Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress promotes the production of apoptotic bodies (Abs) in endplate chondrocytes in rats to increase the expressions of relevant ossification genes, such as Runx2, in endplate chondrocytes [35], and the expressions of type X collagen (ColX), Runx2, osteoprotegerin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly higher in degenerative intervertebral discs than in normal intervertebral discs, suggesting that IVDD involves proliferative differentiation similar to that in advanced osteoarthritis [36]. Here, RUNX2 is linked to osteoarthritis.