BACKGROUND: This study provides experimental results on the applicability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for the repair of intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus in rabbits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty healthy rabbits were randomized into an observation group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). Both groups underwent degeneration of intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus. The observation group was treated with a solution of BMSCs and dexamethasone sodium phosphate, while the control group was treated with dexamethasone sodium phosphate only.

RESULTS: The two groups were compared for efficacy and pathological conditions after treatment. Both disc height index and level of type II collagen in nucleus pulposus were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after degeneration (p<0.05 for all comparisons). The percentages of grade 0 and grade 1 were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (p<0.05 for both grade 0 and 1 comparisons), while the percentage of grade 4 and grade 5 were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (p<0.05 for both grade 4 and 5 comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS: BMSCs cultured in vitro can effectively repair intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus, which is of positive significance, and thus is clinically recommended.

Keywords: Collagen Type II - analysis, Annulus Fibrosus - surgery, Dexamethasone - pharmacology, Intervertebral Disc - pathology, Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation - methods, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - cytology, Models, Animal, Tissue Engineering - methods, Wound Healing