A variation in a certain gene sequence has been identified as a common genetic risk factor for lumbar disk disease, which pains about 5 percent of the population. A study confirms genetic risk factors likely play an important role in this disease that according to an article in the April 11 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Leena Ala-Kokko of the Tulane Center for Gene Therapy and colleagues conducted a study at university hospitals in Finland, focusing on the potential role of collagen IX (a certain type of collagen) gene sequence variations in lumbar disk disease. Collagen is a tough, fibrous protein that is the single most common protein in the body. It is the bodyýs major structural protein, forming an important part of tendons, bones and other connective tissues.

Lumbar disk disease, one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases, can generate sciatic pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve (formed from several lumbar nerves). This pain sometimes extends from the buttock, down the back of the leg to the foot. Lumbar disk disease often results in physical impairment, may require surgery, and contributes significantly to health care costs and work disability.

A number of studies suggest that disk disease ý disk herniation, sciatica and disk degeneration ý may be explained to a large degree by genetic factors. This is supported by findings of a genetic predisposition to early onset sciatica and lumbar disk herniation in some families.

For more information about the Tulane Center for Gene Therapy, go to: www.som. tulane.edu/gene_therapy/