Genetic analysis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
METHODS
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes in families of patients with known ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) were reviewed.


OBJECTIVE
To clarify how genetic factors relate to the development of OPLL.


BACKGROUND
The association between genetic factors and the development of OPLL is still unknown.


METHODS
The association between HLA haplotypes and OPLL was studied in families of 24 patients with OPLL.


RESULTS
The prevalence of OPLL was higher in the siblings showing a higher share of identical HLA haplotypes: 10 (53%) of 19 with concurrence of two strands, and 5 (24%) of 21 with concurrence of one strand. Of 21 subjects who had no HLA haplotype identical with that in OPLL patients, only one showed evidence of OPLL.


CONCLUSIONS
Genetic factors predispose toward the development of OPLL.
Matsunaga
S
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Japan. shunji@med1.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Yamaguchi
M
M
Hayashi
K
K
Sakou
T
T
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D006239:Haplotypes; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017887:Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D006680:HLA Antigens