The circadian rhythm in intervertebral disc degeneration: an autophagy connection

Abstract

Disc degeneration: Damage from disrupted cellular circadian rhythms Disruption of molecular activities that follow a 24-hour cycle, known as a circadian rhythm, can promote the degeneration of the discs between vertebrae by affecting the natural degradation of cellular components known as autophagy. Zhang Taiwei and colleagues at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, review the role of autophagy in mediating a connection between the circadian rhythm within intervertebral disc cells and disc degeneration. Some evidence suggests that while normal autophagy maintains discs, dysfunction in the circadian rhythm within disc cells can initiate damaging excessive autophagy. The influences leading to such dysfunction include nutritional status and behavioural factors including night-shift work and otherwise disrupted sleep patterns. Contradictory evidence, however, suggests that further investigation is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms that link circadian rhythms, autophagy and disc degeneration.