Anti-cytokine therapy for lumbar spinal disorder.

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K10385
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Orthopaedic surgery
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: Ohtori Seiji 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 教授 (40361430)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 高橋 和久 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 教授 (20179477) ; 山内 かづ代 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 特任講師 (30648069) ; 折田 純久 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 助教 (60638310)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 腰痛 / サイトカイン / 疼痛 / 治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Inflammatory cytokines and aberrant innervation have attracted attention as therapeutic targets for discogenic low back pain (DLBP). Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors are reportedly effective for DLBP. Studies have reported increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, which increase inflammatory cytokines and aberrant innervation, in painful discs in animals and humans. Here, we prospectively investigated the efficacy of a VEGF inhibitor for DLBP. Low back pain at 2, 3 and 4 weeks post-administration significantly decreased after injection of VEGF inhibitor. Serum cytokine levels did not significantly change and no harmful side effects were observed after administration of VEGF. Anti-VEGF therapy is more effective at alleviating DLBP.

Free Research Field

脊椎外科