TGF-β1 related inflammation in the posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) hypertrophy.


METHODS
Cervical PLL specimens were collected from CSM patients during surgery (n = 30) and during routine autopsy (n = 14), and processed for histological examination (HE staining and Masson's Trichrome staining) and IHC (CD3, CD68, CD31, TGF-β1 and collagen II). In addition, the mRNA expression of collagen I was detected in cervical PLL specimens from 16 CSM patients (n = 16) and from routine autopsy (n = 16) by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Obvious fibrosis, cartilage metaplasia and calcification were found in the cervical PLL of CSM patients. In the degenerated PLL, CD68(+) macrophages were frequently identified, CD3(+) T lymphocytes were occasionally found, and many newly generated small vessels were also present. In the degenerated PLL, of the number of TGF-β1 positive cells increased markedly when compared with control group. IHC indicated TGF-β1 was secreted by macrophages. RT-PCR showed a significantly lower mRNA expression of collagen I in the PLL of CSM patients as compared to control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Macrophages are the major type of inflammatory cells involved in the cervical PLL degeneration, and TGF-β1 is related to the cervical PLL degeneration. TGF-β1 is mainly secreted by macrophages. Anti-inflammation may serve as an alternative non-surgical treatment and prophylactic strategy for PLL degeneration.
Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100038, China ; Shandong Medical College Linyi 276000, Shandong, China.
Jia-Zeng
JZ
Wang
Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100038, China.
Xiu-Tong
XT
Fang
Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of The Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University Beijing 100069, China.
E
E
Lv
Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100038, China.
Fang
F
Yu
Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100038, China.
Zhen-Wei
ZW
Wang
Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100038, China.
Hong-Xing
HX
Song
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy; degeneration; inflammation; posterior longitudinal ligament; transforming growth factor beta 1