Lack of association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms in MATN1, MTNR1B, TPH1, and IGF1 in a Japanese population

Genetics and pathogenesis of scoliosis

Background

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral spine curvature of at least 10° with vertebral rotation, as seen on a posterior-anterior radiograph, often accompanied by reduced thoracic kyphosis. Scoliosis affects all age groups: idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal disorder in children and adolescents, while adult degenerative scoliosis typically affects individuals over fifty. In the United States, approximately 3 million new cases of scoliosis are diagnosed annually, with a predicted increase in part due to global aging. Despite its prevalence, the etiopathogenesis of scoliosis remains unclear.

Methods

This comprehensive review analyzes the literature on the etiopathogenetic evidence for both idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies on the genetic factors and etiopathogenetic mechanisms of scoliosis development and progression, with the search limited to articles in English.

Results

For idiopathic scoliosis, genetic factors are categorized into three groups: genes associated with susceptibility, disease progression, and both. We identify gene groups related to different biological processes and explore multifaceted pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, including evolutionary adaptations to bipedalism and developmental and homeostatic spinal aberrations. For adult degenerative scoliosis, we segregate genetic and pathogenic evidence into categories of angiogenesis and inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, neural associations, and hormonal influences. Finally, we compare findings in idiopathic scoliosis and adult degenerative scoliosis, discuss current limitations in scoliosis research, propose a new model for scoliosis etiopathogenesis, and highlight promising areas for future studies.

Conclusions

Scoliosis is a complex, multifaceted disease with largely enigmatic origins and mechanisms of progression, keeping it under continuous scientific scrutiny.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are related to adult idiopathic scoliosis.

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is considered one of the most prevalent spinal diseases. Even though the cause of AIS is yet to be determined, family history and sex have shown conclusive associations. Multiple studies have indicated that AIS is more prevalent in families where at least one other first-degree relative is similarly affected, indicating a possible genetic etiology to AIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Articles were collected from 3 different search engines and then processed in 2 stages for final article selection for quantitative analysis. Five different genetic models were represented to show the association between the different SNPs and AIS. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was examined using Fisher exact test, with significance set at P <0.05. The final analysis paper's quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Kappa interrater agreement was calculated to evaluate the agreement between authors.

RESULTS

The final analysis comprised 43 publications, 19412 cases, 22005 controls, and 25 distinct genes. LBX1 rs11190870 T>C and MATN-1 SNPs were associated with an increased risk of AIS in one or all of the 5 genetic models. IGF-1 , estrogen receptor alfa, and MTNR1B , SNPs were not associated with AIS in all 5 genetic models. Newcastle Ottawa Scale showed good quality for the selected articles. Cohen k = 0.741 and Kappa interrater agreement of 84% showed that the writers were in strong agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

There seem to be associations between AIS and genetic SNP. Further larger studies should be conducted to validate the results.

Epigenetic and Genetic Factors Related to Curve Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Current Literature

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive deformity of the spine. Scoliotic curves progress until skeletal maturity leading, in rare cases, to a severe deformity. While the Cobb angle is a straightforward tool in initial curve magnitude measurement, assessing the risk of curve progression at the time of diagnosis may be more challenging. Epigenetic and genetic markers are potential prognostic tools to predict curve progression. The aim of this study is to review the available literature regarding the epigenetic and genetic factors associated with the risk of AIS curve progression. This review was carried out in accordance with Preferential Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was carried out in January 2022. Only peer-reviewed articles were considered for inclusion. Forty studies were included; fifteen genes were reported as having SNPs with significant association with progressive AIS, but none showed sufficient power to sustain clinical applications. In contrast, nine studies reporting epigenetic modifications showed promising results in terms of reliable markers. Prognostic testing for AIS has the potential to significantly modify disease management. Most recent evidence suggests epigenetics as a more promising field for the identification of factors associated with AIS progression, offering a rationale for further investigation in this field.

Predictive value of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in curve progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

Genetic diagnosis is a promising approach because several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) progression have been reported. We review the predictive value of SNPs in curve progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODS

We reviewed DNA-based prognostic testing to predict curve progression. Then, the multiple polymorphisms in loci related to AIS progression were also reviewed, and we elucidated the predictive value of SNPs from four functional perspectives, including endocrine metabolism, neuromuscular system, cartilage and extracellular matrix, enzymes, and cytokines.

RESULTS

The ScoliScores were less successful predictors than expected, and the weak power of predictive SNPs might account for its failure. Susceptibility loci in ESR1, ESR2, GPER, and IGF1, which related to endocrine metabolism, have been reported to predict AIS progression. Neuromuscular imbalance might be a potential mechanism of scoliosis, and SNPs in LBX1, NTF3, and SOCS3 have been reported to predict the curve progression of AIS. Susceptibility loci in SOX9, MATN1, AJAP1, MMP9, and TIMP2, which are related to cartilage and extracellular matrix, are also potentially related to AIS progression. Enzymes and cytokines play essential roles in regulating bone metabolism and embryonic development. SNPs in BNC2, SLC39A8, TGFB1, IL-6, IL-17RC, and CHD7 were suggested as predictive loci for AIS curve progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Many promising SNPs have been identified to predict the curve progression of AIS. However, conflicting results from replication studies and different ethnic groups hamper their reliability. Convincing SNPs from multiethnic populations and functional verification are needed.

A Functional SNP in the Promoter of LBX1 Is Associated With the Development of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Through Involvement in the Myogenesis of Paraspinal Muscles

Previous studies have shown that LBX1 is associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in multiple populations. For the first time, rs1322330 located in the putative promoter region of LBX1 was found significantly associated with AIS in the Chinese population [p = 6.08 × 10^–14, odds ratio (OR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval of 1.03–1.55]. Moreover, the luciferase assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay supported that the allele A of rs1322330 could down-regulate the expression of LBX1 in the paraspinal muscles of AIS. In addition, silencing LBX1 in the myosatellite cells resulted in significantly inhibited cell viability and myotube formation, which supported an essential role of LBX1 in muscle development of AIS. To summarize, rs1322330 may be a novel functional SNP regulating the expression of LBX1, which was involved in the etiology of AIS possibly via regulation of myogenesis in the paraspinal muscles.

Idiopathic scoliosis: general characteristics and analysis of etiological theories (literature review)

Idiopathic scoliosis is a severe pathology of the musculoskeletal system that affects children and adolescents all over the world. The disease occurs in approximately 0.2-0.6% of the general population, and is the largest subgroup of spinal curvature in humans (70-90% of all known scoliosis cases). In idiopathic scoliosis, a threedimensional deformation of the vertebral column is formed, leading to the formation of a rib hump, curvature of the ribs and chest, asymmetry of the pelvis and impaired development of internal organs. The main feature of the disease is the spontaneous development of deformity during the growth of the child and the tendency to progress. Scoliosis is not only an orthopedic disease, but also a ignificant cosmetic, and, consequently, a psychological and social problem. The standard of treatment for scoliotic disease remains unchanged for a long time: observation, corset treatment and surgical correction. The prognosis for the development of pathology varies depending on the degree of deformation. The corset-therapy, hospitalization, surgery and treatment of chronic back pain have a negative impact on the psychoemotional state of children and adolescents. Despite significant advances in the methods of diagnosis of deformity, improvement of surgical treatment methods and in the study of pathogenesis, the etiological factor of pathology is still unknown. The search for the causes of idiopathic scoliosis covers almost all aspects of its possible origin: genetic, environmental, hormonal, metabolic, biochemical, neurological, and others. In recent decades, relevant theories of the development of scoliosis have been formulated, but none of the theories reveals the essence of the pathological process and has no clear justification. The greatest number of supporters is the genetic theory: genetic factors play a key role in the occurrence and development of idiopathic scoliosis. Understanding the underlying factors of the disease will enable prevention, early diagnosis, and identification of the risk groups of the patients in question.

Association study of single nucleotide polymorphism in tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common spinal deformity among children and adolescents worldwide with its etiology uncertain. Over a decade, a single nucleotide polymorphism rs10488682 in tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene has been investigated in several association studies. We perform this study to summarize the current evidence of TPH1 rs10488682 polymorphisms and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

Six databases were systematically searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang database. Eligible case-control studies related to TPH1 and AIS were selected. Reference lists of them were reviewed for more available studies. Two authors independently screened and evaluated the literature and extracted data. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived in association tests. Subgroup analysis was conducted by ethnicity. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the stability of the overall results.

RESULTS

A total of 1006 cases and 1557 controls in 3 independent studies were included for meta-analysis. Statistical significance was discovered in heterozygote model (AT vs AA: OR = 1.741, 95%Cl = 1.100-2.753, P = .018 < .05, I2 = 0%), recessive model (AA vs AT + TT: OR = 0.640, 95%Cl = 0.414-0.990, P = .045 < .05, I2 = 0%) and over-dominant model (AT vs AA + TT: OR = 1.366, 95%Cl = 1.115-1.673, P = .003 < .05, I2 = 84.7%) in overall populations. Similar associations were also found in the Caucasian population. No significant associations were found in other genotypic comparisons and allelic comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Statistically significant correlations were discovered between the TPH1 rs10488682 polymorphisms and AIS. Heterozygous AT genotype seems to be risky with an over-dominant effect. Ethnicity appears to modify the disease association.

REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

A Novel Coding Variant in SLC39A8 Is Associated With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Chinese Han Population

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic case-control association study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of SLC39A8 with the susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Chinese Han population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A recent exome-wide association study identified a missense variant rs13107325 in SLC39A8 that was associated with AIS. However, there was a lack of study validating the association of this novel mutation with AIS in other populations.

METHODS

The variant rs13107325 was genotyped in 965 AIS patients and 976 healthy controls by allelic specific multiple ligase detection reactions. Variants located in the coding region of SLC39A8 were identified by exon sequencing for 192 AIS patients and 192 controls. Paraspinal muscles from 36 AIS patients and 36 age-matched congenital scoliosis patients were collected for the gene expression analysis. Comparison between the cases and controls was performed with the χ test for genotyping data or with Student t test for gene expression analysis.

RESULTS

For the missense variant rs13107325, there was no case of mutation detected in the patients or the controls. All the subjects had homozygous genotype CC. Exon sequencing revealed that a coding variant rs11097773 of SLC39A8 had a significantly different distribution of minor allele frequency between patients and controls (7.81% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.002). The mRNA expression of SLC39A8 in the patients was remarkably lower than that in the controls (0.0015 ± 0.00026 vs. 0.0021 ± 0.00033, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The association of previously reported novel mutation (rs13107325 in SLC39A8) with AIS was not replicated in the Chinese population. Interestingly, a novel coding variant rs11097773 of SLC39A8 is found significantly associated with AIS. Moreover, the expression of SLC39A8 was obviously decreased in AIS patients. Further study is warranted to clarify the functional role of rs11097773 in the development of AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Genetic Variants of ABO and SOX6 are Associated With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Chinese Han Population

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether variants of ABO, SOX6, and CDH13 are associated with the susceptibility of AIS in Chinese Han population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A recent large-scale genome-wide association study reported three novel loci in CDH13, ABO, and SOX6 genes associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Japanese population. However, the association of these three genes with AIS in other populations remains obscure.

METHODS

The SNPs rs4513093, rs687621, and rs1455114 were genotyped in 1208 female patients and 2498 healthy controls. Samples for the expression analysis in paraspinal muscles were collected from 49 AIS and 33 congenital scoliosis (CS) patients during surgical interventions. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the difference regarding genotype and allele frequency between cases and controls. Tissue expressions of ABO, CDH13, and SOX6 were compared between AIS and CS patients by the Student t test.

RESULTS

SNPs rs4513093 of CDH13 and rs687621 of ABO were found to be significantly associated with AIS with an odds ratio of 0.8691 and 1.203, respectively. There was no significant association of rs1455114 with AIS. Moreover, AIS patients were found to have significantly increased expression of ABO. As for expression of CDH13 and SOX6, no remarkable difference was found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The association of CDH13 and ABO variants with AIS was successfully replicated in the Chinese Han population. More studies are warranted to explore the functional role of ABO in the development of AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Replication Study for the Association of GWAS-associated Loci With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Susceptibility and Curve Progression in a Chinese Population

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association (replication) study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to replicate and further evaluate the association among seven genome-wide association studies (GWAS)-identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Chinese girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with disease onset, curve types, and progression.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

AIS is the most common pediatric spinal deformity with a strong genetic predisposition. Recent GWAS identified 10 new disease predisposition loci for AIS.

METHODS

Three hundred nineteen female AIS patients with Cobb angle ≥ 10 and 201 healthy controls were studied for the association with disease onset. Seven GWAS-identified SNPs (rs11190870 in LBX1, rs12946942 in SOX9/KCNJ2, rs13398147 in PAX3/EPH4, rs241215 in AJAP1, rs3904778 in BNC2, rs6570507 in GPR126, and rs678741 in LBX1-AS1) were analyzed. In subgroup analysis, AIS patients were subdivided by curve types and disease progression to examine for genotype association.

RESULTS

We replicated the association with disease onset in four common SNPs rs11190870, rs3904778, rs6570507, and rs678741. In addition, rs1190870 and rs678741 remained significantly associated in the right thoracic curves only subgroup. However, no significant difference was observed with both clinical curve progression or Cobb angle.

CONCLUSION

This study replicated the associations of four GWAS-associated SNPs with occurrence of AIS in our Chinese population. However, none of these SNPs was associated with curve severity and progression. The results suggest that curve progression may be determined by environmental (nongenetic) factor, but further study with a larger sample size is required to address this issue.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Investigating Role of IRX Family in Development of Female Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Which One Is Real Cause?

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that several variants located around the IRX family may have functional roles in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, there was lack of knowledge concerning the target gene of the region on 5p13.3 and the role of IRX genes in the etiology of AIS. This study aimed to validate the relationship between the IRX family and AIS in a large-scale general population and to further investigate the target gene of the region, which was associated with AIS.

