German Study Highlights New Mechanism Behind Disc Hardening and Back Pain
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Bristol identified a process in which intervertebral disc tissue mineralizes and hardens, linked to alterations in fat and phosphate metabolism.
The discovery was made using genetically modified zebrafish that lack a functional copy of the col9a1b gene, which encodes a component of collagen IX. These fish developed mineral deposits between vertebrae, causing the discs to stiffen and some vertebrae to fuse.
In the animal model the progression could be slowed with a drug normally used for treating bone diseases, suggesting a possible therapeutic avenue. The scientists caution that while the mechanism mirrors changes seen in human disc degeneration, its relevance to human back pain has not yet been proven.
Separate advice articles also recommend practical measures for people suffering from back, neck and limb pain, such as taking regular breaks, adjusting posture, doing light exercise, and ensuring a suitable sleeping environment.
Entities
Intervertebral disc · University of Bristol · University of Edinburgh · col9a1b gene · zebrafish
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The mineralisation and hardening were observed in genetically modified zebrafish lacking a functional copy of the col9a1b gene. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The gene col9a1b encodes a component of collagen IX, which helps hold tissue fibers together. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] In the zebrafish model the progression of disc hardening could be slowed with a drug used for treating bone diseases. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Bristol discovered that intervertebral disc tissue can mineralize and harden due to changes in fat and phosphate metabolism. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Back pain often originates from intervertebral discs that act as cushions between vertebrae. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de