Vitamin D3 has antifibrotic effects on rats with epidural fibrosis

Year 2025, Volume: 38 Issue: 1, 62 - 67, 29.01.2025

Pınar Kuru Bektaşoğlu , Jülide Hazneci , Adnan Somay Ali Börekci , Bora Gürer

https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1629001

Abstract

Objective: One unfavorable outcome of spinal operations is epidural fibrosis. Recurrent back pain and radiculopathy could negatively
impact the patient’s quality of life. In this study, using a rat laminectomy model, we sought to examine any potential antifibrotic
benefits of vitamin D3.
Patients and Methods: Control, local, and systemic vitamin D3 groups (n = 6 rats per group) were randomly assigned. Laminectomy
alone was carried out in the control group. Vitamin D3 application onto the dura was done in the local D3 group. Intraperitoneal
delivery of the systemic vitamin D3 was carried out in the systemic vitamin D3 group. Epidural fibrosis was studied macroscopically
and histopathologically four weeks later.
Results: The macroscopic epidural fibrosis score was lower in the local and systemic vitamin D3 groups compared to the control
group (p<0.001, for both groups). Comparing the local and systemic vitamin D3 groups to the control group, fibrosis thickness was
significantly decreased (p<0.01, for both groups).
Conclusion: Vitamin D3 could be an alternative treatment for preventing spinal epidural fibrosis.

Keywords

Epidural fibrosis, Laminectomy, Vitamin D3

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