The objective of our study will be to analyze the interplay between particular VDR variants and its ligand in cells obtained from intervertebral disc and cartilage endplate and their action on cell proliferation and phenotype maintenance. The identification of novel molecular targets in the vitamin D pathway, potentially promoting pathological alterations of the tissues involved in spinal disc diseases, will allow to develop innovative and more personalized preventive and pharmacological/nutritional therapies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
15
Alessandra Colombini
Milan, Italy
RECRUITINGPhenotype and genotype characterization
To evaluate structural alterations of the intervertebral disc and of the cartilage endplate in patients with spinal disc diseases related to functional FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene.
Time frame: 1 year
Disc cell functional response genotype-based
To characterize cells obtained from different disc tissues (nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, cartilage endplate) and to evaluate their VDR FokI genotype-related response to vitamin D treatment, regulating the cell proliferation and phenotype.
Time frame: 2 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.