Pineal gland metabolism in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The scoliosis observed in chickens after pinealectomy resembles that seen in humans with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, suggesting that melatonin deficiency may be responsible. However, to date there have been no studies of pineal gland glucose metabolism in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that might support this hypothesis. We examined the excretion of urinary 6-sulfatoxyl-melatonin as well as the glucose metabolism of the pineal gland in 14 patients with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and compared them with those of 13 gender-matched healthy controls using F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose brain positron emission tomography. There was no significant difference in the level of urinary 6-sulfatoxyl-melatonin or pineal gland metabolism between the study and the control group. We conclude that permanent melatonin deficiency is not a causative factor in the aetiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.     

青少年脊柱侧凸的普查及其与褪黑素的关系

目的：了解海口市青少年儿童脊柱侧凸患病率及发病机制与褪黑素的关系及作用。方法：应用脊柱侧凸二检法(体检、X线照片)，对8198名7～16岁在校学生进行普查筛选，并按年龄段及性别分组并设对照组，放免法进行褪黑素测定与统计学处理。结果：一检阳性242人，阳性率2．95％；复检阳性17人，占0．21％。其中男性患病率为0．20％。女性患病率为0．21％，男女患病率之比为0．95：1。青春前期10岁前年龄段褪黑素含量均低于青春期组及对照组，尤以女性为显，具有高度统计学意义。结论：学校大范围普查是防治AIS的关键环节。血清中褪黑素含量与AIS发病机制有关。     

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Is low melatonin a cause?

BACKGROUND: Although the cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains unclear, pinealectomy is followed by the development of scoliosis in chickens. Melatonin is the only hormone secreted by pineal gland. OBJECTIVE: To assess serum melatonin levels in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Serum melatonin was assayed once, at 12:00 hours, in each of 20 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and 10 age-matched siblings. In the patient group, mean age was 14.3 years and the mean Cobb angle was 54.5 degrees (range, 20 degrees-110 degrees). Mean age in the control group was 14 years. RESULTS: Serum melatonin was significantly lower in the patients (mean, 7.7 pg/mL; range, 4 to 13 pg/mL) than in the controls (mean, 29.9 pg/mL; range, 19.3 to 46 pg/mL) (P < 0.00001). The 12 surgically treated patients had a mean melatonin level of 8.1 pg/mL, versus 7.2 pg/mL in the eight other patients (nonsignificant P and regression coefficient values). Serum melatonin was not significantly correlated with the Cobb's angle (regression coefficient, 0.18; P < 0.44). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that serum melatonin levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.     

Scoliose idiopathique de l'adolescence : la mélatonine est-elle en cause ?

Background. Although the cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains unclear, pinealectomy is followed by the development of scoliosis in chickens. Melatonin is the only hormone secreted by pineal gland. Objective. To assess serum melatonin levels in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods. Serum melatonin was assayed once, at 12:00 AM, in each of 20 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and 10 age-matched siblings. In the patient group, mean age was 14.3 years and the mean Cobb angle was 54.5° (range 20°–110°). Mean age in the control group was 14 years. Results. Serum melatonin was significantly lower in the patients (mean, 7.7 pg/mL; range, 4 to 13 pg/mL) than in the controls (mean, 29.9 pg/mL; range, 19.3 to 46 pg/mL) (P<0.00001). The 12 surgically treated patients had a mean melatonin level of 8.1 pg/ml, versus 7.2 pg/mL in the eight other patients (nonsignificant P and regression coefficient values). Serum melatonin was not significantly correlated with the Cobb's angle (regression coefficient, 0.18; P<0.44). Conclusion. Our data suggest that serum melatonin levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.     

Melatonin and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: The present evidence

IntroductionAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a multifactorial condition with genetic predisposing factors, and several causes have been put forward for its aetiopathogenesis, including possible hormonal dysfunction. Melatonin seems to play significant role in AIS.MethodsA systematic search in different database, to July 2021, was performed to define the role of melatonin in the pathophysiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eight suitable studies were identified.ResultsThe concentration and rhythm of melatonin secretion can play an important role by influencing the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.ConclusionsAlthough there are many alterations of melatonin in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the many variables present do not allow to establish a direct cause–effect relationship.Level of evidenceLevel IV.     

