Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fission is involved in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced AF cella poptosis

Abstract This study aimed to assess the negative effect of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) on annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and decipher the mechanism of action of the process. After treating AF cells with various concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) of oxLDL for 24 and 48 hours, their viability was evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 and live/dead staining. The percentage of AF cell death was determined with Annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis staining. The expression of proteins related to the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was determined using Western blot. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed with JC‐1 staining and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate ormitoSOX probes, respectively. Mitochondrial morphology was observed with a transmission electron microscope. After treatment with oxLDL, AF cell viability decreased, pro‐apoptosis proteins (such as Bax, cleaved caspase‐9, and cleaved caspase‐3) increased, and anti‐apoptosis proteins (Bcl‐2) declined. Excessive ROS and diminished MMP were also detected during this process, as were enhanced mitochondrial fission and augmented Drp1 expression. Furthermore, knocking down the expression of Drp1 rescued oxLDL‐induced AF cell death. Collectively, these results suggest that oxLDL induces AF cell death through a mitochondria‐related pathway. Enhanced mitochondrial fission was involved in oxLDL‐induced AF cell death. Targeting Drp1, a target for regulating the process of mitochondrial fission, may be a feasible strategy for preventing intervertebral disc degeneration in hyperlipidemia.