Identification of Biomarkers and Molecular Targets Involved on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Discogenic Pain
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Low back pain, associated with intrinsic disorders of the spine, is a very frequent clinical condition that is accompanied by high morbidity with effects both on psychosocial aspects, and health care system. It occurs in approximately 80% of the population throughout their lives. Most low back pain is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) associated with neuroinflammation and pain. In this context, the study of sphingolipid metabolism can play an important role in the identification of new molecules responsible for the degenerative process. Sphingolipids, in fact, are a class of molecules that are implicated in multiple signal pathways, such as proliferation, degradation of the extracellular matrix, inflammatory state, apoptosis and migration. In particular, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), an intermediate of sphingolipid metabolism, acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator, predominantly in the extracellular environment, regulating important cellular properties related to inflammatory potential and pain. The objective of this study is to characterize the degenerative process in cells isolated from degenerated human intervertebral discs from both at cellular and molecular levels in order to identify new targets implicated in degenerative processes, including sphingolipid signaling pathway.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with disc degeneration for spondylolisthesis, herniated intervertebral disc, and other causes of disc degeneration Exclusion Criteria: * Spinal infection