IL-17 increases PGE2 production and COX-2 expression via the FOS and JUN subunits in NPCs, thus mediating inflammation of the intervertebral disc [45], and promotes IDD by suppressing autophagy through activation of the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling pathway [56]. This evidence concerns the gene PTGS2 and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.