Abstract:
The aim of the study was to determine the effects
of immobilization on the gross morphology of
rats’ intervertebral disc (IVD) and observe the
ameliorating effects of Omega 3 fatty acids and
Co-enzyme Q 10 (CoQ10). Forty Sprague Dawley
rats weighing 250-300 g were procured from
NIH Islamabad. The animals were randomly
selected and were divided into four groups of 10
animals in each. Group-A rats served as control
group. Each rat of Group B was disc immobilized
by using an Illizarov-type apparatus, which was
applied for 60 days. Group-C and -D rats after disc
immobilization were administrated with Omega 3
fatty acids (260 mg/kg/day) and CoQ10 (150mg/
kg/day) through oral gavage respectively. Gross
examination of IVD was done using the Thompson
grading scale and the disc alterations were scored
from grade 1 to 5 in increasing order of IVD
alterations.
Gross examination of the sections of IVD’s
of the control group showed normal healthy
morphology, falling in Thompson grade I
degeneration. The frequency of disc alteration
was statistically significant in disc-immobilized
group B when compared to control group A
(p-value=0.000), group C (p-value=0.000) and
group D (p value=0.002). Group C in which n-3 fatty
acid was given along with disc immobilization,
showed significant improvement in disc
degenerative changes. On comparison with group
B, p-value<0.001 was statistically significant.
In experimental Group D, where CoQ10 was
given along with disc immobilization, the
degenerative changes were significantly reduced
as compared to Group B (p = 0.002). In this study,
gross morphological changes were induced
by immobilization in IVDs of the experimental
rats and its reversal by omega 3 and CoQ10 was
proven. Co-administration of Omega 3 and CoQ10
significantly minimized degenerative changes in
IVDs induced by immobilization.