METHODS

SNP rs12517904 and rs117273909 were genotyped in 1323 patients and 1670 age-matched healthy controls. Paraspinal muscle was collected from 70 AIS patients and 20 congenital scoliosis patients. Student's t-test was used to compare the IRX1 expression between AIS patients and controls. The 1-way analysis of variance test was used to compare the expression of the IRX genes among different genotypes.

RESULTS

For rs12517904, patients were found to have a significantly higher frequency of allele T than the controls (37.6% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.02). Allele T can significantly add to the risk of AIS with an odds ratio of 1.14. AIS patients were found to have significantly lower IRX1 expression than the controls. Patients with genotype TT were found to have significantly lower IRX1 expression than those with genotype GG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our large-scale case control study validated that the IRX1 gene could be the disease-associated gene of AIS. The variant rs12517904 of the IRX1 gene is functionally associated with the development of AIS in the Chinese population. The role of IRX1 in the onset of AIS is worthy of further investigation.

New Evidence Supporting the Role of FBN1 in the Development of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether common variants of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) and fibrillin-2 (FBN2) are associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to further investigate to further investigate the functional role of FBN1 in the onset and progression of AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have identified several rare variants in FBN1 and FBN2 that were associated with AIS. There is, however, a lack of knowledge concerning the association between common variants of FBN1 and FBN2 and AIS.

METHODS

Common variants covering FBN1 and FBN2 were genotyped in 952 patients with AIS and 1499 controls. Paraspinal muscles were collected from 66 patients with AIS and 18 patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) during surgical interventions. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between patients and controls were calculated using Chi-square test. The Student t test was used to compare the expression of FBN1 and FBN2 between patients with AIS and LDH. One-way analysis of variance test was used to compare the gene expression among different genotypes of the significantly associated variant. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between FBN1 expression and the curve severity.

RESULTS

The common variant rs12916536 of FBN1 was significantly associated with AIS. Patients were found to have significantly lower frequency of allele A than the controls (0.397 vs. 0.450, P = 1.10 × 10) with an odds ratio of 0.81. Moreover, patients with AIS were found to have significantly lower FBN1 expression than patients with LDH (0.00033 ± 0.00015 vs. 0.00054 ± 0.00031, P = 1.70 × 10). The expression level of FBN1 was remarkably correlated with the curve severity (r = -0.352, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference of FBN1 expression among different genotypes of rs12916536.

CONCLUSION

Common variant of FBN1 is significantly associated with the susceptibility of AIS. Moreover, the decreased expression of FBN1 is significantly correlated with the curve severity of AIS. The functional role of FBN in AIS is worthy of further investigation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Rare variant of HSPG2 is not involved in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: evidence from a large-scale replication study

BACKGROUND

Rare variants of HSPG2 have recently been reported to function as a potential contributor to the susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the Caucasians. A replication study in the different population is warranted to validate the role of HSPG2 in AIS. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HSPG2 and AIS in the Chinese patients and to further investigate its influence on the phenotype of the patients.

METHODS

SNVs p.Asn786Ser of HSPG2 was genotyped in 1752 patients and 1584 normal controls using multiple ligase detection reactions. The mRNA expression of HSPG2 in the paraspinal muscles was quantified for 90 patients and 26 controls. The The Student's t test was used to analyze the inter-group comparison of the HSPG2 expression. The relationship between the HSPG2 expression and the curve magnitude of the patients was analyzed by the Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

No case of mutation in the reported SNV p.Asn786Ser of HSPG2 was found in our cohort. The mRNA expression of HSPG2 in patients was comparable with that in the controls (0.0016 ± 0.0013 vs. 0.0019 ± 0.0012, p = 0.29). 42 patients with curve magnitude > 60 degrees were assigned to the severe curve group. The other 58 patients were assigned to the moderate curve group. These two groups were found to have comparable HSPG2 expression (0.0015 ± 0.0011 vs. 0.0017 ± 0.0014, p = 0.57). And there was no remarkable correlation between the expression level of HSPG2 and the curve severity (r = 0.131, p = 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

HSPG2 gene was not associated with the susceptibility or the phenotypes of AIS in the Chinese population. The whole HSPG2 gene can be sequenced in more AIS patients to identify potentially causative mutations.

Common Variant of POC5 Is Associated With the Susceptibility of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the relationship between POC5 and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the Chinese patients and to further investigate the functional role of POC5.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Three rare functional variants in the POC5 were recently reported to be strongly associated with the disease in a large family with multiple members affected with idiopathic scoliosis. To our knowledge, the association between the mutations of POC5 and AIS remains undetermined in the Chinese population.

METHODS

Single nucleotide variants c.1336G>A, c.1286C>T, and c.1363G>C of POC5 were genotyped in 2432 patients with AIS and 2292 healthy controls using multiple ligase detection reactions. Common variants covering POC5 gene were genotyped in 1446 patients and 2080 controls. The mRNA expression of POC5 was determined in the paraspinal muscles collected from 98 patients and 28 controls. The Student t test was used to compare mRNA expression level between the patients and the controls. In addition, the POC5 expression was compared among different genotypes of the remarkably associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with analysis of variance test.

RESULTS

There was no case of mutation for the three reported variants of POC5. SNP rs6892146 was observed to have significantly different distribution of minor allele frequency in the two group (0.485 vs. 0.446, P = 0.004). The mRNA expression of POC5 was 1.5-fold higher in patients than in the controls (0.00012 ± 0.00009 vs. 0.00008 ± 0.00006, P = 0.02). Patients with genotype GG have a significantly increased expression of POC5 than those with CC (0.00014 ± 0.00007 vs. 0.00009 ± 0.00007, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Common variant rs6892146 of POC5 is associated with the development of AIS in the Chinese population. Targeted regional sequencing of POC5 may help identify novel mutations associated with AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

A Replication Study for the Association of rs11190870 With Curve Severity in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Japanese

STUDY DESIGN

Case-only study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to confirm the association of rs11190870 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) severity in Japanese patients with AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although the association of rs11190870 with AIS susceptibility is replicated in multiple ethnics, the association of rs11190870 with curve severity is controversial. Since the previous studies are of small, we performed a replication study using far larger number of patients than previous studies.

METHODS

A total of 1860 Japanese patients with AIS who had reached skeletal maturity or undergone surgical fusion were included in the study. We evaluated the association between rs11190870 and AIS progression for the entire group, and then for patients grouped according to a severe curve (a Cobb angle of ≥40°) or mild curve (a Cobb angle <30°). Because braces could affect the results of the present study, patients in the mild-curve group were divided according to whether or not they had worn a brace. We then evaluated associations between rs11190870 genotype and curve severity in these groups.

RESULTS

The mean Cobb angles were 54.8° ± 12.1° in the severe-curve group and 24.4° ± 4.0° in the mild-curve group. The difference in rs11190870 risk-allele frequency between the severe- and mild-curve groups was evaluated. No significant differences were observed. We then examined the association of rs11190870 risk-allele frequency between patients in the mild- and severe-curve groups using the χ test for three models, and found a marginal association between rs11190870 and curve severity in the dominant model (P = 0.035, odds ratio = 1.51).

