A Case-Control Study of the Fokl Polymorphism of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Bulgarians With Lumbar Disc Herniation

Background: The present study investigates whether vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms play a role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), common cause of low back pain (LBP) and reduced quality life. Specifically, we examined the FokI VDR polymorphism its potential association with lumbar herniation (LDH) patients from Bulgaria. Previous studies have suggested link between mutations IDD. Methods: We investigated connection LDH was by comparing 60 selected (25 to 60) healthy volunteers within same age range. used polymerase chain reaction assess phenotype subjects statistical tests evaluate obtained results were statistically significant. Results: performed genetic analyses reviewed significant differences genotypic frequencies patient group volunteers. frequency F allele is notably higher (80%) compared (52%), while f more among (86.6%) than (100%). Conclusion: This strongly suggests that expression may increase susceptibility developing LDH, having could potentially protective effect. Our shed light on underlying complex mechanisms contributing development LDH.