Association of interleukin 1 gene polymorphism with intervertebral disc degeneration risk in the Chinese Han population

Intervertebral disc degenerative disease in South Africa: a case-control analysis of selected gene variants

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative disease is a multifactorial disease for which genetics plays an integral role. Several genes, and their variants, associated with the development and progression of IVD degenerative disease have been identified. While several studies have investigated these genes in Asian and European populations, no available evidence exists for the South African population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these parameters.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biological samples were collected in the form of buccal swabs from patients and DNA was extracted using a standard salt-lysis protocol. DNA purity and quantity was assessed by spectrophotometry, and subsequent genotyping was performed using the MassARRAY®System IPLEX extension reaction. For associations between variants and the presence of IVD degenerative disease, odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), chi-squared analysis and logistic regression was calculated. Age and sex were adjusted for, and Bonferroni's correction was applied. This study found statistically significant associations for five of the evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with IVD degenerative disease, whereby IL-1α rs1304037 and rs1800587, ADAMTs-5 rs162509, and MMP-3 rs632478 demonstrated increased odds of a positive diagnosis for IVD degenerative disease, while decreased odds of IVD degenerative disease were seen for GDF-5 rs143383.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first of its kind to investigate the association of gene variants associated with IVD degenerative disease within the South African population. This study has shown that 5 of these gene variants were significantly associated with the presence of IVD degenerative disease, reflecting their integral roles in development and possible progression of the disease.

Immune response and cytokine profiles in post-laminectomy pain syndrome: comparative analysis after treatment with intrathecal opioids, oral opioids, and non-opioid therapies

INTRODUCTION

This study explores the interaction between cytokines, cell-mediated immunity (T cells, B cells, and NK cells), and prolonged morphine administration in chronic neuropathic pain patients without cancer-related issues. Despite evidence of opioid immunomodulation, few studies have compared these interactions.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional and comparative study, 50 patients with chronic low back radicular pain ("Failed Back Surgery Syndrome") were categorized into intrathecal morphine infusion (IT group, n = 18), oral morphine (PO group, n = 17), and non-opioid treatment (NO group, n = 15). Various parameters, including plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine concentrations, lymphocyte immunophenotyping, opioid escalation indices, cumulative morphine dose, and treatment duration, were assessed.

RESULTS

CSF IL-8 and IL-1β concentrations exceeded plasma levels in all patients. No differences in T, B, and NK lymphocyte numbers were observed between morphine-treated and non-treated patients. Higher plasma IL-5 and GM-CSF concentrations were noted in IT and PO groups compared to NO. CSF IFNγ concentrations were higher in PO and NO than IT. Positive correlations included CD4 concentrations with opioid escalation indices, and negative correlations involved NK cell concentrations, CSF TNFα concentrations, and opioid escalation indices. Positive correlations were identified between certain cytokines and pain intensity in IT patients, and between NK cells and cumulative morphine dose. Negative correlations were observed between CSF IL-5 concentrations and pain intensity in IT and PO, and between opioid escalation indices and CSF cytokine concentrations in PO and IT.

CONCLUSION

Associations between cytokines, cellular immunity, and prolonged morphine treatment, administered orally and intrathecally were identified.

Regulatory Effect of Inflammatory Mediators in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major contributor to back, neck, and radicular pain. It is related to changes in tissue structure and function, including the breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM), aging, apoptosis of the nucleus pulposus, and biomechanical tissue impairment. Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that inflammatory mediators play a crucial role in IDD, and they are being explored as potential treatment targets for IDD and associated disorders. For example, interleukins (IL), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), chemokines, and inflammasomes have all been linked to the pathophysiology of IDD. These inflammatory mediators are found in high concentrations in intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues and cells and are associated with the severity of LBP and IDD. It is feasible to reduce the production of these proinflammatory mediators and develop a novel therapy for IDD, which will be a hotspot of future research. In this review, the effects of inflammatory mediators in IDD were described.

Gene locus polymorphisms and expression levels of interleukin-1 in lumbar disc disease: A MOOSE-compliant meta-analysis and immunohistochemical study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between interleukin (IL)-1α (rs1800587), IL-1β (rs1143634) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (RN) variable number tandem repeat polymorphisms, expression levels and lumbar disc disease (LDD).

