The Differences in Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis and Spinal Stenosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This experimental study hypothesize that rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc over the ability of auto-stabilization by osteophytes bridging to adjacent segments might be the pathomechanism of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).'' An effort to prove this hypothesis was attempted by confirming the differences in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in DLS and pure spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intervertebral disc materials obtained during a discectomy through a posterior approach, were included in this experimental study. Two protruded herniated nucleus pulposus were included for the control group. Eight spinal stenosis and seven DLS were included as experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively. The expression of MMP-3 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting using anti human MMP-3 antibody. RESULTS: In the immunohistochemical stains, sparse staining was noted in the control group. More staining, however, mainly extracelluar, was noted in the discs of DLS compared with those of the spinal stenosis group. In western blotting, greater MMP-3 expression was noted in the discs of DLS (mean optical density: 20.68) than in those of the spinal stenosis group (mean optical density: 6.24) which was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc might be an important factor for the pathogenesis of DLS. MMP-3 could be one of the key enzymes for the rapid degeneration of the intervertebral discs especially in DLS.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis / 대한척추외과학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the differences in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in degenerative scoliosis compared with other degenerative disc disease of the spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intervertebral disc materials were obtained during discectomies. Six, 13 and 12 cases of herniated nucleus pulposus, spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis, respectively, were included in the experimental group. The expression of MMP-3 was evaluated three times that of the means, in the immunohistochemical staining, western blotting using anti human MMP-3 antibody and RT-PCR with MMP-3 primer, respectively. RESULTS: On the immunohistochemical stains, extensive and strong staining was noted in the discs of degenerative lumbar scoliosis compared to those with spinal stenosis and HNP. In the western blotting, greater expression of MMP-3 was noted in the discs of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (mean optical density: 20.68) than in other degenerative disc diseases (SS: 6.24, HNP: 2.0). In the RT-PCR, a similar result was shown (DLS: 62.1, SS: 27.4 and HNP: 10.4). There were statistically significant differences between degenerative lumbar scoliosis and degenerative disc disease (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc might be an important factor in the pathogenesis of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MMP-3 could be a key enzyme for the rapid degeneration of the intervertebral discs, especially in degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

Tumoral Calcinosis of the Foot: MRI & Histologic Findings; Two Cases Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Tumoral calcinosis is rarely encountered disease, and most of reported cases involved large joints such as hip or elbow. We report two patients with tumoral calcinosis in the foot. In the 1st case, the lesion was observed at the 1st MP joint of foot, and in the 2nd case it was found at the DIP joint of 5th toe area with bony erosion which is rare in other tumoral calcinosis. They all needed evaluation with MRI, and eventually surgical excision.