Zeitschrift für Wirbelsäule

The Interleukin 8 Expression and its Possible Relationship with Degenerated and Injured Human Intervertebral Discs

Abstract

Basit Saleem Qazi, Tang Kai and Asma Saleem Qazi

Purpose: Cervicaland Lumbar degenerative disc diseases (DDD) are a common disease of advanced age characterized by progressive changes in the intervertebral disc and associated structures. There have been great efforts for years to explain its pathophysiological mechanism(s). This study aims to provide the expression of IL-8 in a population of patients with lumbar disc herniation, cervical stenosis and vertebral fracture.

Material and methods: We compared the level of IL-8 expression in the non-degenerated and degenerated intervertebral disc samples obtained from patients who underwent surgery for vertebral fracture (non degenerated disc), lumbar disc herniation and cervical stenosis (degenerated disc), whose clinical and radiological features were suggestive of disc degeneration. IL-8 expression was studied by using the western blot, immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immune absorbent assay methods. This study includes comparison of IL-8 concentration in groups based on patient’s age and diagnosis.

Results: Significantly higher levels of IL-8 expressions were found in patient with advance age, more in vertebral fracture as compared to lumbar disc herniationand cervical stenosis patients. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both local inflammatory responses occur in lumbar disc herniation, cervical stenosis and vertebral fracture patients. Using specific cytokines either by local or systemic application may reverse the degenerative process.