Comparison of the Efficacy of BMP6 and TGF beta-1 to Downregulate MMP 1 in Intervertebral Disc Tissues

In this study, we observed the effects of BMP-6, TGF, and the combination of the two on AF cells that were treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cultures treated with TNF and IL1 without added BMP-6 or TGFβ-1 acted as controls. As shown in the [Figure 3] the combined cytokine group showed the greatest increase in aggrecan and col-II. The three experimental groups showed no significant difference in collagen type II production. The col-I and MMP-1 mRNA expression were significantly decreased in the BMP-6, TGF combined group compared to the control. The result of ELISA assay confirmed secretion of MMP-1 corresponding to the intensity of mRNA induction by the proinflammation cytokines.