Pineal transplantation after pinealectomy in young chickens has no effect on the development of scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN: Three experimental groups and one control group of chickens underwent different surgical procedures to determine the effects of pineal gland transplantation on the development of scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether transplantation of the pineal gland to the body wall musculature maintains serum melatonin levels at normal values and prevents the development of scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Scoliosis occurs consistently after pinealectomy in young chickens. Many characteristics of this scoliosis are similar to those seen in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It is not clear whether the underlying mechanism is dependent on reduced levels of serum melatonin or some other aspect of the extensive surgery. METHODS: Four groups of chickens were selected: normal chickens, pinealectomized chickens, chickens that underwent simple cutting of the pineal stalk, and chickens that underwent transplantation of the pineal gland into the body wall. Development of scoliosis was determined from measurement of the Cobb angle from weekly radiographs. RESULTS: All of the experimental groups showed the same levels of incidence and the same patterns of scoliosis development. Serum melatonin levels were reduced to nearly zero in all the experimental groups for the duration of the experiment. Scoliosis developed in none of the normal chickens. CONCLUSIONS: Neither transplantation of the pineal gland into the body wall musculature nor simple cutting of the pineal stalk was able to maintain normal levels of serum melatonin because both procedures reduced levels to nearly zero. The incidence and pattern of scoliosis development in these groups were the same as those for the pinealectomized group. Reduction of serum melatonin levels remains a prerequisite for scoliosis development in young chickens.     

Abnormal anthropometric measurements and growth pattern in male adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose  

The progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is closely correlated with longitudinal growth during puberty. A decreased incidence of curve progression has been found in male patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared with female patients with the condition. This finding implies that there might be a sexual dimorphism in the pubertal growth patterns of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. Abnormal pubertal growth in female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients has been well characterized; however, the pubertal growth patterns of male adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients have not been reported. We conducted a cross-sectional study of anthropometric measurements to compare the growth patterns of male patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with those of healthy boys during puberty and explore the difference in the pubertal growth patterns of female and male patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.     

Osteopenia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a histomorphometric study

STUDY DESIGN: Bone biopsies from iliac crest and spinous process of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were obtained intraoperatively for histology and histomorphometric analysis. OBJECTIVES: To study the histologic features of cancellous bone and to correlate the histomorphometric variables with preoperative bone mineral density in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Low bone mineral density has been reported in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, there is limited information about the histopathologic changes. METHODS: Undecalcified and decalcified bone specimens from iliac crest and spinous process of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients obtained intraoperatively were stained with Goldner and hematoxylin & eosin stain, respectively. Results were correlated with bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and proximal femur measured before surgery. RESULTS: Bone histology showed significant less osteocyte count in the trabecular bone characterized with smooth and continuous borders in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Histomorphometry confirmed the lower static parameters. The results correlated well with the decreased bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Bone biopsy study suggested disturbance of bone turnover in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The abnormal metabolism might contribute to the low bone mineral density and play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.     

Persistent osteopenia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A longitudinal follow up study.

STUDY DESIGN: A follow-up study assessing the bone mineral dynamics in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis and associated osteopenia. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether osteopenia in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a transient phenomenon or a persistent problem. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Investigators have suggested a significant correlation of osteopenia with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Because one half of the skeletal mass is acquired during the adolescent years, it is of importance to know whether the osteopenia is transient or persistent. METHODS: Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone mineral density of bilateral proximal femurs was studied longitudinally in 70 healthy control subjects and 14 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with significant osteopenia more than 2 standard deviations below the mean normal value. RESULTS: The 14 girls with osteopenic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who were followed up longitudinally for up to 3 years showed persistent and significantly lower bone mineral density when compared with normal age-, sex- and maturity-matched control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are at increased risk of osteoporosis than are healthy adolescents. The lower rate of increase of bone mineral density in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who have low bone mineral density could predict a significantly lower peak bone mass in adulthood, with all the associated problems of osteoporosis. Further investigation is needed to define whether osteopenia-associated scoliosis has the same cause, pathogenetic mechanism, and risk of progression when compared with adolescent scoliosis without osteopenia.     

选择性置钉钉棒内固定矫治青少年特发性脊柱侧弯

目的 探讨选择性置钉钉棒内固定手术矫正青少年特发性脊柱侧弯的疗效.方法 本组共32例,男13例,女19例,年龄14-23岁.采用选择性经椎弓根置钉、钉棒系统内固定矫治其脊柱侧弯畸形,并术后随访6-24个月.结果 32例脊柱侧弯和后凸畸形基本矫正,胸腰背部疼痛症状消失,躯干外观明显改善,恢复正常学习与工作.结论 选择性置...     

