TREATMENT WITH MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL AND CHONDROITIN SULFATE IN RABBITS WITH INVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION

Background Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSC) can be expanded ex vivo, which have the ability to reduce changes resulting from intervertebral disc degeneration. In addition to cell therapy, nutraceuticals such as chondroitin sulfate are being studied, due to possible influence on the regeneration of osteoarticular tissues. This study evaluated histologically and morphometrically the effects of BMMSC and chondroitin sulfate (CS), as well as the association of both, in rabbits with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Methods Forty four New Zealand rabbits, weighing around 3.5 and 4.5 kg, approximately 1 year old, were selected and randomly divided into four distinct groups (n = 11): Group A (control), Group B (BMMSC), Group C (CS), Group D (BMMSC and CS). At seven and 14 days after injury, culture medium was infused in group A, and 1.2 × 106 BMMSC were transplanted in groups B and D. The animals from group C and D received eight subcutaneous applications of CS at a dose of 5 mg/kg, one application every seven days. Results Histopathological alterations were observed: size; morphology of annulus fibrosus (AF); chondrocytes and AF metaplasia; holes and cracks in the nucleus pulposus (NP); proliferation of NP chondrocytes; presence of notochordal cells in the NP; endplate morphology; new bone formation, and final score according to Bergknut et al. (2013). A benefit was noticed in the use of BMMSC, CS or both, the final score in Groups B, C and D was higher than in Group A. Conclusion The three treatments evaluated indicated a lower degeneration score when compared to the control group. However, Group D was not superior to Group B or C, which suggests that the combination of the two therapies does not provide additional benefits.