TGFB1 and severe neurodegenerative syndrome with lipodystrophy: Previous studies have suggested a role for the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway in maintaining the stability of the intervertebral space.24 Thus, to confirm that the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway was upregulated in vivo, we again examined and compared normal IVD tissues with post-PELD IVD tissues from patients.