CONCLUSION

We found no association between rs11190870 and curve severity using the criteria of previous study. However, we found a marginal association between rs11190870 and curve severity. Large-scale replication studies that consider skeletal maturity and brace history, including replication studies in other ethnic groups, would be helpful for clarifying the association.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

VANGL1 Is Not Associated With the Susceptibility of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Chinese Population

STUDY DESIGN

A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To replicate the association between the VANGL1 gene and the susceptibility of AIS in the Chinese population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The mutations of VANGL1 gene were recently reported to be associated with AIS in the Danish population. However, there is a lack of replication in other populations. Further analysis of the functional role of VANGL1 in AIS was warranted.

METHODS

A total of 1481 female AIS patients and 1372 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. single nucleotide variant (SNV)s c.407T > A and c.1318T > G were genotyped using allelic-specific multiple ligase detection reactions. single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)s covering VANGL1 gene were selected using Haploview (v2.6). The associations between theses SNPs and AIS were investigated through Cochran-Armitage trend test by PLINK (v1.90). Relative mRNA expression of VANGL1 in the paraspinal muscles was analyzed for 30 patients and 24 age-matched controls. The difference of mRNA expression level between the two groups was analyzed with the Student t test.

RESULTS

There was no case of mutation for all the subjects. A total of 22 SNPs covering VANGL1 were analyzed. All the SNPs were found to have comparable distribution of genotype and allele frequency in the cases and the controls. Moreover, there was no significant difference regarding the mRNA expression of VANGL1 in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

VANGL1 gene is not associated with AIS in the Chinese population. Replication studies in other ethnic groups are warranted to further clarify the role of the VANGL1 gene in AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Genetic Variant of PAX1 Gene Is Functionally Associated With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Chinese Population

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between PAX1 gene and the susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the Chinese population and to further determine the functional variant regulating PAX1 expression in patients with AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

In a previous study an enhancer locus of PAX1 was reported to be associated with the development of AIS in the Caucasian and the Japanese population. However, there is a paucity of knowledge concerning the functional role of PAX1 in the Chinese AIS population.

METHODS

The single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs6137473 and rs169311 were genotyped in 2914 patients and 3924 controls. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between patients and controls were calculated using chi-square test. Paraspinal muscles were collected from 84 patients with AIS. The one-way analysis of variance test was used to compare the mRNA expression of PAX1 among different genotypes.

RESULTS

Both rs6137473 and rs169311 were significantly associated with the susceptibility of AIS. Allele G of rs6137473 and allele A of rs169311 can significantly add to the risk of AIS with an odds ratio of 1.17 and 1.22, respectively. Moreover, there was significant difference regarding the expression of the PAX1 between the concave side and convex side of the patients. Patients with genotype AA of rs169311 had significantly decreased expression of PAX1 than those with genotype CC. As for rs6137473, no remarkable difference of PAX1 expression was found among the three genotypes.

CONCLUSION

The association between PAX1 and the susceptibility of AIS was successfully replicated in the Chinese population. Moreover, rs169311 could be a functional variant regulating the expression of PAX1 in the paraspinal muscles of AIS. Further functional analysis is warranted for a comprehensive knowledge on the contribution of this variant to the development of AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Genetic Variant of GPR126 Gene is Functionally Associated With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Chinese Population

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association study of GPR126 gene with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether rs9403380, rs6570507, and rs7774095 of GPR126 gene are susceptible locus of AIS and to further determine the functional variants regulating gene expression in tissues of AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have identified several new susceptibility locus for AIS in GPR126 gene. No studies have, however, investigated GPR126 expression in tissues of AIS, and the regulatory role of susceptible variants in the gene expression remains obscure.

METHODS

Rs9403380, rs6570507, and rs7774095 were genotyped in 1956 patients with AIS and 2094 controls. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between patients and controls were calculated using chi-square test. Paravertebral muscles were collected from 67 patients with AIS, 20 patients with congenital scoliosis, and 20 patients with lumbar disc herniation. Vertebral bones were obtained in eight patients with AIS and five patients with lumbar disc herniation. Patients with AIS were classified into three groups according to the genotypes of each single-nucleotide polymorphism, and one-way analysis of variance test was used to compare GPR126 expression among different groups and genotypes.

RESULTS

All the three single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found significantly associated with AIS. Allele C of rs9403380, allele G of rs6570507, and allele A of rs7774095 can significantly add to the risk of AIS with an odds ratio of 1.17, 1.16, and 1.15, respectively. Patients with AIS were found to have significantly higher GPR126 expression than controls. Moreover, there was significant difference between the expression of the GPR126 in the concave side and convex side of the patients with AIS. Patients with rs9403380 genotype CC have a significantly increased expression of GPR126 than those with TT.

CONCLUSION

Rs9403380 could be a functional variant regulating the expression of GPR126 in the paraspinal muscles of AIS, which may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Lack of association between AKAP2 and the susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the Chinese population

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a well characterized spinal deformity that affects millions of children world-wide. The role of genetic factor in the development of AIS has been of great interest, since obvious hereditary trend has been observed in AIS families. In a recent study of Chinese population, a novel mutation of AKAP2 was observed in a family with AIS, which was believed to play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of AIS. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether genetic variants of AKAP2 are associated with the susceptibility of AIS in Chinese population.

Methods

SNV c.2645A > C of AKAP2 was genotyped in 1254 AIS patients and 1232 normal controls using allelic-specific multiple ligase detection reactions. SNPs located within 5′ untranslated regions (UTR) and 3′ UTR of AKAP2 gene were selected using Haploview (v2.6). The GWAS database composed of 961 AIS patients and 1499 controls was referred to for the genotyping information. Relative mRNA expression of AKAP2 in peripheral blood was analyzed for 33 patients and 18 age-matched controls. Comparison between the cases and controls were performed using the Student’s t test. PLINK (v1.90) was used to calculate the association of each SNP with the disease by Cochran-Armitage trend test.

Results

All the patients and the controls presented a genotype of AA in c.2645A > C of AKAP2, and there was no case of mutation in any subject. A total of 116 SNPs covering AKAP2 were analyzed, and none of these SNPs was found to have significantly different allele frequency between the cases and the controls. The mRNA expression of AKAP2 in patients was comparable with that in the controls (1.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7, p = 0.66).

Conclusions

Our large-scale replication study of the variants in AKAP2 gene did not support its association with the susceptibility of AIS in the Chinese population. In future study, functional studies of the previously reported rare variant are warranted to clarify whether the variant can regulate the expression of AKAP2. The whole AKAP2 gene can be sequenced in larger AIS cohorts to identify potentially missing mutations.

Association Study between Promoter Polymorphism of TPH1 and Progression of Idiopathic Scoliosis

The concept of disease-modifier genes as an element of genetic heterogeneity has been widely accepted and reported. The aim of the current study is to investigate the association between the promoter polymorphism TPH1 (rs10488682) and progression of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in Eastern European population sample. A total of 105 patients and 210 healthy gender-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The TPH1 promoter polymorphism was genotyped by amplification followed by restriction. The statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's Exact Test. The results indicated that the genotypes and alleles of TPH1 (rs10488682) are not correlated with curve severity, curve pattern, or bracing. Therefore, the examined polymorphic variant could not be considered as a genetic factor with modifying effect of IS. In conclusion, this case-control study revealed no statistically significant association between TPH1 (rs10488682) and progression of IS in Eastern European population sample. These preliminary results should be replicated in extended population studies including larger sample sizes. The identification of molecular markers for IS could be useful for a more accurate prognosis of the risk for a rapid progression of the curve. That would permit early stage treatment of the patient with the least invasive procedures.

