Expressions of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 in the degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc

Objective:To observe the expressions of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) in the nucleus pulposus cells and the fibrous ring cells of degenerated intervertebral disc. Method:Immunohistochemistry assay were used to detect the expressions of TIMP-2 in nucleus pulposus cells and fibrous ring cells in 40 patients with lumbar disc protrusion. Thirty cases with lumbar disc protrusion were recruited in experimental group and ten cases with lumbar fracture by trauma were in control group. Result:The expressions of TIMP-2 in nucleus pulposus and fiber rings was more in experimental group than control group(P0.01); and the expressions in nucleus pulposus were superior to that in fiber rings,There were significant differences in TIMP-2 expression levels between the sequestration and transligamentous extrusion,between the extrusion and protrusion, between the control group and protrusion(P0.01). Conclusion:The expressions of TIMP-2 in the disc nucleus pulposus and fiber ring cells were positively correlated with disc degeneration;TIMP-2 might participate in the degeneration of human intervertebral discs and coordinate each other. They were very important in the degeneration of cartilage in disc degeneration.