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Changes in the Expression Profile of Growth-Associated Protein 43 in Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Degenerative spinal stenosis is a common condition associated with structural degeneration and pain, yet its molecular underpinnings remain incompletely understood. Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), a key player in neuronal plasticity and regeneration, may serve as a biomarker for disease progression and pain severity. This study investigates the expression of GAP-43 at the mRNA and protein levels in the ligamentum flavum of affected patients. Methods: Samples were collected from 96 patients with degenerative spinal stenosis and 85 controls. GAP-43 mRNA expression was analyzed using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), while protein levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Pain severity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and associations with lifestyle factors were analyzed. Results: GAP-43 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in the study group compared to the controls (fold change = 0.58 ± 0.12, p < 0.05), with an inverse correlation to VAS pain severity (fold change = 0.76 at VAS 4 vs. 0.36 at VAS 10). Conversely, GAP-43 protein levels were markedly elevated in the study group (5.57 ± 0.21 ng/mL) when compared to controls (0.54 ± 0.87 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Protein levels were also correlated with lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions: GAP-43 shows potential as a biomarker for pain severity and disease progression in degenerative spinal stenosis, in a manner influenced by lifestyle factors. Further research is needed to explore its diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm14041223

Authors: Dawid Sobański, Małgorzata Sobańska, Rafał Staszkiewicz, Damian Strojny, Beniamin Oskar Grabarek

Institutions: WSB University, Akademia Śląska, Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Przemyślu

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137