Figure 4

Weight, sGAG, and DNA content in the NP of different experimental groups at two weeks after drug injection. Discs in the treatment groups were injected with either 2 μL of gel alone or gel loaded with simvastatin (SIM; 5 mg/mL) at four weeks after disc stab with 21-G needle. * P < 0.05 and ** P < 0.01 when compared with intact control group;^# P < 0.05 when compared with stabbed group; ⁺ P < 0.05 when compared with gel-alone-treated group. NP = nucleus pulpous; sGAG = glycosaminoglycan.