Intervertebral disc degeneration : interplay of ageing, environmental and genetic factors (EURODISC)

Objective

Intervertebral disc degeneration is strongly associated with back pain, sciatica and other spinal disorders including spinal stenos is, a major cause of pain and disability in the elderly. These crippling disorders affect a large proportion of the population and around ten percent of cases become chronically ill. The costs of these disorders are immense; estimated at 1.7% of GNP in the Netherlands. Degeneration arises from a complex interplay between ageing, genetic susceptibility and life-style factors. We will investigate relationships between changes in the mechanical environment, cellular activity and tissue breakdown in relation to degeneration-associated polymorphisms and examine the relationship between genetics and environment in a classic twin study.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-6. - Key action The Ageing Population and Disabilities

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Address

Parks Road
OX1 3PT Oxford
United Kingdom

Participants (6)

EINDHOVEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Netherlands

Address

Den Dolech 2
5600 MB Eindhoven

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 'DEMOKRITOS'

Greece

Address

Patriarchou Grogoriou
15310 Athens

TECHNION - ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Israel

Address

Technion City
Haifa

THE ROBERT JONES AND AGNES HUNT ORTHOPAEDIC AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL NHS TRUST

United Kingdom

Address

Shrophsire
SY10 7AG Oswestry

UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM ULM

Germany

Address

Helmholtzstrasse 14
89081 Ulm

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

Finland

Address

Mannerhermintie
00014 Helsinki