Abstract
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common orthopedic disorder of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Melatonin and melatonin pathway dysfunction has been widely suspected to play an important role in the pathogenesis. Many different types of animal models have been developed to induce experimental scoliosis mimicking the pathoanatomical features of idiopathic scoliosis in human. The scoliosis deformity was believed to be induced by pinealectomy and mediated through the resulting melatonin-deficiency. However, the lack of upright mechanical spinal loading and inherent rotational instability of the curvature render the similarity of these models to the human counterparts questionable. Different concerns have been raised challenging the scientific validity and limitations of each model. The objectives of this review follow the logical need to re-examine and compare the relevance and appropriateness of each of the animal models that have been used for studying the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in human in the past 15 to 20 years.
Highlights
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine, characterized by vertebral rotation in the transverse plane, lateral curvature in the frontal plane and, very often, abnormal alignment in the sagittal plane
The results showed that scoliosis developed in 100% of chickens in the control group, 73% of those treated with serotonin and 20% of those treated with melatonin
The concern remained whether the deprivation of melatonin or the pinealectomy operation itself, could be the primary factor contributing to the development of induced scoliosis
Summary
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine, characterized by vertebral rotation in the transverse plane, lateral curvature in the frontal plane and, very often, abnormal alignment in the sagittal plane. This phenomenon is only known to occur in human, with a higher susceptibility in the female population. The spine deformity has been reported to cause a disturbed self-image and potential health problems associated with cardiopulmonary function and back pain problem in AIS girls exhibiting severe progressive curves. Proper elucidation of the etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of AIS is essential for effective prediction of the occurrence, prognosticating, prevention and treatment
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