The TGFB1 gene is associated with curve severity but not with the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a replication study in the Chinese population

Background

The transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) gene was recently reported to be a new susceptible gene of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Russian population. This study aimed to replicate the relationship between the TGFB1 gene and the susceptibility of AIS in a Chinese population, and to further describe its association with the curve severity.

Methods

A total of 1251 female AIS patients and 994 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The rs1800469 of TGFB1 gene was genotyped for all participants using the PCR-based Invader assay. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between AIS patients and healthy controls were assessed using the Chi-square test. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean Cobb angles among patients with different genotypes.

Results

There was no significant difference in terms of the genotype and the allele frequency between the patients and the controls. The mean Cobb angle was 34.7 ± 11.9° (range 25–61°). Case-only analysis showed that rs1800469 was significantly associated with the curve severity. Patients with genotype TT had remarkably higher curve magnitude (39.1 ± 12.8°) than those with genotype CT (34.8 ± 11.1°) or CC (32.1 ± 10.6°).

Conclusions

The TGFB1 gene may not be a predisposition gene of AIS in the Chinese population. However, it can play a role in the curve progression of AIS. Replication studies in other ethnic groups are warranted to understand the implication of TGFB1 gene in AIS.

Genome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility loci for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Chinese girls

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural deformity of the spine affecting millions of children. As a complex disease, the genetic aetiology of AIS remains obscure. Here we report the results of a four-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted in a sample of 4,317 AIS patients and 6,016 controls. Overall, we identify three new susceptibility loci at 1p36.32 near AJAP1 (rs241215, Pcombined=2.95 × 10(-9)), 2q36.1 between PAX3 and EPHA4 (rs13398147, Pcombined=7.59 × 10(-13)) and 18q21.33 near BCL-2 (rs4940576, Pcombined=2.22 × 10(-12)). In addition, we refine a previously reported region associated with AIS at 10q24.32 (rs678741, Pcombined=9.68 × 10(-37)), which suggests LBX1AS1, encoding an antisense transcript of LBX1, might be a functional variant of AIS. This is the first GWAS investigating genetic variants associated with AIS in Chinese population, and the findings provide new insight into the multiple aetiological mechanisms of AIS.

Expression Signatures of Long Noncoding RNAs in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Purpose. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the most common pediatric spinal deformity, is considered a complex genetic disease. Causing genes and pathogenesis of AIS are still unclear. This study was designed to identify differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) involving the pathogenesis of AIS. Methods. We first performed comprehensive screening of lncRNA and mRNA in AIS patients and healthy children using Agilent human lncRNA + mRNA Array V3.0 microarray. LncRNAs expression in different AIS patients was further evaluated using quantitative PCR. Results. A total of 139 lncRNAs and 546 mRNAs were differentially expressed between AIS patients and healthy control. GO and Pathway analysis showed that these mRNAs might be involved in bone mineralization, neuromuscular junction, skeletal system morphogenesis, nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism, and regulation of signal pathway. Four lncRNAs (ENST00000440778.1, ENST00000602322.1, ENST00000414894.1, and TCONS_00028768) were differentially expressed between different patients when grouped according to age, height, classification, severity of scoliosis, and Risser grade. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the abnormal expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in AIS, and the expression of some lncRNAs was related to clinical features. This study is helpful for further understanding of lncRNAs in pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of AIS.

Association Study between Idiopathic Scoliosis and Polymorphic Variants of VDR, IGF-1, and AMPD1 Genes

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a complex genetic disorder of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by three-dimensional rotation of the spine with unknown etiology. For the aims of the current study we selected 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms with a low incidence of the polymorphic allele in Bulgarian population, AMPD1 (rs17602729), VDR (rs2228670), and IGF-1 (rs5742612), trying to investigate the association between these genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to and progression of IS. The polymorphic regions of the genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were cleaved with the appropriate restriction enzymes. The statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-squared test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. In conclusion, this case-control study revealed no statistically significant association between the VDR, IGF-1, and AMPD1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to IS or curve severity in Bulgarian patients. Replication case-control studies will be needed to examine the association between these candidate-genes and IS in different populations. The identification of molecular markers for IS could be useful for early detection and prognosis of the risk for a rapid progression of the curve. That would permit early stage treatment of the patient with the least invasive procedures.

A Functional SNP in BNC2 Is Associated with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity. We previously conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and detected two loci associated with AIS. To identify additional loci, we extended our GWAS by increasing the number of cohorts (2,109 affected subjects and 11,140 control subjects in total) and conducting a whole-genome imputation. Through the extended GWAS and replication studies using independent Japanese and Chinese populations, we identified a susceptibility locus on chromosome 9p22.2 (p = 2.46 × 10(-13); odds ratio = 1.21). The most significantly associated SNPs were in intron 3 of BNC2, which encodes a zinc finger transcription factor, basonuclin-2. Expression quantitative trait loci data suggested that the associated SNPs have the potential to regulate the BNC2 transcriptional activity and that the susceptibility alleles increase BNC2 expression. We identified a functional SNP, rs10738445 in BNC2, whose susceptibility allele showed both higher binding to a transcription factor, YY1 (yin and yang 1), and higher BNC2 enhancer activity than the non-susceptibility allele. BNC2 overexpression produced body curvature in developing zebrafish in a gene-dosage-dependent manner. Our results suggest that increased BNC2 expression is implicated in the etiology of AIS.

The polymorphisms of melatonin receptor 1B gene (MTNR1B) (rs4753426 and rs10830963) and susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether MTNR1B rs4753426 and rs10830963 polymorphisms are correlated with AIS. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal deformity, while its etiology remains uncertain. Melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) gene polymorphisms have been found to be significantly associated with AIS risk; however, some of these results are controversial.

METHODS

An systematic online search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library to identify case-control studies investigating the relationship between MTNR1B rs4753426 and rs10830963 polymorphisms and the susceptibility of AIS. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was calculated to assess the associations, and subgroup meta-analyses were performed according to the ethnicity of the study populations.

RESULTS

A total of five studies involving 2395 cases and 3645 controls met the inclusion criteria after assessment by two reviewers. Overall, no significant associations were found between MTNR1B rs4753426 polymorphism and AIS risk (C vs. T: OR = 1.11, 95 % CI 0.94-1.30, P = 0.21; CC vs. TT: OR = 1.15, 95 % CI 0.97-1.36, P = 0.12; CT vs. TT: OR = 1.14, 95 % CI 0.97-1.35, P = 0.10; CC/CT vs. TT: OR = 1.14, 95 % CI 0.98-1.33, P = 0.09; CC vs.

