory-related diseases. However, the effect of embelin on degeneration of intervertebral disc (IDD), a chronic inflammatory disorder, has not been reported. This study was attempted to explore the therapeutic action of embelin on IDD in vitro.

Baicalin suppresses interleukin-1β-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation in human nucleus pulposus cells.

Objective: To explore the effect of baicalin on human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in response to interleukin (IL)-1β stimulation.

Methods: Viability of NPCs was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. TUNEL staining assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect apoptotic cell death of NPCs.

Emodin protects against apoptosis and inflammation by regulating reactive oxygen species-mediated NF-B signaling in interleukin-1-stimulated human nucleus pulposus cells.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a complex degradative disorder associated with inflammation. Emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity. This study focused on the therapeutic action of emodin in a cellular model of IDD.