Intervertebral disc degeneration in relation to the COL9A3 and the IL-1ss gene polymorphisms.

Disc degeneration is a complex condition in which environmental factors and multiple genes are expected to act together to determine the degenerative phenotype. Recently associations of COL9A2 (Trp2 allele) and COL9A3 (Trp3 allele) polymorphisms with lumbar disc disease characterized by sciatica have been reported. However, it is not known whether the Trp2 or Trp3 alleles contribute to disc degeneration (DD).

Radiologic phenotypes in lumbar MR imaging for a gene defect in the COL9A3 gene of type IX collagen.

Purpose: To evaluate whether the COL9A3 tryptophan allele (Trp3 allele) is associated with a specific radiologic phenotype among patients with sciatica.

Materials And Methods: One hundred fifty-three patients with sciatica were evaluated for the presence of Trp3 allele, Scheuermann disease, intervertebral disk degeneration, Schmorl nodules, dorsal anular tears, hyperintense lesions, and endplate degeneration on sagittal T2-weighted lumbar magnetic resonance images. The Trp3 genotype was determined by means of sequencing the COL9A3 gene.

COL9A3 gene polymorphism and obesity in intervertebral disc degeneration of the lumbar spine: evidence of gene-environment interaction.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Objectives: To evaluate the interaction between the COL9A3 gene polymorphism and persistent obesity in relation to lumbar disc degeneration.

Summary Of Background Data: Obesity has been suggested to be a risk factor for disc degeneration.