Modifications of miRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration: a key to the future development of genetic-based therapies.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain, which is a healthcare concern associated with high social and economic burden. The current medical and surgical therapies are inadequate and ineffective. Several miRNAs have been identified that modulate (via up- or down-regulation) the pathogenesis of IDD through various signaling pathways.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings and outcome of neuro-Behçet's disease: the predictive factors.

Aim: To investigate MRI findings that may predict unfavorable outcomes in the patients with neuro-Behçet's disease.

Subjects And Methods: All consecutive patients referred from 2002 to 2009 to the Behçet Clinic at Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, who fulfilled International Study Group criteria for Behçet's disease and diagnosed as having neuro-Behçet's disease, were enrolled into this study. Characteristics of initial brain MRI were studied in patients with different courses of neuro-Behçet's disease.

MRI findings of neuro-Behcet's disease.

Neurological manifestations present in 5% to 30% of patients with Behçet's disease. We studied consecutive patients with relapsing--remitting or progressive neuro-Behcet's disease who referred from January 2002 to January 2009 to Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, southern Iran. Sequential MRIs were performed during clinical relapses in patients with relapsing--remitting course or during relentless progression after first referral of patients with progressive course.