Cervical Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: Role of Interleukin-1α, Interleukin-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α as Biomarkers

Background and Objectives: Cervical intervertebral disc degeneration (CIDD) frequently leads to neck pain, yet its exact cause remains unclear. While inflammation is associated with degenerative disc disease, the precise function of cytokines in CIDD remains a mystery. The aim was to investigate the role of serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) as biomarkers in patients with chronic neck pain having CIDD. Subject and Methods: The case–control study was carried out among 88 participants. Forty-four patients with chronic neck pain (pain lasting >3 months), exhibiting moderate or severe CIDD in lateral X-ray of the cervical spine, and age, sex, and body mass index matched 44 controls, were included in the study. Levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pain intensity was assessed utilizing a Visual Analog Scale. Results: Out of 44 patients, 14 had severe, whereas 30 had moderate CIDD. The mean intensity of pain in patients was 72.25 ± 11.18. Serum levels of IL-1 (patients – 7.32 pg/mL, control – 2.98 pg/mL, P = 0.021), IL-6 (patients – 8.59 pg/mL, control – 2.98 pg/mL, P = 0.023), and TNF-α (patients – 19.29 pg/mL, control – 7.44 pg/mL, P = 0.011) were significantly elevated in patients compared to the controls. The pain intensity showed a positive correlation with the severity of CIDD ( P = 0.045) and serum levels of IL-6 ( P = 0.034) and TNF-α ( P = 0.041). Conclusions: The serum levels of IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines are significantly elevated in patients with moderate or severe CIDD. There is a significant positive association between serum IL-6 and TNF-α, with the intensity of pain. Assessing the cytokine profiles of patients could provide valuable insights into managing CIDD and predicting their outcomes.