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The relationship between the aggrecan VNTR polymorphism and its content in lumbar intervertebral discs
, 2, 2, 3, 1, 4, 1, 2
Affiliations- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
open access
Abstract
Background: There is a specific polymorphism of the ACAN gene called the variable
number of tandem repeats (VNTR), which is particularly interesting in the light
of the development of intervertebral disc pathology and associated low back pain.
Materials and methods: The nucleus pulposus specimens were harvested from
the L5/S1 intervertebral discs. The aggrecan content was determined using enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, the VNTR polymorphism
in the ACAN gene was evaluated.
Results: The genotyping of VNTR polymorphism in ACAN gene was successful
in 94 tissue samples (48 homozygotes and 46 heterozygotes). The alleles were
divided into four groups, in accordance with the number of tandem repeats in
the ACAN gene. No difference between groups in the mean aggrecan mass nor
in the mean degree of tissue moisture was observed.
Conclusions: No relationship between the ACAN gene VNTR polymorphism and
the aggrecan content was observed in studied Caucasian cadavers. Such a relationship
may be a more complex phenomenon and exists in other populations.
Abstract
Background: There is a specific polymorphism of the ACAN gene called the variable
number of tandem repeats (VNTR), which is particularly interesting in the light
of the development of intervertebral disc pathology and associated low back pain.
Materials and methods: The nucleus pulposus specimens were harvested from
the L5/S1 intervertebral discs. The aggrecan content was determined using enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, the VNTR polymorphism
in the ACAN gene was evaluated.
Results: The genotyping of VNTR polymorphism in ACAN gene was successful
in 94 tissue samples (48 homozygotes and 46 heterozygotes). The alleles were
divided into four groups, in accordance with the number of tandem repeats in
the ACAN gene. No difference between groups in the mean aggrecan mass nor
in the mean degree of tissue moisture was observed.
Conclusions: No relationship between the ACAN gene VNTR polymorphism and
the aggrecan content was observed in studied Caucasian cadavers. Such a relationship
may be a more complex phenomenon and exists in other populations.
Keywords
aggrecan, intervertebral disc, morphology, risk factor
About this articleTitle
The relationship between the aggrecan VNTR polymorphism and its content in lumbar intervertebral discs
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
269-273
Published online
2022-02-28
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2363
Article views/downloads
804
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2023;82(2):269-273.
Keywords
aggrecan
intervertebral disc
morphology
risk factor
Authors
P. Pękala
D. Felkle
K. Dykas
A. Jarosz
P. Elnazir
T. Konopka
J. A. Walocha
J. Dulinska-Litewka
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