Abstract
Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist level. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-like weak apoptosis inducer (TWEAK) and its receptor, inducible fibroblast growth factor 14 (Fn14) axis in CTS and to conduct a preliminary study on the usability of TWEAK/Fn14 as a new pharmacological treatment target in CTS.
Methods
A total of 93 participants were included in the study: 48 individuals in the CTS group and 45 individuals in the control group. CTS patients were electrophysiologically divided into three different groups: mild, moderate, and severe. Serum TWEAK, Fn14, and TGF-β1 levels of the groups were measured and compared between groups.
Results
Serum TWEAK, Fn14, and TGF-β1 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the CTS group compared to the control group (p<0.05). TWEAK level was observed to be significantly higher in the severe CTS group compared to mild and moderate CTS groups (p<0.05). Fn14 and TGF-β1 levels were found to be significantly higher in the severe CTS group compared to mild and moderate CTS groups. A strong positive correlation was observed between TWEAK level and CTS severity (r:0.76). A strong positive correlation was observed between serum TWEAK level and serum TGF-β1 levels in the CTS group.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the TWEAK/Fn14 axis and TGF-β1 may play an important role in CTS pathogenesis.
