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Expression of ANGPTL4 in Nucleus Pulposus Tissues Is Associated with Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Fan-Jie Liu1, Liang-Yu Xie1, Hua-Zhong Li1

  • 1Bone Biomechanics Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Center (School of Biomedical Sciences), Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China 250062.

Disease Markers
|December 8, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) expression is linked to intervertebral disc degeneration severity. Increased ANGPTL4 levels correlate with higher Pfirrmann grades, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a secreted protein implicated in various diseases.
  • Its role in musculoskeletal pathologies, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ANGPTL4 in IVDD.
  • To analyze the association between ANGPTL4 expression levels and Pfirrmann grades in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 162 nucleus pulposus tissue samples from patients undergoing lumbar endoscopic surgery.
  • Quantification of ANGPTL4 mRNA and protein expression using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot.
  • Statistical analysis to correlate ANGPTL4 expression with Pfirrmann grades and patient demographics.

Main Results:

  • Pfirrmann grades showed a significant association with patient age (r=0.162, P=0.047).
  • Both mRNA (r=0.287, P<0.05) and protein (r=0.356, P<0.05) expression levels of ANGPTL4 were significantly associated with Pfirrmann grades.
  • ANGPTL4 expression was notably elevated in samples with higher Pfirrmann grades, indicating increased severity of IVDD.

Conclusions:

  • ANGPTL4 expression is positively correlated with Pfirrmann grades and the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration.
  • ANGPTL4 shows potential as a candidate biomarker for diagnosing and assessing the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration.

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