1: Spine. 2002 May 1;27(9):911-7.  

mRNA expression of cytokines and chemokines in herniated lumbar intervertebral
discs.

Ahn SH, Cho YW, Ahn MW, Jang SH, Sohn YK, Kim HS.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University,
Korea.

STUDY DESIGN: The mRNA expressions of cytokines and chemokines were assessed in
herniated lumbar disc specimens. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the mRNAs of
interleukin (IL)-1alpha, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, RANTES, IL-8, IL-10,
and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta are expressed in surgically obtained
herniated disc specimens; and to discover which of them are the predominant
cytokines associated with the clinical symptoms and signs, and whether any
differences in the mRNA expression exist depending on the different types of
disc herniations. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It has been postulated that
cytokines are involved in causing radicular leg pain in lumbar disc herniations.
Although a few studies have been done on lumbar disc herniations concerning
IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha, almost none has been carried out in the cases of the
other of cytokines and chemokines. METHODS: Using a reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction, mRNA expressions of cytokines and
chemokines were investigated in herniated disc specimens. The straight leg
raising test, development of radicular pain by back extension, symptom duration,
pain intensity using a visual analogue scale, and herniation types were
described. RESULTS: The mRNAs of IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, RANTES, and IL-10
were expressed in 16 (70%), 15 (65%), 9 (39%), 4 (17%), and 2 (9%) of the 23
herniated disc specimens, respectively. The mRNA of TGF-beta was expressed in 5
of 10 specimens (50%). IL-8 mRNA expression was associated with the development
of radicular pain by back extension and short symptom duration (average 3.8
weeks). The mRNAs of IL-1alpha were expressed more frequently in
transligamentous extensions than in subligamentous extensions, but the
expression was weak. CONCLUSION: Interleukin-8 appears to be associated with
development of radicular pain by back extension and to be activated on acute or
subacute disc herniations. IL-8 seems to participate in the pathomechanism of
nerve root inflammation in lumbar disc herniations, which implies that it may be
considered a target for therapeutic intervention.

Publication Types:
    Clinical Trial

PMID: 11979160 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]