The proinflammatory mediator (PIM) levels were assessed in surgically removed samples of herniated cervical intervertebral
discs. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation between the levels of PIMs in disc material
and myelopathy associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation and spondylosis. The role of proinflammatory mediators
in the degeneration of intervertebral disc and the inflammatory effects of disc herniations on radicular pain has been previously
published. However, the possible relationship between PIMs and myelopathy related to cervical disc herniation and spondylosis
has not been investigated before. Thirty-two patients undergoing surgery for cervical disc herniation and spondylosis were
investigated. Surgically obtained disc materials, stored at 70°C, were classified into two groups: cervical disc herniation
alone or with myelopathy. Biochemical preparation and solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (ELISIA) analysis
of the samples were performed to assess the concentration of mediators in the samples. Very similar values of interleukin-6
were found in both groups whereas the concentrations of mediators were significantly higher in myelopathy group. This study
has demonstrated that PIMs are involved in cervical intervertebral disc degeneration with higher concentrations in the samples
associated with myelopathy.
Keywords Proinflammatory mediators - Degenerated cervical intervertebral disc herniation - Myelopathy - Intensity changes on MRI