Allogeneic fibroblasts ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing osteophytes in rabbits

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) was commonly induced by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), which is accompanied by the loss of disc height and osteophyte generation. Cell-based therapy is a promising treatment for preventing the degeneration of interverbral disc. In our study, allogeneic fibroblasts are shown to ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing osteophytes in rabbits.

Methods: We established a rabbits-derived fibroblast (Rab-Fib) which could be expanded in vitro and constructed puncture-induced intervertebral disc degeneration rabbit model. Histologic and imaging examinations and analyses were performed after 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.

Results: Our data indicate that stable and reliably-extracted allogeneic fibroblasts can effectively ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing osteophytes.

Conclusion: Our study provides a basis for advancing the further translation of fibroblasts in intervertebral disc therapy.