Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability worldwide. Nevertheless, given the complex pathophysiology of LBP, its etiological diagnosis remains a challenging process. Thus, identifying appropriate biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets is crucial for LBP research. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) which are both abundant and sphysiologically stable have received a great deal of attention as potential molecular biomarkers. This is part because they can serve as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, inhibit normal miRNA activity. Indeed, it has been reported that circulating and/or tissue-specific circRNAs can be used for diagnosing multiple human diseases, including cancers, neurological diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Since 2015, research on circRNAs involved in LBP-related diseases has been a very active endeavor. Moreover, specific roles for some of the differentially expressed circRNAs have been demonstrated. Thus, the involvement of circRNAs in LBP-related diseases suggests that some of the dysregulated ones may have the potential to serve as therapeutic targets and/or diagnostic biomarkers. This review summarizes the current progress on differentially expressed circRNAs in diseases related to LBP.
Keywords: biomarkers; circular RNA; degenerative diseases; low back pain.