Molekulare und genetische Aspekte der idiopathischen Skoliose

Spinal deformities, and particularly scoliosis, are the most frequent forms of orthopedic deformities in children and adolescents. About 1–6% of the population has scoliosis. This disorder leads to severe spinal deformities and predominantly affects adolescent girls. Although the multifactorial origin of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is broadly recognized, the genetic causes of AIS are still largely unknown. Our previous studies suggested a generalized dysfunction of melatonin transduction (the hormone that is primarily produced in the brain and epiphysis). In the meantime we have demonstrated that such a defect of signal transduction is caused by chemical alterations, which inactivate the function of the inhibitory G protein-coupled melatonin receptors. This discovery has led to the development of the first blood test to detect children without symptoms who are at risk of developing scoliosis. Since a single function (cellular reaction to melatonin) is determined, the unique advantage of this test is that it can be performed without knowledge of mutations in defective genes that could provoke the onset of AIS.     

对青少年特发性脊柱侧弯患者的体感诱发电位检查

本体感觉神经传导异常被认为与青少年特发性脊柱侧弯有关。用体感诱发电位检查在青少年特发性脊柱侧弯患者中是否合并存在本体感觉传导通道的功能异常。研究包括147例青少年特发性脊柱侧弯患者及31位同年龄分布正常对照。对每一位受试者检查胜后神经体感皮质诱发电位，电信号缺失、传导时间延长或双侧传导时间不对称为本体感觉传导通道结构性异常诊断指标。在脊柱侧弯患者中有7人电信号单或双侧缺失，其余140例脊柱侧弯患者中10例传导时间延长，其中4例双侧延长，6例单侧延长。结果证实，部分青少年特发性脊柱侧弯患者同时有本体感觉传导异常，提示青少年特发性脊柱侧弯可进一步分为有本体感觉传导异常及无异常两组。     

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic-hormone secretion following spinal fusion

Ten adolescent and preadolescent patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis or spondylolisthesis were examined for the presence or absence of the postoperative syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic-hormone secretion. For each patient, levels of serum sodium, serum osmolality, urine sodium, urine osmolality, and serum antidiuretic hormone were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. The investigation clearly showed that the syndrome occurred in each patient, with the level of serum antidiuretic hormone being highest within a few hours postoperatively. This resulted in a reduction of urinary output, the reduction being maximum on the day of operation and the output gradually rising to normal over the next three days. This syndrome and its associated low postoperative urinary output is common after spinal fusion and should be treated with restriction of fluids rather than administration of increased amounts of fluid.     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸与褪黑素合成障碍的相关性

目的 探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)与褪黑素合成间的关系.方法 在103例AIS患者和108例埘照(性别和年龄匹配)中,对TPH1基因上的单核甘酸多态性(SNPs)位点进行基因分型筛查,并对筛查结果进行Hardy-Weinberg遗传半衡、单位点分析和连锁不半衡检验及其单倍体分析.结果 7个筛查的SNPs位点中只有3个佗点满足MAF≥5%,在单位点分析中发现m10488682与AIS的发牛相关(P=1e-04),但在单倍体分析中未见阳性位点.结论 TPH1基因是AIS的一个易感基因,它所导致的褪黑素合成障碍可能与AIS的发病相关.     

Prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and abnormalities in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis requiring surgery

The prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in an Asian population has not been reported. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of cardiac abnormalities in these patients. From January 2007 to April 2009, echocardiography and pulmonary function tests were performed in 80 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who required surgical intervention. A thorough analysis of cardiopulmonary functions and cardiac structures was performed. The risk factors, types of cardiac abnormalities, and associations between severity of scoliosis or pulmonary function and cardiac abnormalities were assessed. Cardiac abnormalities were detected by echocardiogram in 25 patients, including 14 with structural abnormalities and 11 with functional abnormalities. The most common functional abnormality was tricuspid regurgitation (9 of 80; 11.3%), whereas atrial septal defect was the most common structural abnormality (7 of 80). Altered hemodynamics occurred in 5 patients, including 3 with ventricular septal defect and 2 with mitral valve dysplasia. Abnormal electrocardiographic findings presented in only 9 of the 25 patients with cardiac abnormalities. No significant associations were found between severity of scoliosis or pulmonary function and cardiac abnormalities. A high incidence of cardiac abnormality exists in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in this region. Although most patients tolerated surgery, some patients were at risk of decompensation postoperatively. Electrocardiography is of limited value for detecting cardiac problems in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, we recommend echocardiography as a routine modality in the preoperative evaluation of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain stem in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains an enigma. Several studies have demonstrated abnormalities of posture, proprioception, and equilibrium control in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. These functions are integrated by structures in and around the brain stem. Twenty-seven patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were studied with magnetic resonance imaging to delineate the anatomy of the brain stem in such patients. Imaging was conducted from the hypothalamus to the spinal cord at C3 in 26 patients; the remaining patient underwent an incomplete study because of a claustrophobic reaction. The study group consisted of 25 females and 2 males with an average age of 16 + 5 years. There were 19 right thoracic curves, 5 thoracolumbar curves, and 3 left lumbar curves. The mean primary curve size was 27 degrees at the most recent clinical evaluation. Seven patients were treated with observation, 14 with bracing, and 6 with surgery. The magnetic resonance imaging studies were read independently by three attending radiologists in a randomized, blinded fashion along with the magnetic resonance imaging studies of 11 controls. Asymmetry in the ventral pons or medulla in the area of the corticospinal tracts was noted in seven study patients and one control; one study patient had an enlarged cisterna magna and one an inconclusive (incomplete) study. These findings may support previous studies that have suggested a central nervous system abnormality as a cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.     

