In line with these reports, current studies demonstrated that the CM from LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages could initiate molecular changes associated with IDD, including upregulated expression of inflammation‐related genes (IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, COX‐2, iNOS), increased intracellular oxidative stress (increased ROS and MDA levels, but decreased GSH levels), and disrupted the homeostasis of ECM increased expression of key matrix catabolic molecules (MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐4, ADAMTS‐5), reduced the expression of major matrix anabolic molecules (ACAN and COL2A1) in NP cells. This evidence concerns the gene COL2A1 and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.