CILP and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder: Therefore, based on our results above, it could be concluded that accumulated CILP‐1 along with degeneration in IDD could contribute to matrix degradation directly, forming a vicious cycle, which is mediated via the following aspects: (i) up‐regulating pro‐catabolic proteases; (ii) suppressing normal matrix components; (iii) promoting abnormal collagen secretion; (iv) activating inflammatory response.