Navitoclax, a drug that destroys aging bone cells, reduces back pain, increases mobility and slows vertebral degeneration. The research was published in the journal e-Life.
Osteoclasts are cells that break down and eliminate damaged bone tissue. This is a necessary step before bone regenerates, so when these cells age and stop working properly, osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration can occur. These conditions increase the risk of fractures, chronic pain, and decreased mobility in older adults.
In a new study on mice, scientists proved that the more aging osteoclasts an animal has, the worse the bone tissue is repaired and the stronger the pain associated with the destruction of the vertebrae. These findings were confirmed by an experiment showing that the drug Navitoclax, which destroys aging osteoclasts, significantly reduced pain and increased mobility in mice with different types of vertebral degeneration. Spine scans and microscopic examination of bone tissue confirmed a reduction in bone degeneration and porosity.
Previous scientists was created a cast for intervertebral discs that protects them from herniation.