Abstract | INTRODUCTION: METHODS: Patients (n = 55) with lumbar degenerative disc disease treated by surgery were included. Nucleus pulposus tissue (or herniated disc tissue) was surgically removed and homogenized; protein levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for NGF. Levels of NGF in the discs were compared between 1) patients with herniated discs (herniated group) and those with other lumbar degenerative disc diseases (non-herniated group), and 2) low-grade and high-grade degenerated discs. Patient's symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI); the influence of NGF levels on pre- and post-operative symptoms was examined. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: This study reports that NGF increased in herniated discs, and may play an important role in the generation of discogenic pain. Analysis of patient symptoms revealed that pre-operative NGF levels were related to post-operative residual lower extremity pain and LBP in motion. The results suggest that NGF in the disc is related to pain generation, however, the impact of NGF on generation of LBP varies in individual patients.
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Authors | Yasuchika Aoki, Arata Nakajima, Seiji Ohtori, Hiroshi Takahashi, Fusako Watanabe, Masato Sonobe, Fumiaki Terajima, Masahiko Saito, Kazuhisa Takahashi, Tomoaki Toyone, Atsuya Watanabe, Takayuki Nakajima, Makoto Takazawa, Koichi Nakagawa |
Journal | Arthritis research & therapy
(Arthritis Res Ther)
Vol. 16
Issue 4
Pg. R159
(Jul 28 2014)
ISSN: 1478-6362 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 25069717
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Humans
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
(complications, metabolism)
- Intervertebral Disc Displacement
(complications, metabolism)
- Low Back Pain
(etiology, metabolism)
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nerve Growth Factor
(biosynthesis)
- Pain Measurement
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