Histochemical Effects of Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) on Puncture-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Rabbits

Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the effects of Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) on the histochemical parameters of an annular-punctured rabbit. Methods: Twenty-five rabbits weighing 1.0-3.5 kg were subjected to annular puncture of the L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/L6 Intervertebral Discs (IVD) using an 18G needle. Rabbits were assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) with five animals per group. Group A was not punctured. Group B was punctured. Groups C, D, and E were punctured and received AVG. The administration was via oral cannula for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, samples were obtained for biochemical and immunochemical analysis with tissue samples excised for histological procedures Results: The results showed a significant increase (F=7.08; P=0.012) in the serum level of Superoxide Dismutase [SOD] and decrease (F=10.20; P=0.0001) in the concentration of Malondialdehyde [MDA]. We found a significant increase in concentrations of both interleukin 1β (F=7.36; P=0.0008) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) α (F=37.46; P=0.0001). AVG was also able to repair damaged IVD by restoring the histoarchitecture of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Conclusion: We conclude that AVG can repair damaged intervertebral disc and has a strong anti-oxidative and immune modulatory properties in an annular-punctured rabbit.