A group of researchers from the University of Oulu, in Finland, discovered 41 new regions of the genome related to lumbar disc herniationin addition to the 23 regions identified above, and which have the ability to influence the structure of the discs and present inflammatory factors.
These susceptibility genes may explain, for example, in part, the prolongation of pain and clinically observed differences in pain experienced by patients.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communicationalso showed new associations of genes related to the nervous system and nerve function, increasing “understanding of the connection between symptomatic herniated discs and radiating pain.”
They discover many new genes associated with lumbar disc herniation
The researchers also found five new genomic regions associated with the most severe herniated discs that require surgery.
These hereditary risk factors were found based on an analysis of genetic and health data from 829,699 participants, and based on data provided by FinnGen, the Estonian Biobank and the UK Biobank.
The study generated such a wealth of data that physiology specialist Professor Juhani Määttä expressed his hope that “it could be used in the future to develop medical and preventive solutions.”
“This could open up possibilities, for example, in developing pain treatment methods for herniated disc patients who suffer from radiating pain, thus improving their quality of life,” he said.
For his part, the leader of the study, Professor Johannes Kettunen, declared that this progress would have “broader social effects”, such as reducing direct health costs and indirect financial costs, such as loss of income.
What is lumbar disc herniation
It is one of the most common structural changes in the lower back, and it is also the most common cause of sciatica, which causes nerve irritation as a result of the narrowing of the nerve and its inflammation.
This condition is “quite common” in asymptomatic people and its frequency increases with age, causing symptoms in some people except for nerve irritation.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Professor Maria Helminen, Genetic Researcher at the University of Oulu
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Professor Helminen! Thank you for joining us today. Your group’s recent discovery of 41 new regions of the genome related to lumbar disc herniation is quite groundbreaking. Can you elaborate on what these findings mean for our understanding of this condition?
Professor Helminen: Good morning, and thank you for having me! These findings are indeed significant. We’ve expanded the knowledge base beyond the previously identified 23 regions, shedding light on how genetic factors influence the structure of lumbar discs. This helps us understand more than just the mechanics of herniation; it also introduces the role of inflammation and gene interaction in the pain experience associated with the condition.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to hear how genetics can play such a profound role in pain perception. How exactly might these 41 susceptibility genes contribute to the differences in pain experienced by patients with lumbar disc herniation?
Professor Helminen: Great question! These genes can influence how individuals respond to injury and manage inflammation. For instance, some may make the discs more prone to damage, while others might affect how nerve signaling is processed. Thus, the genetic makeup of a person can lead to variations in the severity and duration of pain they experience after a herniation, providing insights into potential personalized treatment approaches.
Time.news Editor: With personalizing treatment in mind, how do you foresee these findings impacting clinical practices in the future? Should patients expect to see genetic testing becoming a standard procedure for those with back pain?
Professor Helminen: I believe we are moving towards more personalized medicine, especially in the realm of chronic pain management. In the future, it’s possible that genetic testing will help identify patients at higher risk of prolonged pain or severe symptoms. This could lead to earlier interventions or tailored rehabilitation programs that consider an individual’s genetic predisposition.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising! Can you tell us more about the clinical implications of the genes associated with the nervous system and nerve function that you also discovered in your recent study?
Professor Helminen: Certainly! The association between lumbar disc herniation and genes related to the nervous system is particularly intriguing. These genes may provide insights into how nerve inflammation or damage can lead to altered pain signaling. Understanding these connections could inform new therapeutic targets, potentially leading to treatments that can more effectively manage nerve-related pain.
Time.news Editor: Considering the complexity of genetics and its relationship with pain, what will be the next steps for your research team? Are there specific areas you plan to explore further?
Professor Helminen: Yes, we have several exciting avenues to pursue. First, we want to investigate the functional implications of these newly identified genes to see how they interact within various biological pathways. We also plan to conduct larger, longitudinal studies to examine how these genetic factors manifest over time in patients with disc herniation. This will help us create a more comprehensive picture of the disease.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s much more to come in this area of research! Before we wrap up, is there any message you’d like to share with our readers who may be affected by lumbar disc herniation?
Professor Helminen: Absolutely! I want to emphasize that while genetics plays a significant role, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like lifestyle, physical activity, and managing stress also contribute to outcomes in lumbar disc herniation. Staying informed and engaged with healthcare providers about pain management is essential. We’ll continue working on the science to improve their options and quality of life!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor Helminen, for sharing your invaluable insights with us today. We look forward to following the advancements in your research!
Professor Helminen: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important findings.
