Caspase 9 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to lumbar disc disease in the Han population in northern China

Zheng Ming Sun, Ming Ling, Yuping Huo, Yanhai Chang, Yaping Li, Haixia Qin, Guang Yang, Rudolf Lucas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many studies have demonstrated that apoptosis is involved in the development of disc degeneration. The initiator caspase 9 is activated through the apoptosome-driven intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The present study aimed to assess the potential association between the caspase 9 gene polymorphism and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) susceptibility, as well as severe grades of disc degeneration in the Han population in northern China. Genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction and polymorphism was analyzed by restriction endonuclease cleavage in 387 patients with LDH and 412 control subjects. The allelic frequencies of caspase 9 Ex5+32 A were 0.483 and 0.391 in case patients and control subjects, respectively. Compared to those with the AA genotype, subjects with the GA/GG genotype have a higher risk to develop LDH (odds ratio 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.29-2.81). Moreover, the GA/GG genotype was found to contribute to the risk of more severe grades of disc degeneration, as observed in magnetic resonance imaging scan. In conclusion, this study suggests that the single nucleotide polymorphism in the caspase 9 Ex5 + 32 G/A may be associated with LDH and disc degeneration in the Han population of northern China.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)198-202
Number of pages5
JournalConnective Tissue Research
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011

Keywords

  • caspase 9
  • intervertebral disc degeneration
  • low back pain
  • lumbar disc herniation
  • polymorphism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Biochemistry
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Caspase 9 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to lumbar disc disease in the Han population in northern China'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this