Histomorphometric and collagen fibers organization in annular punctured induced intervertebral disc degeneration in rabbit model: restorative and antioxidant role of Brassica oleracea

The prevalence of low back pain associated with disc degeneration reduced quality of life with socio-economic impact. This study is aimed at investigating the histomorphometric and antioxidant response of Brassica oleracea extract in annular puncture-induced intervertebral disc degeneration using a rabbit model. Fifteen (15) New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study and were divided into five groups ( n = 3). Group A (non-punctured) received distilled water as placebo ; group B underwent annular puncture for 4 weeks; group C underwent annular puncture for 8 weeks; group D underwent annular puncture for 2 weeks before receiving 500 mg/kg bw of Brassica oleracea extract for 2 weeks; group E underwent annular puncture for 4 weeks before receiving 500 mg/kg bw of Brassica oleracea extract for 4 weeks. The rabbits were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, the discs were extracted and the histological, stereological and biochemical analysis were performed. Histological results showed lack of NP cells, disorganization in the arrangement of collagen fibres in the punctured control group (groups B and C), which was restored by Brassica oleracea extract administration after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment in the punctured-treated groups (D and E). Oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD and GSH) levels were significantly reduced with corresponding increase in MDA among punctured-control groups but restored after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment in the punctured-treated groups. Administration of Brassica oleracea extract revealed a preventive and restorative potential in the cytoarchitecture and antioxidant level of the disc induced by annular puncture.