Dimethyl Fumarate Ameliorates Nucleus Pulposus Cell Dysfunction through Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Background Oxidative stress, inflammation, and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) apoptosis are involved in pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD). Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been found to effectively depress oxidative stress and inflammation via the Nrf2 pathway. Hence, this project was designed to explore the underlying mechanisms of how DMF protects NPCs from damage by LPS challenge.