METHODS

All relevant articles were searched from 4 databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the association between IL-1 gene locus polymorphisms (rs1800587 in IL-1α, rs1143634 in IL-1β, variable number tandem repeat in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) and LDD susceptibility. Statistical analysis was conducted by Review Manager (Revman) 5.31 software (Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). Furthermore, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate IL-1α, IL-1β and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist expressions in the normal and degenerated disc.

RESULTS

A total of 15 case-control studies (1455 cases and 2362 controls) were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled results suggested that IL-1α rs1800587 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of LDD in overall population (T vs. C, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04-1.40, P = .01). The subgroup analysis found a significant association between IL-1β rs1143634 polymorphism and LDD in Asian population (T vs. C, OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39-0.96, P = .03). Results of qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that expressions of IL-1α and IL-1β were significantly increased in the degenerated disc. (all P < .05).

CONCLUSION

IL-1α rs1800587 and IL-1β rs1143634 polymorphisms were significantly associated with LDD in overall population and in Asian population, respectively. The increased expression levels of IL-1α and IL-1β may be the important risk factors for LDD.

Association between CILP and IL-1α polymorphisms and phenotype-dependent intervertebral disc degeneration susceptibility: A meta-analysis

Background: The relationship between CILP (1184T>C) and IL-1α(+889C/T) polymorphisms and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have been explored in several studies but the results were conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate and synthesize the currently available data on the association between CILP (1184T>C) and IL-1α(+889C/T) polymorphisms and susceptibility of phenotype-dependent radiologic IDD (RIDD) and symptomatic intervertebral disk herniation (SIDH). Methods: A computerized literature search was in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Web of Science. The pooled results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, the false-positive report probability (FPRP) test and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were applied to estimate the significant results. Results: Our evidence demonstrated that IL-1α(+889C/T) was significant associated with RIDD (allele model: OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.03-1.74, p = 0.029) and SIDH (allele model: OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.60, p = 0.028). However, the results were not noteworthy under the FPRP test and TSA analysis. Additionally, CILP (1184T>C) polymorphism was significantly associated with RIDD with adequate evidence (allele model: OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.48, p = 0.002) instead of SIDH. Conclusion: The current meta-analysis illustrated firm evidence that CILP (1184T>C) polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility of RIDD. However, the significant associations between IL-1α(+889C/T) and RIDD and SIDH were less credible. Thus, more multi-center studies with diverse populations were required to verify the results.

The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-1A -889C>T (rs1800587), TNF-A -238G>A (rs361525), and VDR TaqI (rs731236) on susceptibility to herniated nucleus pulposus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The pathogenesis of herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is complex and may involve the wide variety of gene polymorphism. However, the reports from the existing studies are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin 1 alpha ( IL-1A), tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-A), and vitamin D receptor ( VDR) genes on the susceptibility to herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science) were searched as of April 1 st, 2021. Authors, publication year, targeted genes, genotype and allele frequency in each case and control groups were collected. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the publication quality. The pooled estimates of association of IL-1A -889C>T (rs1800587), TNF-A -238G>A (rs361525), and VDR TaqI (rs731236) and susceptibility to HNP were assessed using Z test. Results: We screened 3,067 unique studies for eligibility and three, two and nine case-control studies on IL-1A -889C>T, TNF-A -238G>A, and VDR TaqI were included, respectively, in our meta-analysis. The studies consisting 369 HNP cases and 433 controls for IL-1A -889C>T, 252 cases and 259 controls for TNF-A -238G>A and 1130 cases and 2096 controls for VDR TaqI. Our pooled estimates indicated that there was no significant association of those SNPs with the susceptibility to HNP in any genotype, dominant model, recessive model, or allele comparations. Conclusion: Although individual studies suggested the important role of gene expression dysregulation associated with SNPs in IL-1A, TNF-A, and VDR, our data indicated that IL-1A -889C>T, TNF-A -238G>A, and VDR TaqI had weak association with HNP susceptibility in both genotypes and allele distributions. However, since heterogeneity was identified among studies included in this meta-analysis, further meta-analysis with a larger population and subgroup analysis on specific population are warranted to support this finding.

