Hormones and growth factors in the pathogenesis of spinal ligament ossification.
Ossification of the spinal ligaments (OSL) is a pathologic condition that causes ectopic bone formation and subsequently results in various degrees of neurological deficit, but the etiology of OSL remains almost unknown. Some systemic hormones, such as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin and leptin, and local growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), have been studied and are thought to be involved in the initiation and development of OSL. This review article summarizes these studies, delineates the possible mechanisms, and puts forward doubts and new questions. The related findings from studies of genes and target cells in the ligament of OSL are also discussed. Although these findings may be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of OSL, much more research needs to be conducted in order to investigate the nature of OSL.
Li
Hai
H
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
Jiang
Lei-Sheng
LS
Dai
Li-Yang
LY
D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D006728:Hormones; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins