(A) Representative MRI images of ‘normal’ and MCs discs. (B) In human endplate specimens, H&E staining showed homogenous extracellular matrix and small round chondrocytes in the control group versus fibrotic and sclerotic extracellular matrix and fewer chondrocytes in the MCs group. (C) Furthermore, a reduction in the glycosaminoglycan content was observed in the MCs group through Safranin O Fast Green staining, and (D and E) immunohistochemistry demonstrated reduced lubricin expression in the MCs group (Scale bar: 100 μm, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01,***p < 0.005). H&E staining = haematoxylin and eosin staining MRI = magnetic resonance imaging.