Raftlin and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α levels and gene network analysis in patients with Modic changes

Oxidative stress in the vertebral endplates of patients with low back pain and Modic changes (MCs) (types I, II, and III) endplate changes on magnetic resonance imaging. 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-iso-PGF_2α) has been proposed as new indicator of oxidative stress. Raftlin, as an inflammatory biomarker, has been previously reported in inflammatory diseases. Oxidative stress plays an important role in various human diseases. This study was aimed to assess Raftlin and 8-iso-PGF_2α levels in patients with MCs.

Patients with MCI, II, and III (n = 45) and age- and sex matched controls subjects (n = 45) were enrolled in this study. 8-iso-PGF_2α and Raftlin levels in the serum samples of both groups were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

In our study results, raftlin levels changed in parallel with prostaglandin levels (p < 0.05). Raftlin levels changed in parallel with prostaglandin levels (p < 0.05). The levels of 8-iso-PGF_2α and Raftlin levels showed increase in patients with MCs and the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between MC-I, MC-II, MC-III and Raftlin (r = 0.756, 0.733, 0.701 p < 0.001, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between ISO (Respectively; r = 0.782, 0.712, 0.716 p < 0.001). In our evaluation between Raftlin and Iso, a significant positive relationship was determined. (r = 0.731, p < 0.001).

Our findings indicated that oxidative stress in patients with MC-I may be aggravated and it may cause an inflammation formation of the lesion areas in these patients. Also, the increased 8-iso-PGF_2α and Raftlin levels in patients with MC-II and MC-III may be an adaptive response to against oxidative stress.