Association of FAS and FAS ligand polymorphisms with the susceptibility and severity of lumbar disc degeneration in Chinese Han population

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.

Keywords::

• polymorphism
• FAS
• FAS ligand
• lumbar disc degeneration