Experimental animal models of scoliosis for understanding the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system, affecting 2–3% of children and adolescents worldwide. The etiology and pathogenesis of scoliotic spinal deformity have not yet been disclosed, despite numerous long-term studies. Animal modeling of scoliosis can become the basis for studying possible etiological factors and pathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of the pathology in question and the prospects for possible treatment of scoliosis in the future. To date, many different types of models of scoliotic disease have been created and studied. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature data on animal modeling of scoliosis in order to understand the etiological factor of idiopathic scoliosis in humans. Material and methods. The review was carried out using databases of electronic information resources PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, eLibrary.ru. The analysis of scientific literature was carried out according to the search words: “idiopathic scoliosis”, “experimental model of scoliosis”, “animal model of scoliosis”, “mechanical models of scoliosis”, “pineal gland resection models”, “genetic models of scoliosis”. Results. The analysis of scientific literature data confirms the high importance of experimental animal models of scoliosis for the study of the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. The review summarizes and analyzes data on the main directions of modeling scoliotic deformity: mechanical, neuroendocrine and genetic models. Conclusions. The models of scoliosis presented in the literature have been implemented with varying degrees of success and have not been able to clarify the etiology of spinal pathology, but they are a useful tool for testing interventions aimed at correcting and preventing deformity. The development of an optimal experimental model of scoliosis in animals will further overcome the existing limitations in determining the etiological factor of idiopathic scoliosis and describe the processes of disease development characteristic of humans.