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Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum TOLF Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes
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Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 Is Upregulated Upon Intervertebral Mechanical Stress-Induced Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy
Kazunori Hayashi1, Akinobu Suzuki1, Hidetomi Terai1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
Spine
|April 26, 2019
Summary
Mechanical stress increases fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) in the ligamentum flavum (LF), suggesting its role in degenerative changes. This study highlights FGF9
Area of Science:
- Spinal biomechanics and molecular biology.
- Investigating the cellular mechanisms of spinal ligament degeneration.
Background:
- Ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy is linked to mechanical stress.
- Limited research exists on the molecular mechanisms of LF hypertrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors upregulated in the LF due to mechanical stress.
- To explore the molecular basis of degenerative changes in the LF.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model with induced mechanical stress on the LF.
- Gene expression analysis using DNA microarray and RT-PCR.
- Immunohistological staining for FGF9 protein expression.
Main Results:
- 680 genes were upregulated with mechanical stress.
- Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) protein expression increased in the LF under mechanical stress.
- Increased FGF9 was observed in areas prone to degeneration.
Conclusions:
- FGF9 and its pathway are implicated in LF degeneration caused by mechanical stress.
- Findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of human LF degeneration.
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