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Am J Transl Res 2013;5(6):582-585
Review Article
The roles of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of ossifica-
tion of ligamentum flavum
Liang Ren, Hongtao Hu, Xianze Sun, Feng Li, Jimmy Jianheng Zhou, Yuan Min Wang
Department of Orthopaedics, Shijiazhuang No. 3 Hospital, China; Centre for Kidney Research, Children’s
Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
Received August 25, 2013; Accepted September 4, 2013; Epub September 25, 2013; Published September 30,
2013
Abstract: Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum (OLF) is associated with serious neurologic symptoms including
thoracic myelopathy and spinal stenosis. The pathogenesis of thoracic OLF is mainly due to the localized
mechanical stress on the ligament induced enchondral ossification. However, despite numerous
epidemiological and basic science studies, the mechanism of this process remains unclear. Studies have
suggested that inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, seem to play a crucial role in OLF. In this review, we
summarise the mechanistic information on the roles of inflammation cytokines in OLF and discuss about several
therapeutic methods for OLF. Further studies on the role of cytokines in OLF should provide important insights
into the designation of therapeutic strategies in preventing human spinal stenosis caused by OLF.
(AJTR1308007).
Keywords: Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF), cytokine, pathology
Address correspondence to: Dr. Yuan Min Wang, Centre for Kidney Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead,
Sydney, NSW 2145, Sydney, Australia. Tel: (61-2) 98453106; Fax: 98453178; E-mail: yuan.wang@health.nsw.gov.
au; Dr. Liang Ren, Department of Orthopaedics, Shijia-zhuang No. 3 Hospital, China. E-mail:
doctorren1973@163.com
Review Article
The roles of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of ossifica-
tion of ligamentum flavum
Liang Ren, Hongtao Hu, Xianze Sun, Feng Li, Jimmy Jianheng Zhou, Yuan Min Wang
Department of Orthopaedics, Shijiazhuang No. 3 Hospital, China; Centre for Kidney Research, Children’s
Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
Received August 25, 2013; Accepted September 4, 2013; Epub September 25, 2013; Published September 30,
2013
Abstract: Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum (OLF) is associated with serious neurologic symptoms including
thoracic myelopathy and spinal stenosis. The pathogenesis of thoracic OLF is mainly due to the localized
mechanical stress on the ligament induced enchondral ossification. However, despite numerous
epidemiological and basic science studies, the mechanism of this process remains unclear. Studies have
suggested that inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, seem to play a crucial role in OLF. In this review, we
summarise the mechanistic information on the roles of inflammation cytokines in OLF and discuss about several
therapeutic methods for OLF. Further studies on the role of cytokines in OLF should provide important insights
into the designation of therapeutic strategies in preventing human spinal stenosis caused by OLF.
(AJTR1308007).
Keywords: Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF), cytokine, pathology
Address correspondence to: Dr. Yuan Min Wang, Centre for Kidney Research, Children’s Hospital at Westmead,
Sydney, NSW 2145, Sydney, Australia. Tel: (61-2) 98453106; Fax: 98453178; E-mail: yuan.wang@health.nsw.gov.
au; Dr. Liang Ren, Department of Orthopaedics, Shijia-zhuang No. 3 Hospital, China. E-mail:
doctorren1973@163.com
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