Retrospective analysis of intervertebral disc degeneration with neovascularization and histopathological findings in surgically treated patients

Intervertebral discs are generally known as the body's largest avascular structures. In the human body, there is not yet a collective resource characterizing intervertebral vascularization. When an intervertebral disc herniation occurs, new blood vessels proliferate in the capsule of the herniated tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate intervertebral disc degeneration, neovascularization, and histopathological findings in patients who underwent surgical treatment.

The study was carried out by retrospective, double-blind examination of lumbar intervertebral disc tissue removed during the operation of 72 patients. To observe the structure of the disc, 5-6-micron-thick sections were taken, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and neovascularization and angiogenesis in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissue were examined microscopically.

The results showed that neovascularization and bleeding measurements were not independent from each other, and there was a statistically significant association between them. Also, a higher level of neovascularization was found to be associated with higher bleeding and higher mononuclear inflammation.

With the development of degeneration in the intervertebral disc tissue, angiogenesis, neovascularization and mononuclear cell migration occur. It is predicted that proinflammatory cytokines cooperate with angiogenesis and mononuclear cells in the development of degeneration. There is currently no treatment to prevent intervertebral disc degeneration. In order to develop successful treatments to prevent this disease, its pathogenesis needs to be understood.