Importance of IL-6, MMP-1, IGF-1, and BAX Levels in Lumbar Herniated Disks and Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Patients with Sciatic Pain

Our findings suggest that the cytokines, enzymes, growth factors, and proapoptotic proteins, such as IL-6, MMP-1, IGF-1, and BAX, may be critical factors in the pathophysiology of the degeneration of the intervertebral disks in patients with symptomatic degenerative disk disease.