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Study finds patients with LBP had higher serum levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6
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Results from this study showed patients with low back pain had significantly higher serum levels of interleukin-6 and significantly lower levels of matrix metalloproteinases-1 compared with controls.
Researchers identified patients with lumbar intervertebral disc diseases from a spine neurosurgery practice, a back pain management practice and a control cohort. Investigators obtained serum samples prior to treatment and then assayed these by multiple levels of interleukin (IL). Patients with low back pain (LBP) and control subjects were compared with regard to the inflammatory and degradative mediator levels, diagnosis and treatment groups. Results were controlled for sex, age, and osteoarthritis history. Correlations between age, BMI, symptom duration and smoking history were determined with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results showed patients with LBP had significantly higher serum levels of IL-6 compared with control patients. Investigators noted patients with LBP caused by other diagnoses had significantly higher levels of IL-6 compared with patients who had disc herniation and controls. Patients with LBP, especially those with a disc herniation, had significantly lower serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) compared with controls.
According to researchers, positive associations were seen between IL-6 levels and BMI, symptom duration and age. Age and MMP-1 levels were positively associated. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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