The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-1A -889C>T (rs1800587), TNF-A -238G>A (rs361525), and VDR TaqI (rs731236) on susceptibility to herniated nucleus pulposus

Background: The pathogenesis of herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is complex and may involve the wide variety of gene polymorphism. However, the reports from the existing studies are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin 1 alpha ( IL-1A), tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-A), and vitamin D receptor ( VDR) genes on the susceptibility to herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science) were searched as of April 1 st, 2021. Authors, publication year, targeted genes, genotype and allele frequency in each case and control groups were collected. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the publication quality. The pooled estimates of association of IL-1A -889C>T (rs1800587), TNF-A -238G>A (rs361525), and VDR TaqI (rs731236) and susceptibility to HNP were assessed using Z test. Results: We screened 3,067 unique studies for eligibility and three, two and nine case-control studies on IL-1A -889C>T, TNF-A -238G>A, and VDR TaqI were included, respectively, in our meta-analysis. The studies consisting 369 HNP cases and 433 controls for IL-1A -889C>T, 252 cases and 259 controls for TNF-A -238G>A and 1130 cases and 2096 controls for VDR TaqI. Our pooled estimates indicated that there was no significant association of those SNPs with the susceptibility to HNP in any genotype, dominant model, recessive model, or allele comparations. Conclusion: Although individual studies suggested the important role of gene expression dysregulation associated with SNPs in IL-1A, TNF-A, and VDR, our data indicated that IL-1A -889C>T, TNF-A -238G>A, and VDR TaqI had weak association with HNP susceptibility in both genotypes and allele distributions. However, since heterogeneity was identified among studies included in this meta-analysis, further meta-analysis with a larger population and subgroup analysis on specific population are warranted to support this finding.

The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-1A -889C>T (rs1800587), TNF-A -238G>A (rs361525), and VDR TaqI (rs731236) on susceptibility to herniated nucleus pulposus

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin 1 alpha ( IL-1A), tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-A), and vitamin D receptor ( VDR) genes on the susceptibility to herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science) were searched as of April 1 st, 2021. Authors, publication year, targeted genes, genotype and allele frequency in each case and control groups were collected. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the publication quality. The pooled estimates of association of IL-1A -889C>T (rs1800587), TNF-A -238G>A (rs361525), and VDR TaqI (rs731236) and susceptibility to HNP were assessed using Z test and presented as odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: We screened 3,067 unique studies for eligibility and three, two and nine studies on IL-1A -889C>T, TNF-A -238G>A, and VDR TaqI were included, respectively, in our meta-analysis. The studies consisting 369 HNP cases and 433 controls for IL-1A -889C>T, 252 cases and 259 controls for TNF-A -238G>A and 1130 cases and 2096 controls for VDR TaqI. Our pooled estimates indicated that there was no significant association of those SNPs with the susceptibility to HNP in any genotype, dominant model, recessive model, or allele comparations. Conclusion: Although individual studies suggested the important role of gene expression dysregulation associated with SNPs in IL-1A, TNF-A, and VDR, our data indicated that IL-1A -889C>T, TNF-A -238G>A, and VDR TaqI had weak association with HNP susceptibility in both genotypes and allele distributions. However, since heterogeneity was identified among studies included in this meta-analysis, further meta-analysis with a larger population and subgroup analysis on specific population are warranted to support this finding.

Polymorphism of IL-1β rs16944(T/C) Associated with Serum Levels of IL-1β and Subsequent Stimulation of Extracellular Matrix Degradation Affects Intervertebral Disk Degeneration Susceptibility

Purpose

To investigate the association of polymorphism of IL-1β rs16944(T/C) with intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD), explore the possible mechanism and evaluate the predictive value of IL-1β for IDD.

