A SNP in the 5'UTR of GDF5 is associated with susceptibility to symptomatic lumbar disc herniation in the Chinese Han population.

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to assess whether the single nucleotide polymorphism in the GDF5 (+104T/C; rs143383) is associated with the symptomatic lumbar disc herniation in the Chinese Han population and the identification of the mechanisms of its action.

Methods: This study consisted of 231 patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation as the case group and 370 patients who had a lifetime lack of symptoms as the control group. PCR products were genotyped.