Abstract

Objectives Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of low back pain. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to exert vital functions in IVDD. However, the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0083756 in the development of IVDD remain unclear. Materials and methods RT-qPCR was performed to detect expressions of hsa_circ_0083756, miR-558 and TREM1 in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues and cells. CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, RT-qPCR and WB were used to clarify the roles of hsa_circ_0083756 in NP cells proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. Bioinformatics analyses, dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and FISH assay were performed to predict and verify the targeting relationship between hsa_circ_0083756 and miR-558, as well as that between miR-558 and TREM1. Ultimately, the effect of hsa_circ_0083756 on IVDD was tested through anterior disc-puncture IVDD animal model in rats. Results hsa_circ_0083756 was upregulated in degenerative NP tissues and cells. In vitro loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies suggested that hsa_circ_0083756 knockdown promoted, whereas hsa_circ_0083756 overexpression inhibited NP cells proliferation and ECM formation. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0083756 acted as a sponge of miR-558 and subsequently promoted the expression of TREM1. Furthermore, in vivo study indicated that silencing of hsa_circ_0083756 could alleviate IVDD in rats. Conclusions hsa_circ_0083756 promoted IVDD via targeting the miR-558/TREM1 axis, and hsa_circ_0083756 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IVDD.