Interestingly, decreased Col II expression and increased OPN and VEGF expression was colocalized in the endplate ossified areas and inner annulus fibrosus, suggesting that osteochondral remodeling and abnormal angiogenesis in the avascular soft disc was a coupling process and may be an important link to disc degeneration in OVX mice. The gene discussed is SPP1; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.