Zinc status in patients with idiopathic scoliosis

The zinc content in m. sacrospinalis, hair, leukocytes of peripheral blood, and in serum was examined in 50 patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated by Harrington instrumentation. A control group included 20 patients treated for spinal column injury. A significant decrease of zinc content in back muscles was observed in patients with scoliosis. The value of zinc in hair, leukocytes, and serum did not differ compared with the control group. Similarly, the potassium and magnesium content in muscle was the same in both groups. These results do not suggest that there is a primary zinc deficiency in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The authors consider the decreased zinc content in back muscle of patients with idiopathic scoliosis to be a secondary disturbance associated with primary deformation of the spinal column.     

Ventral derotation spondylodesis. A review of 22 cases

Twenty-two patients with major lumbar or thoracolumbar curves were treated with Zielke's modification of the Dwyer instrumentation, termed the "ventral derotation spondylodesis (VDS) system. In 16 patients, this was followed by planned second-stage posterior Harrington instrumentation and fusion. Six patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were treated with VDS instrumentation and fusion alone. In neuromuscular and adult idiopathic scoliosis, a combined approach resulted in excellent curve correction and a high rate of successful fusion. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, VDS instrumentation alone resulted in excellent curve correction while permitting a shorter fusion length than conventional posterior Harrington instrumentation.     

Clinical value of routine preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A prospective study of three hundred and twenty-seven patients

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intraspinal pathology associated with scoliosis has been reported to be as high as 26% in some series, and, on the basis of this finding, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is used in the screening of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, this practice continues to be highly controversial. In order to better resolve this issue, we performed what we believe to be the largest prospective study to evaluate the need for preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis requiring arthrodesis of the spine. METHODS: A total of 327 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated between December 1991 and March 1999. All patients in the study presented with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve pattern and had a complete physical and neurologic examination. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and the spinal cord were performed as part of their preoperative work-up. RESULTS: Seven patients had an abnormality noted on magnetic resonance imaging. These abnormalities included a spinal cord syrinx in two patients (0.6%) and an Arnold-Chiari type-I malformation in four (1.2%). One patient had an abnormal fatty infiltration of the tenth thoracic vertebral body. No patient required neurosurgical intervention or additional work-up. All patients who underwent spinal arthrodesis with segmental instrumentation tolerated the surgery without any immediate or delayed neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that magnetic resonance imaging did not detect any important pathology in the large number of patients in this study strongly suggests that magnetic resonance imaging is not indicated prior to arthrodesis of the spine in patients with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve pattern and a normal physical and neurologic examination.     

The role of routine magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative evaluation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The routine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains controversial, and current indications for MRI in idiopathic scoliosis vary from study to study. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the prevalence of neural axis malformations and the clinical relevance of routine MRI studies in the evaluation of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing surgical intervention without any neurological findings. A total of 249 patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis were treated surgically between the years 2002 and 2007. A routine whole spine MRI analysis was performed in all patients. On the preoperative clinical examination, all patients were neurologically intact. There were 20 (8%) patients (3 males and 17 females) who had neural axis abnormalities on MRI. Three of those 20 patients needed additional neurosurgical procedures before corrective surgery; the remaining underwent corrective spinal surgery without any neurosurgical operations. Magnetic resonance imaging may be beneficial for patients with presumed idiopathic scoliosis even in the absence of neurological findings and it is ideally performed from the level of the brainstem to the sacrum.