CT/TT

OR = 1.10, 95 % CI 0.84-1.45, P = 0.48), as well as the MTNR1B rs10830963 polymorphism (G vs. C: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.88-1.12, P = 0.91; GG vs. CC: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.74-1.33, P = 0.96; CG vs. CC: OR = 1.00, 95 % CI 0.84-1.18, P = 0.88; GG/CG vs. CC: OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.84-1.17, P = 0.93; GG vs.

CG/CC

OR = 0.99, 95 % CI 0.75-1.30, P = 0.92). When stratified by ethnicity, there were no significant associations between MTNR1B rs4753426 and MTNR1B rs10830963 polymorphisms and AIS risk in either Asian or Caucasian populations.

CONCLUSION

MTNR1B rs4753426 and MTNR1B rs10830963 polymorphisms are not obviously associated with risk of AIS in either Asian populations or Caucasian populations.

Current progress in genetic research of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Previous genetic linkage analysis and candidate gene association analysis have unveiled dozens of variants associated with the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which however can seldom be replicated in different ethnics. Recently, two genome-wide association studies of AIS performed in Japan revealed that ladybird homeobox 1 (LBX1) gene and G protein-coupled receptor 126 (GPR126) gene could play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Since the association between these two genes and AIS were successfully validated in the Caucasian and the Chinese population, LBX1 gene and GPR126 gene were the most reliable genetic variants underling the development of AIS.

Higher levels of melatonin in early stages of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: toward a new scenario

BACKGROUND

The melatonin deficiency hypothesis as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is certainly intriguing. However, the actual role of melatonin remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the potential clinical value of melatonin serum level in the pathogenesis and the prognosis of AIS progression in patients who were treated nonoperatively.

METHODS

Two groups of patients were enrolled. The study group consisted of patients with AIS aged below 14 years who were treated conservatively. In the second group, that is, the control group, age-matched, weight-matched, and height-matched healthy individuals were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from all patients on visit 1 and the serum levels of melatonin were evaluated with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The blood sampling procedure was repeated exactly 1 year later (visit 2).

RESULTS

Forty-two patients formed the study group (with AIS) and 29 served as the control group. The mean serum value of melatonin on visit 1 was 19.32 pg/mL for the AIS group and 12.23 pg/mL for the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.014). One year later, 34 patients from the AIS group and 23 from the control group were reevaluated and the mean serum levels of melatonin were 52.43 and 68.44 pg/mL, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P = 0.235). Statistical analysis of the serum melatonin levels of patients with progressing AIS (>5 degrees of the Cobb angle in 1 y) when compared with patients with stable AIS (P = 0.387) or the control group (P = 0.727) failed to show that the deficiency of melatonin may be associated with the progression of AIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher melatonin levels were observed in conservatively treated patients with AIS, whereas melatonin deficiency was not associated with AIS progression in this study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-case-control study.

Abnormal response of the proliferation and differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes to melatonin in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abnormalities in the melatonin signaling pathway and the involvement of melatonin receptor MT2 have been reported in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Whether these abnormalities were involved in the systemic abnormal skeletal growth in AIS during the peripubertal period remain unknown. In this cross-sectional case-control study, growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs) were cultured from twenty AIS and ten normal control subjects. Although the MT2 receptor was identified in GPCs from both AIS and controls, its mRNA expression was significantly lower in AIS patients than the controls. GPCs were cultured in the presence of either the vehicle or various concentrations of melatonin, with or without the selective MT2 melatonin receptor antagonist 4-P-PDOT (10 µM). Then the cell viability and the mRNA expression of collagen type X (COLX) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed by MTT and qPCR, respectively. In the control GPCs, melatonin at the concentrations of 1, 100 nM and 10 µM significantly reduced the population of viable cells, and the mRNA level of COLX and ALP compared to the vehicle. Similar changes were not observed in the presence of 4-P-PDOT. Further, neither proliferation nor differentiation of GPCs from AIS patients was affected by the melatonin treatment. These findings support the presence of a functional abnormality of the melatonin signaling pathway in AIS GPCs, which might be associated with the abnormal endochondral ossification in AIS patients.

Association Between rs11190870 Polymorphism Near LBX1 and Susceptibility to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in East Asian Population: A Genetic Meta-Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis to collect all the relevant studies to date to further investigate whether or not the rs11190870 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in East Asian population.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether or not the rs11190870 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to AIS in East Asian population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

To date, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs11190870 was identified as the most significant common variant in Japanese females. Three association studies conducted in Chinese Han population from Hong Kong, Yangtze River region, and Southern region of mainland China replicated the association between AIS and rs1190870. However, there is limited published data about the association of rs11190870 with AIS in East Asian population.

METHODS

A systematic search of all relevant studies published through August 2013 was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, and ScienceDirect. Single nucleotide polymorphism of rs11190870 was evaluated. The included studies were assessed in the analysis of the following allele model: T allele versus C allele for the allele-level comparison; (b) TC + TT versus CC for dominant model of T allele; (c) TT versus TC + CC for recessive model of T allele, and (d) TT versus CC for extreme genotype.

RESULTS

Four studies with 8415 total participants (2889 patients with AIS and 5526 controls), who were all East Asian population, were eligible for inclusion. We searched for genotypes T allele versus C allele, TT versus TC + CC, TC + TT versus CC, and TT versus CC in a fixed/random-effects model. The effect summary odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were obtained, which shows significant association between rs11190870 and AIS in East Asian populations (all genetic models P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to sex. The results showed a significant association between rs11190870 and AIS in female (all genetic models, P < 0.001) but not in male (all genetic models, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis demonstrated that the T allele of single nucleotide polymorphism rs11190870 may be a major susceptibility locus in the East Asian population with AIS, especially in female.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.

Ultrastructure of Intervertebral Disc and Vertebra-Disc Junctions Zones as a Link in Etiopathogenesis of Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background Context. There is no general accepted theory on the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis (IS). An important role of the vertebrae endplate physes (VEPh) and intervertebral discs (IVD) in spinal curve progression is acknowledged, but ultrastructural mechanisms are not well understood. Purpose. To analyze the current literature on ultrastructural characteristics of VEPh and IVD in the context of IS etiology. Study Design/Setting. A literature review. Results. There is strong evidence for multifactorial etiology of IS. Early wedging of vertebra bodies is likely due to laterally directed appositional bone growth at the concave side, caused by a combination of increased cell proliferation at the vertebrae endplate and altered mechanical properties of the outer annulus fibrosus of the adjacent IVD. Genetic defects in bending proteins necessary for IVD lamellar organization underlie altered mechanical properties. Asymmetrical ligaments, muscular stretch, and spine instability may also play roles in curve formation. Conclusions. Development of a reliable, cost effective method for identifying patients at high risk for curve progression is needed and could lead to a paradigm shift in treatment options. Unnecessary anxiety, bracing, and radiation could potentially be minimized and high risk patient could receive surgery earlier, rendering better outcomes with fewer fused segments needed to mitigate curve progression.

