Age and Spinal Level as Predictors of Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Humans and Mice: A Comparative Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aging is a major risk factor for IVD degeneration and chronic lower back pain. Comparing degenerative patterns in human and mice, a commonly used pre-clinical model, is crucial for validating it in preclinical mechanistic research. The goal of the study was to compare the effect of age and spine level on degeneration in human and mouse lumbar IVDs.

Methods

T2-weighted MRI images of human lumbar spine were graded using the Pfirrmann system. H&E-stained mid-coronal sections of mouse lumbar IVDs were scored using the Melgoza and Chenna system. Age, gender, IVD level, and lumbar IVD degeneration scores, respectively, were used for statistical analysis in each species. Linear regression and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey analysis were used to compare regression slop

SUBMITTER: Mehta R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12502902 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature