['This study is to determine if expression level of microRNA-143 (miR-143) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are related to the occurrence and development of degenerative scoliosis.', 'A total of 30 patients with degenerative scoliosis, 30 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were enrolled in this study. For control, 30 patients with spinal burst fractures were also enrolled in this study. Real-time PCR and western blotting was performed to measure the expression levels of COX-2 in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal. Expression levels of miR-143 in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal were detected by real-time PCR.', 'The expression levels of COX-2 were increased in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal of patients with degenerative scoliosis when compared with those of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and spinal burst fractures (P < 0.05). However, the expression levels of miR-143 were decreased in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal of patients with degenerative scoliosis when compared with those of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and spinal burst fractures (P < 0.05).'] Is low expression of microRNA-143 related to degenerative scoliosis possibly by regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression?