Degeneracija medvretenčne ploščice: raziskava vzrokov in potencial celičneterapije pri zdravljenju (Slovene)

With the work on the project, we aim to contribute to the understanding of the etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration, which is still not explained. This is important field for further research since explanation of intervertebral disc degeneration should have influence on disease treatment and prevention. Understanding of degenerative mechanisms is important for efficient development of novel treatment methods and gives important basis to applicative research in field of intervertebral disc diagnostics and treatment. With these research we want to contribute to the definition of appropriate patient groups for cell therapy of intervertebral disc. Research contributed also to understanding and appropriate performance of surgical methods that do not direcly apply to IVD tissue (e.g. vertebroplasty) in terms of prevention od IVD degeneration due to increased preassure in the tissue.

For the society, results of proposed project will be especially important for increase of understanding of intervertebral disc degeneration, and subsequently to better diagnostics and treatment. This field of research is important also for international collaboration, as project partners collaborate with eminent research groups from this field. This is important in the context of integration of Slovene research into international research network.