Injectable kaempferol-loaded fibrin glue regulates metabolic balance and inhibits inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract

Abstract Kaempferol has a prominent anti-inflammatory effect, and it has been shown to be effective in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the rapid release and clearance of kaempferol in IVDD treatment has limited its application. Natural fibrinogen is a widely used biomaterial with suitable biocompatibility and cell interaction and has certain anti-inflammatory and pro-repair effects. The combination of kaempferol and fibrin glue can not only promote the anti-inflammatory effect of kaempferol but prolong the release of drugs. We successfully constructed a kaempferol-loaded fibrin hydrogel system (FG@F) that can reduce the inflammatory response associated with IVDD and regulate matrix synthesis and degradation. Animal experimental results show that the FG@F system can maintain the IVDD early microenvironment in a steady state and improve IVDD. An IVDD drug delivery and biotherapy platform based on this functional system might also serve as an alternative therapy for IVDD.