Melatonin attenuates degenerative disc degression by downregulating DLX5 via the TGF/Smad2/3 pathway in nucleus pulposus cells.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of low back pain, and apoptosis plays a key role in its pathogenesis. Distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) has been reported to induce cell apoptosis. Melatonin, as a powerful antiapoptotic agent, has been widely reported.