Abstract
Previous investigations into the relationship between neurotransmitter abnormalities and idiopathic scoliosis have been mixed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in a urinary neurotransmitter profile across three different groups. These groups included a progressive scoliosis group, a non-progressive scoliosis group, and a non-scoliotic control group. When evaluating urinary neurotransmitter levels across all groups, statistically significant differences were observed between all three groups for multiple neurotransmitters. The differences seemed to increase as the scoliosis increased in Cobb angle measurement. Further studies should seek to distinguish a potential cause or effect relationship between these neurotransmitter abnormalities and idiopathic scoliosis onset and/or progression.
Highlights
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a curvature of the spine that exceeds 10 ̊ as measured by Cobb’s angle on radiographic examination [1]
Patient charts were included for study if they met the following inclusion criteria: 1) patient had a history of idiopathic scoliosis, 2) patient completed at least one urinary neurotransmitter test, 3) the patient had been followed through Risser 4
One-way ANOVA testing using each neurotransmitter as the independent variable showed that serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine levels were statistically significantly different among the 3 groups (P < 0.001)
Summary
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a curvature of the spine that exceeds 10 ̊ as measured by Cobb’s angle on radiographic examination [1]. Much of this work was published in the mid-1990s, when Machida et al showed that melatonin deficiency in pinealectomized chickens may cause idiopathic scoliosis [1]. This theory was tested on rats and hamsters in a 1999 study by O’Kelly et al [3]. Additional studies in melatonin signaling dysfunction [9] and abnormal paravertebral melatonin receptor expression [10] support these theories of scoliosis onset as compared to melatonin deficiency
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
