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Journals / Journal of advances in vetbio science and techniques / 2026 / Issue: 1

Effects of hyaluronic acid applied by different methods on intervertebral disc degeneration: Reduction of inflammation and histological damage via CD44 and RHAMM receptors

Ayşe İkinci Keleş(Aksaray University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology)0000-0003-0716-5695
Osman Fikret Sönmez(UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, İZMİR TEPECİK HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER)0000-0003-1050-1645
Ahmet Mert0000-0001-5111-2051
Gökhan Keleş0000-0002-4875-9820
Hüseyin Serkan Erol(BALIKESIR UNIVERSITY, INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, BIOCHEMISTRY (VETERINARY MEDICINE) (DR))0000-0002-9121-536X
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-02-13
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

No weight change or mortality was observed after HA treatment.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study investigated the effects of epidural (ED) and intradiscal (ID) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in rats.
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Key Findings & Data:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats (10–12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to six different groups.
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Conclusion & Impact:No weight change or mortality was observed after HA treatment.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:CD44 receptor · epidural injection · histological damage

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of epidural (ED) and intradiscal (ID) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in rats. IDD, a common cause of spinal pain and disability, lacks effective treatment options. HA, known for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, has shown potential in managing disc degeneration. The aim was to compare the efficacy of ED and ID HA injections in reducing IDD and promoting disc health. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats (10–12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to six different groups. Control (CG) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDDG); sham (S)+ID, S+ED, IDDG+ED, and IDDG+ID HA injection (0.1 mL, single dose on the day of the procedure) were established in six groups. Histological changes and blood levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured. No significant changes in body weight, infection, or mortality were observed. Histologically, the Sham+ID group showed mild disc tears, vacuoles, and serpentine appearance, while the IDDG+ID group displayed indistinct nucleus pulposus(NP) and annulus fibrosus(AF) borders, necrosis, and vacuoles. The IDDG+ED group exhibited regular collagen fibers, reduced vacuoles, and edema, with a complete absence of necrosis. IL-6 and TNF-alpha were elevated in IDDG and Sham+ID groups. However, both cytokines were significantly reduced in the IDDG+ED and IDDG+ID groups. These findings suggest that HA injection reduces inflammation and histological damage, with the epidural method proving more effective than the intradiscal method. HA likely acts by interacting with membrane receptors such as CD44 and RHAMM. No weight change or mortality was observed after HA treatment.

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Cite This Article

Keleş, A. İ., Sönmez, O. F., Mert, A., Keleş, G., Erol, H. S. (2026). Effects of hyaluronic acid applied by different methods on intervertebral disc degeneration: Reduction of inflammation and histological damage via CD44 and RHAMM receptors. Journal of advances in vetbio science and techniques, Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.31797/vetbio.1802503

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