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A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
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Is intervertebral disc degeneration associated with reduction in serum ferritin?
Youfeng Guo1, Chao Li2, Beiduo Shen1
1Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
Summary
Serum ferritin (SF) levels are negatively correlated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) severity. Lower SF may indicate more severe IDD, suggesting SF as a potential predictor for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Orthopedics
- Pathology
Background:
- Ferritin autophagy involves intracellular ferroptosis and ferritin degradation.
- The role of ferritin in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum iron metabolism markers, particularly serum ferritin (SF), and the development of IDD.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 217 patients with low back pain.
- Collected blood samples for routine examination.
- Assessed IDD severity using cumulative and single disc Pfirrmann grades.
Main Results:
- Serum ferritin (SF) showed a negative correlation with cumulative IDD grade (r = -0.185, p = 0.006).
- SF levels were significantly higher in low-severity IDD compared to high-severity IDD.
- A serum ferritin cutoff of 170.5 ng/mL predicted severe disc degeneration with 63.5% sensitivity and 60.2% specificity.
Conclusions:
- Serum ferritin (SF) is negatively correlated with IDD severity.
- SF may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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