In search of a new genetic component for backpains
Posted on May 12, 2010 by ralph
This is a problem that can be hereditary, so began the “hunt” for the genes that cause back pain.
To identify the building blocks of DNA associated with disc degeneration, considered the main culprit of chronic low back pain, the European Commission promotes and finances the project “Genodisc” a big-studio which is also involved with the Italy IRCCS Orthopaedic Galeazzi, Milan, along with 9 other European research centers, coordinated by the University of Oxford in the UK.
The objective of Genodisc has shed light on all the possible causes-genetic, environmental, physical and mechanical properties that can result in degeneration of the intervertebral disc, causing back pain or other diseases.
Are known problems Galeazzi Institute, which annually assists about 10 000 patients with back problems. For about 1500 you need surgery, but in most cases you can opt for rehabilitation. With the highest number of spine surgery, such as national reference center for these disorders, the IRCCS Milan came in pink institutions involved in Genodisc.
The study includes the recruitment of patients with back problems and collecting their DNA through a blood test. Among the causes of disc degeneration, in fact, experts now consider a certain genetic component, although the time has not yet been defined exactly: “The project started two years ago, has already resulted in recruitment of 150 volunteer patients with from various causes of disc degeneration, “explains Mark Brayda-Brown, Head of the Spinal Surgery III Galeazzi.
Another important aspect of this study concerns the new imaging techniques, such as special MRI called “perfusion”, which allows to study the modalities and timing of penetration of nutrients in the disk, as known, is a structure without blood vessels which receives its nourishment only bone of the vertebrae.
The DNA collected in these patients will be analyzed in the next two years at the Genome Center in Helsinki, the hope is to arrive in a few years the identification of specific gene sites related to the degeneration of the disc with the deducible consequences on prevention and early treatment of disc degeneration.