title: [Advances of cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To introduce the research of cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  The original articles in recent years about cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration were extensively reviewed, and retrospective and comprehensive analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Transplantation of intervertebral disc-derived cells or BMSCs by pure cell transplantation or combined with collagen scaffold into intervertebral disc could express nucleus pulposus-like phenotype. All the cells transplanted into intervertebral disc could increase extracellular matrix synthesis and relieve or even inhibit further intervertebral disc degeneration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cell transplantation for treating intervertebral disc degeneration may be a promising approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, PR China.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D017690:Cell Transplantation; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*