BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been suggested to be related with the pathogenesis and progression of osteoarticular degenerations. This study therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between the polymorphism of the TRAIL gene and the pathogenesis and severity of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) via detection of serum TRAIL expression levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 IDD patients in our hospital were recruited in the experimental group, while another cohort of 100 healthy individuals was employed as the control group. Blood samples collected from all people were quantified for TRAIL level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in addition to allele and genotype frequency analysis via fluorescent PCR for TRAIL gene.

RESULTS: At loci 1525 and 1529 in 3’-untranslated region (UTR) of 5th exon of TRAIL gene, 3 different genotypes were identified: experimental group had higher frequency of 1525CG/1595CC, 1525G and 1595C alleles, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Patients under Schneiderman grade IV had significantly higher allele frequency compared to those at grade II or III. Serum TRAIL level was also higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, and in grade IV patients compared to grade II or III patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The G/C mutation at loci 1525/1595 of TRAIL gene may induce the progression of IDD, as the down-regulation of TRAIL can aggravate the severity of the disease.

Keywords: Aged, 80 and over, Cohort Studies, Gene Frequency, Genotype, Intervertebral Disc Degeneration - genetics, Polymorphism, Genetic, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand - genetics