In the early phases of disc degeneration a balance shift of anabolic and catabolic activity of extracellular matrix molecules and chondrocytes occurs, which also involves the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, interferon-γ and TNF-α [13,14]. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.