Patients and Methods

A total of 196 consecutive patients with IDD were recruited, and 196 healthy controls were matched to these patients based on sex and age (±3 years). The polymorphisms of IL-1β rs16944(T/C), rs1143623(G/C), rs10490571(T/C) and rs2853550(A/G) were determined, and serum IL-1β, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif-4 (ADAMTS-4) levels were measured. Univariate analysis was performed with Student t-test or one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc and Chi-square test. Variables with two-sided P<0.10 were included in multivariate analysis, which employed a backward stepwise logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that the polymorphism of IL-1β rs16944(T/C) was independently associated with IDD. The risk for IDD was significantly increased in TT and TC genotype compared with CC genotype, and the OR of TT genotype was higher than that of TC genotype. ANOVA analysis showed that serum concentration of IL-1β was highest in IL-1β rs16944 TT genotype, intermediate in TC genotype, and lowest in CC genotype. Similarly, serum concentrations of MMP-3 and ADAMTS-4 demonstrated the same tendency of TT > TC > CC genotype. Serum concentrations of MMP-1 and MMP-9 were higher in TT genotype than in TC and CC genotype. The area under curve (AUC) of IL-1β levels in predicting IDD was 0.788 (SE: 0.023, P=0.001, 95% CI: 0.742–0.834), and the predictive value was modest with a sensitivity of 77.0% and a specificity of 75%.

Conclusion

Polymorphism of IL-1β rs16944(T/C) affected IDD susceptibility through upregulation of serum levels of IL-1β and subsequent stimulation of ECM degradation. IL-1β levels could be applied in predicting IDD.

Genetic Predictors of Early-Onset Spinal Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Part One of Two

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a progressive and painful pathology that can root from mechanical, biochemical, and environmental stressors. However, recent advancements in biogenetics have now found a predominating genetic influence. Nevertheless, despite these advancements, the pathophysiology of IVD degeneration remains poorly understood. In the first of our two-part series, we will characterize some of the most recent and best-studied genes in the context of intervertebral disc degeneration. We will attempt to formulate the first contemporary gene guide that characterizes the genetic profile of IVD degeneration. The genes of interest include aggrecan (ACAN), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), vitamin D receptor (VDR), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A), and those encoded for collagens such as collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), collagen type IX alpha 2 chain (COL9A2), and collagen type IX alpha 3 chain (COL9A3). Genetic analysis studies reveal that these genes play vital roles in maintaining the structural integrity of the intervertebral disc, activating enzymes involved in the extracellular matrix, and promoting connective tissue formation. Nevertheless, characterizing these genes alone is not enough to understand the pathophysiology of IVD degeneration. Therefore, further studies are warranted to understand molecular signalling pathways of IVD degeneration better and ultimately create more sophisticated genetic and cell-based therapies to improve patient outcomes.

Comprehensive analysis of lumbar disc degeneration and autophagy-related candidate genes, pathways, and targeting drugs

Background

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is an essential pathological mechanism related to low back pain. Current research on spinal surgery focused on the sophisticated mechanisms involved in LDD, and autophagy was regarded as an essential factor in the pathogenesis.

Objectives

Our research aimed to apply a bioinformatics approach to select some candidate genes and signaling pathways in relationship with autophagy and LDD and to figure out potential agents targeting autophagy- and LDD-related genes.

Materials and methods

Text mining was used to find autophagy- and LDD-related genes. The DAVID program was applied in Gene Ontology and pathway analysis after selecting these genes. Several important gene modules were obtained by establishing a network of protein-protein interaction and a functional enrichment analysis. Finally, the selected genes were searched in the drug database to find the agents that target LDD- and autophagy-related genes.

Results

There were 72 genes related to “autophagy” and “LDD.” Three significant gene modules (22 genes) were selected by using gene enrichment analysis, which represented 4 signaling pathways targeted by 32 kinds of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The interactions between drugs and the genes were also identified.

Conclusion

To conclude, a method was proposed in our research to find candidate genes, pathways, and drugs which were involved in autophagy and LDD. We discovered 22 genes, 4 pathways, and 32 potential agents, which provided a theoretical basis and new direction for clinical and basic research on LDD.

Interleukin-1β signaling in osteoarthritis - chondrocytes in focus

Osteoarthritis (OA) can be regarded as a chronic, painful and degenerative disease that affects all tissues of a joint and one of the major endpoints being loss of articular cartilage. In most cases, OA is associated with a variable degree of synovial inflammation. A variety of different cell types including chondrocytes, synovial fibroblasts, adipocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts as well as stem and immune cells are involved in catabolic and inflammatory processes but also in attempts to counteract the cartilage loss. At the molecular level, these changes are regulated by a complex network of proteolytic enzymes, chemokines and cytokines (for review: [1]). Here, interleukin-1 signaling (IL-1) plays a central role and its effects on the different cell types involved in OA are discussed in this review with a special focus on the chondrocyte.