Lack of association between the CHL1 gene and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis susceptibility in Han Chinese: a case-control study

Background

A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) suggested a strong association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10510181 in the proximity of the gene encoding a cell adhesion molecule with homology to L1CAM (CHL1) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Caucasians. To clarify the role of CHL1 in the etiopathogenesis of AIS, we performed a case-control replication study in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

Five hundred female AIS patients between 10 and 18 years of age, as well as 500 age- and sex-matched controls were included. This study was conducted as a 2-stage case-control analysis: initial screening for the association between AIS and SNPs in and around the CHL1 gene (186 cases and 169 controls) followed by a confirmation test (314 cases and 331 controls). rs10510181 and 4 SNPs (rs2055314, rs331894, rs2272522, and rs2272524) in the CHL1 gene were selected for genotyping.

Results

Putative associations were shown between AIS and rs10510181, rs2055314, and rs2272522 in stage I. However, the associations were not confirmed in stage II. For rs10510181, the genotype frequencies were GG 28.8%, GA 46.2%, and AA 25.0% in AIS patients and GG 29.8%, GA 48.8%, and AA 21.4% in controls. No significant difference was found in genotype distribution between cases and controls (P = 0.39). Similarly, the genotype and allele distribution were comparable between case and control for rs2055314 and rs2272522.

Conclusions

There was no statistical association between polymorphisms of the CHL1 gene and idiopathic scoliosis in a Chinese population.

Understanding the Basis of Genetic Studies: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis as an Example

STUDY DESIGN

A review of the general concepts of genetics studies with specific reference to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

OBJECTIVES

To equip the average spine surgeon with the vocabulary and understanding needed to understand the genetics of scoliosis and the approaches used to identify risk genes.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a multifactorial disease. Increasing evidence from families and monozygotic twins suggests the involvement of genetic factors. An estimation of heritability also indicates a strong influence of genetics on the disease. Increasing focus has been placed on identifying genes and genetic variants associated with AIS.

REVIEW

This is a review of genes and genetic variations, the phenotype definition of AIS in genetics studies, concepts and approaches to identifying associated genes, and the evaluation of results. Different types of genetic variations are present in the genome. These variations may modulate the expression or function of protein products, which in turn alter individuals' susceptibility to disease. Identifying the variants related to AIS requires an objective and clearly defined phenotype, among which the Cobb angle is commonly used. The phenotype helps classify subjects into cases and controls. By selecting candidate genes of growth factors and hormonal receptors, which are speculated to be involved in the mechanism of disease, the variants within these genes were compared between cases and controls to identify any differences. Another approach was to use large families and inspect the co-segregation of variants and phenotypes. Recently, arrays covering the variants of the whole genome were developed and assist in high-throughput screening for associated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic factors have an important role in AIS. Deciphering the genes and genetic variants associated with AIS can improve our understanding of the mechanisms of the disease, as well as assist in designing treatment methods and preventive measures.

Genetic variants in GPR126 are associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common pediatric skeletal disease. We previously reported a locus on chromosome 10q24.31 associated with AIS susceptibility in Japanese using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) consisting of 1,033 cases and 1,473 controls. To identify additional AIS-associated loci, we expanded the study by adding X-chromosome SNPs in the GWAS and increasing the size of the replication cohorts. Through a stepwise association study including 1,819 cases and 25,939 controls, we identified a new susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q24.1 in Japanese (P = 2.25 × 10(-10); odds ratio (OR) = 1.28). The most significantly associated SNP, rs6570507, was in GPR126 (encoding G protein-coupled receptor 126). Its association was replicated in Han Chinese and European-ancestry populations (combined P = 1.27 × 10(-14); OR = 1.27). GPR126 was highly expressed in cartilage, and the knockdown of gpr126 in zebrafish caused delayed ossification of the developing spine. Our results should provide insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of AIS.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 is a novel susceptibility gene for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association study of the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) gene with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Russian population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether common genetic polymorphisms C-509T (rs1800469) and Arg25Pro (rs1800471) of the TGFB1 gene are associated with susceptibility to AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

An importance of growth factors for the pathogenesis of AIS has been demonstrated by the findings of abnormal expression of these proteins in the spine and surrounding tissues in patients with AIS. However, no studies have been performed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of the TGFB1 gene and susceptibility to AIS.

METHODS

A total of 600 unrelated adolescents from Central Russia (Moscow) were recruited in this study, including 300 patients with AIS and 300 age- and sex-matched healthy adolescents. The polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The allele -509T and genotype -509TT of the TGFB1 gene were significantly associated with the increased risk of idiopathic scoliosis in both females and males (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis has revealed a recessive model of the genetic association between polymorphism C-509T of the TGFB1 gene and AIS. Moreover, we found sexual dimorphisms in the relationships of SNP C-509T of the TGFB1 gene with both the age of disease onset and curve severity: the polymorphism was found to determine both an early onset of scoliosis and the severity of curvature in females but not in males (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study, for the first time, highlights the importance of TGFB1 gene for the development and progress of AIS. We hypothesize several mechanisms by which the TGFB1 gene may contribute to spinal deformity in patients with AIS.

A replication study for association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms with curve progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Japanese patients

STUDY DESIGN

A genetic association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported to be associated with curve progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the association of 5 SNPs with curve progression reported in Chinese with AIS are replicated in Japanese patients with AIS.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

AIS is a common spinal deformity and has a strong genetic predisposition. Predicting curve progression is important in clinical practice. The progression of AIS is reported to be associated with a number of genes. Associations with neurotrophin 3, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 have been reported in Han Chinese with AIS; however, there has been no replication study for them.

METHODS

We recruited 2117 patients with AIS with a Cobb angle of 10° or greater of scoliosis curves. They were grouped into progression and nonprogression groups according to their scoliosis curves. Patients whose scoliotic curves were 40° or greater were included in the progression group, and those whose scoliotic curves were less than 30° and had reached skeletal maturation in the nonprogression group. We evaluated the association of 5 SNPs (rs11063714 in neurotrophin 3, rs3808351, rs10269151, and rs4266553 in G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, and rs8179090 in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 with curve progression by comparing risk allele frequencies between the 2 groups and the mean Cobb angle for each genotype.

RESULTS

We evaluated the progression (N = 880) and nonprogression (N = 492) subjects, and their risk allele frequencies were not significantly different. The mean Cobb angle for each genotype also did not have statistical difference. We found no replication of the association on AIS curve progression in any of the SNPs.

CONCLUSION

The associations of the 5 SNPs with progression of AIS curve are not definite. Large-scale association studies based on appropriate criteria for progression would be necessary to identify SNPs associated with the curve progression.

Abnormal Skeletal Growth in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Is Associated with Abnormal Quantitative Expression of Melatonin Receptor, MT2

The defect of the melatonin signaling pathway has been proposed to be one of the key etiopathogenic factors in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A previous report showed that melatonin receptor, MT2, was undetectable in some AIS girls. The present study aimed to investigate whether the abnormal MT2 expression in AIS is quantitative or qualitative. Cultured osteoblasts were obtained from 41 AIS girls and nine normal controls. Semi-quantification of protein expression by Western blot and mRNA expression by TaqMan real-time PCR for both MT1 and MT2 were performed. Anthropometric parameters were also compared and correlated with the protein expression and mRNA expression of the receptors. The results showed significantly lower protein and mRNA expression of MT2 in AIS girls compared with that in normal controls (p = 0.02 and p = 0.019, respectively). No differences were found in the expression of MT1. When dichotomizing the AIS girls according to their MT2 expression, the group with low expression was found to have a significantly longer arm span (p = 0.036). The results of this study showed for the first time a quantitative change of MT2 in AIS that was also correlated with abnormal arm span as part of abnormal systemic skeletal growth.

Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Korea: for personalized treatment

PURPOSE

The incidence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has rapidly increased, and with it, physician consultations and expenditures (about one and a half times) in the last 5 years. Recent etiological studies reveal that AIS is a complex genetic disorder that results from the interaction of multiple gene loci and the environment. For personalized treatment of AIS, a tool that can accurately measure the progression of Cobb's angle would be of great use. Gene analysis utilizing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been developed as a diagnostic tool for use in Caucasians but not Koreans. Therefore, we attempted to reveal AIS-related genes and their relevance in Koreans, exploring the potential use of gene analysis as a diagnostic tool for personalized treatment of AIS therein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 68 Korean AIS and 35 age- and sex-matched, healthy adolescents were enrolled in this study and were examined for 10 candidate scoliosis gene SNPs.

RESULTS

This study revealed that the SNPs of rs2449539 in lysosomal-associated transmembrane protein 4 beta (LAPTM4B) and rs5742612 in upstream and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were associated with both susceptibility to and curve severity in AIS. The results suggested that both LAPTM4B and IGF1 genes were important in AIS predisposition and progression.

CONCLUSION

Thus, on the basis of this study, if more SNPs or candidate genes are studied in a larger population in Korea, personalized treatment of Korean AIS patients might become a possibility.

Association between common variants near LBX1 and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis replicated in the Chinese Han population

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most common spinal deformities found in adolescent populations. Recently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a Japanese population indicated that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs11190870, rs625039 and rs11598564, all located near the LBX1 gene, may be associated with AIS susceptibility [1]. This study suggests a novel AIS predisposition candidate gene and supports the hypothesis that somatosensory functional disorders could contribute to the pathogenesis of AIS. These findings warrant replication in other populations.

Methodology/Principal Findings

First, we conducted a case-control study consisting of 953 Chinese Han individuals from southern China (513 patients and 440 healthy controls), and the three SNPs were all found to be associated with AIS predisposition. The ORs were observed as 1.49 (95% CI 1.23–1.80, P = 5.09E-5), 1.70 (95% CI 1.42–2.04, P = 1.17E-8) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.27–1.83, P = 5.54E-6) for rs625039, rs11190870 and rs11598564, respectively. Second, a case-only study including a subgroup of AIS patients (N = 234) was performed to determine the effects of these variants on the severity of the condition. However, we did not find any association between these variants and the severity of curvature.

Conclusion

This study shows that the genetic variants near the LBX1 gene are associated with AIS susceptibility in Chinese Han population. It successfully replicates the results of the GWAS, which was performed in a Japanese population.

Genetic epidemiology and heritability of AIS: A study of 415 Chinese female patients

Recent familial segregation studies supported a multifactorial genetic model for the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the extent of quantitative genetic effects, such as heritability, have not been fully evaluated. This genetic epidemiology study examined the sibling recurrent risk and heritability of AIS in first-degree relatives of 415 Chinese female patients, which is up to now the largest cohort. They were first diagnosed by community screening program and compared to 203 age-matched normal controls. Out of the total 531 sibs of AIS cases, 94 sibs had scoliosis (sibling recurrence risk = 17.7%). The prevalence of AIS among male and female sibs of an index case were 11.5% (95% CI = 7.5-15.5) and 23.0% (95% CI = 18.1-27.9), respectively. Female sibs of an index case had an increased risk of 8.9-fold (95% CI = 3.2-34.4) for developing AIS. These recurrent risks were significantly higher than the risk in the control group (p < 0.0001). Overall, heritability was estimated to be 87.5 ± 11.1%. The results confirmed the prevailing impression of strong genetic influence on the risk of AIS. Here we provided a large-scale study for the genetic aggregation estimates in an Asian population for the first time. The finding also positioned AIS among other common disease or complex traits with a high heritability.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism in Turkish patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: curve progression is not related with MATN-1, LCT C/T-13910, and VDR BsmI

The role of genetics in the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between AIS and polymorphisms in MATN-1, LCT C/T-13910, and VDR BsmI genes. 53 Turkish adolescents with diagnosed AIS and 54 healthy adult individuals were included in the study. MATN-1, LCT C/T-13910, and VDR BsmI gene mutations were analyzed with real-time PCR. We did not detect a statistically significant difference between AIS and control groups in respect to those three different gene polymorphisms (p < 0.05). We next evaluated the associations of all three SNPs with scoliosis curve severity. There was no significant difference between curve severity and gene polymorphisms (p < 0.05). In terms of gene polymorphisms, AIS patients with a family history of AIS did not significantly differ from AIS patients who did not have history (p < 0.05). AIS might be caused by many different gene mutations, biomechanical mechanisms that have been modified by environmental factors, different biological interactions, modulation of growth, or a synergy of different factors causing abnormal control of growth. However, the existing knowledge is still not enough to explain the etiopathogenesis of AIS.

The genetic epidemiology of idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose

Idiopathic scoliosis is a complex developmental syndrome defined by an abnormal structural curvature of the spine. High treatment costs, chronic pain/discomfort, and the need for monitoring at-risk individuals contribute to the global healthcare burden of this musculoskeletal disease. Although many studies have endeavored to identify underlying genes, little progress has been made in understanding the etiopathogenesis. The objective of this comprehensive review was to summarize genetic associations/linkages with idiopathic scoliosis, as well as explore the strengths and weaknesses of each study, such that it may serve as a guide for the design and interpretation of future genetic studies in scoliosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) Navigator using the search terms “gene and scoliosis”. Linkage or association studies published in English and available full-text were further analyzed as regards results, experimental design, and statistical approach.

Results

We identified and analyzed 50 studies matching our criteria. These consisted of 34 candidate gene studies (6 linkage, 28 association) and 16 genome-wide studies [14 pedigree-based linkage, 2 genome-wide association studies (GWAS)]. Findings involved genes related to connective tissue structure, bone formation/metabolism, melatonin signaling pathways, puberty and growth, and axon guidance pathways. Variability in results between studies suggested ethnic and/or genetic heterogeneity.

Conclusions

The major difficulty in idiopathic scoliosis research is phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Genetic research was overrepresented by underpowered studies. The use of biological endophenotypes, as well as restricted clinical definitions, may help to partition variation and increase the power of studies to detect or confirm an effect.

SNP rs11190870 near LBX1 is associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in southern Chinese

A study was conducted to validate the most significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from a genome-wide association study of Japanese adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients in an independent southern Chinese population. In total, 300 AIS patients fulfilled the clinical criteria and 788 controls with MRI scans of the spine were included in the replication study. We employed case-control analysis to study the association of SNP rs11190870 near LBX1 (ladybird homeobox 1) with AIS in a southern Chinese population. The results suggest that SNP rs11190870 is significantly associated with AIS (P=9.1 × 10(-10); odds ratio=1.85; 95% confidence interval=1.52-2.25). The results of this study confirm that SNP rs11190870 is associated with AIS.