Effects of omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10 on gross morphology of intervertebral discs subjected to immobilization

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 IVD5 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 IVD5 induced by immobilization.