Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2011, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (2): 335-338.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2011.02.036

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Molecular pathological changes and pathogenesis of lumbar disc degeneration  

Xu Bao-shan, Yang Qiang, Xia Qun   

  1. Department of Spinal Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin   300211, China
  • Received:2010-10-15 Revised:2010-11-15 Online:2011-01-08 Published:2011-01-08
  • About author:Xu Bao-shan☆, Doctor, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Spinal Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, China xubshn@yahoo.com.cn
  • Supported by:

     Preferred Technology Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, Department of Human Resources and Social Security; Scientific and Technological Brainstorm Project of Tianjin Health Bureau, No.07KG1; the Key Project of Tianjin Health Bureau Technology Foundation, No. 2010KR08

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The lumbar disc degeneration is a common reason of low back pain. Pathological changes and pathogenesis of lumbar disc degeneration, but has not yet entirely clear.
OBJECTIVE: To introduce the research progress on molecular pathological changes and pathogenesis of lumbar disc degeneration.
METHODS: Taking “disc histology, disc degenerative disease, disc gene” as search terms, PubMed database was retrieved from 2005 to 2010. Literature about the histological changes and pathogenesis of lumbar disc degeneration was screened. Research progress and results of lumbar disc degeneration were summarized and generalized.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 118 literatures related to lumbar disc degeneration were retrieved and 30 of them were included. The results showed that the lumbar disc degeneration is influenced by many factors, including gene hereditary factors, natural aging, accumulative injuries, etc. Gene polymorphism is an important prepositive factor of induced degeneration. Intervertebral disc degeneration can induce degenerative disc disease (DDD) by immunological reaction, mechanical compression or instability, blood circulation disorders, inflammatory mediators and other factors. It is difficult to differentiate aging and degeneration on imageology and pathology, so the reasonable treatment should be adopted according to specific circumstances of DDD. Biological therapy provides a new treatment idea, but research is still in experimental stage.

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