Immunomodulatory effectiveness of licofelone in preventing epidural fibrosis in post-laminectomy rat.

OBJECTIVE

The object of this study was to investigate the effects of licofelone on the prevention of epidural fibrosis (EF) formation in post-laminectomy rat models.

METHODS

A controlled double-blinded study was conducted in sixty, healthy adult Wistar rats that underwent laminectomy at the L1-L2 vertebrae levels. All the rats were divided randomly into three groups according to the treatment (via oral gavage): (1) licofelone treatment group; (2) vehicle treatment group; (3) sham group (laminectomy without treatment). All rats were euthanized humanely 4 weeks postoperatively. The macroscopic assessment of EF, hydroxyproline content in epidural scar tissue, histological analysis, and the mRNA measurements of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-β1 were performed.

RESULTS

The Rydell score, hydroxyproline content, epidural scar density, and inflammatory factors expressions all suggested better results in licofelone group than the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

The application of licofelone could reduce hydroxyproline deposits, inflammatory factors expressions and prevent epidural adhesions in post-laminectomy rats.