Abstract
To histopathologically evaluate and compare bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) levels in the ligamentum flavum (LF) of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Surgical specimens of the LF in 25 patients who underwent surgery for LDH and 25 patients who underwent surgery for LSS were examined histopathologically. The prevalence and severity of BMP-2, VEGF, and VDR immunoreactivity were evaluated to create histoscores (prevalence × severity), which were compared between groups. The mean BMP-2 histoscore was similar in both groups. In the LSS group, the mean VEGF histoscore was significantly higher and the mean VDR histoscore was significantly lower. Elevated VEGF and decreased VDR levels in the LF in LSS are associated with more intense inflammation and chronic process of the disease. The prominent expression of BMP-2 in the LF in both diseases suggests that BMP-2 might be affected by inflammation regardless of chronic pressure and degeneration.
Published Version (
Free)
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 call