Exploring the association between specific genes and the onset of idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS) is the most common spinal deformity in adolescents, accounting for 80% of all spinal deformities. However, the etiology remains uncertain in most cases, being identified as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). IS treatments range from observation and sport to bracing or surgery. Several risk factors including sex and familiarity, have been linked with IS. Although there are still many uncertainties regarding the cause of this pathology, several studies report a greater incidence of the defect in families in which at least one other first degree relative is affected. This study systematically reviews the available literature to identify the most significant genes or variants related to the development and onset of IS. METHODS: The research question was formulated using a PIOS approach on the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The search was performed from July to August 2021, and articles from the inception of the database to August 2021 were searched. RESULTS: 24 of the 919 initially identified studies were included in the present review. The 24 included studies observed a total of 16,316 cases and 81,567 controls. All the considered studies stated either the affected gene and/or specific SNPs. CHD7, SH2B1, ESR, CALM1, LBX1, MATN1, CHL1, FBN1 and FBN2 genes were associated with IS development. CONCLUSIONS: Although association can be found in some candidate genes the field of research regarding genetic association with the onset of IS still requires more information.