Abstract
Context: Apoptosis is involved in the mechanism of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD).
Objective: We aim to determine whether the polymorphisms of FAS and FASL are associated with the presence and severity of LDD.
Methods: A total of 348 patients with LDD and 215 healthy controls were genotyped.
Results: Patients with LDD showed higher frequency of−1377GA and AA, as well as–844CT and TT genotypes than normal controls. These genotypes were found to be associated with the risk of higher grades of LDD.
Conclusion: The polymorphisms of FAS and FASL may be associated with the presence and severity of LDD.