Circ_0022382 ameliorated intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating TGF-β3 expression through sponge adsorption of miR-4726-5p

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the progression of many diseases, but knowledge on the role of circRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is limited. In this study, we discovered the characteristics of a new circRNA (circ_0022382) in human endplate chondrocytes. Currently, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that the relative expression level of circ_0022382 was significantly lower under intermittent cyclic tension stimulation than in the control group. circ_0022382, miR-4726-5p and Transforming growth factor 3 (TGF-β3) were evaluated by RT-qPCR, Western Blot and immunofluorescence assay. Additionally, the role and mechanism of circ_0022382 in vivo were also consistent in the rat model. Furthermore, Intermittent cyclic mechanical tension can cause degeneration of endplate chondrocytes. The tension-sensitive circRNA_0022382 was decreased, and we found that circRNA_0022382 promoted morphology of endplate chondrocytes by sponge-binding miR-4726-5p down-regulation of target gene the TGF-β3 expression, thereby alleviating IDD. In a rat model of acupuncture, intervertebral disc injection of circ_0022382 relieved the progression of IDD in vivo. In conclusion, the circ_0022382/miR-4726-5p/TGF-β3 axis plays a key role in the anabolism and catabolism of the endplate chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM). It is suggested that circ_0022382 may provide a new approach for the prevention and treatment of IDD.