Glutamine mitigates oxidative stress-induced matrix degradation, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells via deubiquitinating and stabilizing Nrf2

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is closely related to low back pain, which is a prevalent age-related problem worldwide; however, the mechanism underlying IDD is unknown. Glutamine, a free amino acid prevalent in plasma, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in various diseases, and the current study aims to clarify the effect and mechanism of glutamine in IDD.