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Is the fibronectin-aggrecan complex present in cervical disk disease?
Varun K Gajendran1, Merrill W Reuter, S Raymond Golish
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA. varun182@stanford.edu
PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation
|November 24, 2011
Summary
This study found inflammatory markers like monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) and fibronectin-aggrecan complex (FAC) in cervical disks of patients with herniation. These markers correlate with disk pH, suggesting potential diagnostic roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Immunology
Background:
- Cervical radiculopathy due to disk herniation involves inflammation and matrix degradation.
- The fibronectin-aggrecan complex (FAC) is a marker of extracellular matrix breakdown.
- Inflammatory cytokines play a role in disk pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of inflammatory cytokines and FAC in patients undergoing surgery for cervical disk herniation.
- To explore potential correlations between these markers and disk biochemical properties.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case series of 11 patients undergoing cervical diskectomy.
- Lavage fluid from the herniated disk was collected before surgery.
- Assays were performed for pH, FAC, and specific cytokines (IL-6, interferon-γ, MCP, macrophage inhibitory protein-1β).
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of IL-6, interferon-γ, MCP, and macrophage inhibitory protein-1β were detected.
- The fibronectin-aggrecan complex (FAC) was present in the lavage fluid.
- Significant correlations were observed between MCP and FAC (P = .036) and between FAC and pH (P = .008).
Conclusions:
- Biochemical analysis of injured cervical intervertebral disks reveals inflammatory markers and matrix fragments.
- The fibronectin-aggrecan complex (FAC) is present and correlates with disk pH.
- FAC warrants further investigation as a potential diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target in cervical spine disorders.
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