Cytokines control many aspects of inflammation and pain, and as such they have been investigated extensively as potential biomarkers of disease. Determination of precise profiles of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to understanding mechanisms involved in generation and/or persistence of pain and may help to identify patients who are more or less likely to respond to spinal manipulation. The Injeyans are using precise biochemical and molecular techniques including ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence microscopy and PCR to produce some of the most detailed information available on the body's response to back and neck pain. This work is being complemented by studies undertaken by Dr. Khella who is investigating the gene expression of the inflammatory biomarkers in patients with low back pain and exploring the role of miRNAs as key regulators of the inflammatory process.
