The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) enzymes and their inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP-3), in human intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This evidence concerns the gene TIMP3 and medical procedure.