腰椎退行性疾病具有较高的发病率。Modic改变作为腰椎退行性疾病的主要影像学表现之一，其发生机制存在较多学说，目前仍缺乏共识。研究显示，Modic改变发生时，终板区域除结构和力学性能改变外，在组织学上亦发生了区域性骨吸收与骨硬化并存现象，其与成骨/破骨失衡密切相关。骨固有巨噬细胞对成骨/破骨细胞的相互平衡起重要调控作用，但对Modic改变病理过程的影响尚无相关报道。申请人前期实验发现，新西兰兔腰椎Modic改变模型的终板部位骨吸收和骨硬化并存，并证实了骨固有巨噬细胞的存在和相应改变。因此我们推测，骨固有巨噬细胞影响成骨及破骨细胞分化，进而影响腰椎终板Modic改变的发生及进展，故本研究利用细胞共培养、分子生物学、转录组学等方法探究骨固有巨噬细胞与成骨、破骨细胞的相互作用机制并通过动物模型加以验证，从而阐明骨固有巨噬细胞在Modic改变中的作用。

Lumbar degenerative diseases are not uncommon clinically. Modic changes are one of the main radiographic manifestations of lumbar degenerative diseases, of which many theories about its etiology have been proposed, but consensus has yet to be achieved. With regards to the manifestation of Modic changes, previous research suggests that apart from structural and mechanical properties of endplates, regional bone resorption and osteosclerosis can be observed simultaneously by histology, suggesting re-balance of bone catabolism/metabolism. Osteomacs play an important role in the balance of destruction and regeneration of bone, but no research has focused on the effects of Osteomacs on Modic changes yet. In earlier conducted studies of the New Zealand rabbits, the coexistence of bone resorption and osteosclerosis was present in Modic changes of lumbar endplates, confirming the presence of Osteomacs and their corresponding effects. Based on these findings, our team speculated the influence of Osteomacs on osteoblasts and osteoclasts differentiation, impinged upon the advent and progression of endplate remodeling, also known as, Modic changes. This study utilizes cell co-culture, molecular biochemistry and transcriptomic techniques to explore the mechanism of the complementary relationship of Osteomacs with osteoblasts and osteoclasts. With the addition of animal models, it is possible to comprehend the function of Osteomacs in Modic changes.