Myristic acid beneficially modulates intervertebral disc degeneration by preventing endplate osteochondral remodeling and vertebral osteoporosis in naturally aged mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The origin of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is highly complex, where both cartilage endplate remodeling and vertebral osteoporosis are of utmost importance. Myristic acid (MA), a saturated fatty acid derived from nutmeg, a traditional Chinese herb, has been shown to boost memory. Additionally, its isomers have been verified to have anti-osteoporotic characteristics. However, the precise mechanism by which MA functions in relation to IDD remains unclear.

Methods

In vivo, a naturally aged animal model was used. The drug-administration method of MA was intraperitoneal injection to mice aged 22 months at a dose of 2 mg/kg·d for 2 months. Micro-CT observed vertebral bone mass and endplate changes, followed by Hematoxylin‒eosin (H&E), Masson, and Safrani

SUBMITTER: Gong Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12023261 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature