Genetic Polymorphisms Associated With Vertebral Osteochondrosis

Evaluation of Polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Receptor and Involved in Inflammation Associated With Vertebral Osteochondrosis

The present study is proposed for the identification of phenotype, biochemical and genetic markers in adult symptomatic spinal osteochondrosis to promote the early diagnosis of this pathological condition and to establish possible therapeutic targets that favor a conservative approach aimed at treating patients.

The primary outcome is to determine the association between specific phenotypic characteristics of osteochondrosis, in particular linked to osteo-cartilaginous degeneration, with the identified vitamin D receptor genotypes.

The secondary outcomes are to evaluate the circulating levels of the osteo-cartilage degradation markers, of the vitamin D and to evaluate the association of the osteochondrosis phenotype with variants in genes involved in inflammatory processes.

Inclusion criteria

• males and females
• 18≤age ≤ 65 years old
• patients with adult spinal osteochondrosis Exclusion criteria
• age < 18 or > 65 years old
• chronic major diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies