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Repeated Exposure to High‐Frequency Low‐Amplitude Vibration Induces Degeneration of Murine Intervertebral Discs and Knee Joints
Author(s) -
McCann Matthew R.,
Patel Priya,
Pest Michael A.,
Ratneswaran Anusha,
Lalli Gurkeet,
Beaucage Kim L.,
Backler Garth B.,
Kamphuis Meg P.,
Esmail Ziana,
Lee Jimin,
Barbalinardo Michael,
Mort John S.,
Holdsworth David W.,
Beier Frank,
Dixon S. Jeffrey,
Séguin Cheryle A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
arthritis and rheumatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.106
H-Index - 314
eISSN - 2326-5205
pISSN - 2326-5191
DOI - 10.1002/art.39154
Subject(s) - aggrecan , whole body vibration , cartilage , cartilage oligomeric matrix protein , intervertebral disc , medicine , mmp3 , osteoarthritis , degeneration (medical) , pathology , in vivo , joint capsule , anatomy , gene expression , chemistry , biology , articular cartilage , vibration , biochemistry , physics , alternative medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , quantum mechanics , gene
Objective High‐frequency, low‐amplitude whole‐body vibration (WBV) is being used to treat a range of musculoskeletal disorders; however, there is surprisingly limited knowledge regarding its effect(s) on joint tissues. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of repeated exposure to WBV on bone and joint tissues in an in vivo mouse model. Methods Ten‐week‐old male mice were exposed to vertical sinusoidal vibration under conditions that mimic those used clinically in humans (30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, at 45 Hz with peak acceleration at 0.3 g ). Following WBV, skeletal tissues were examined by micro–computed tomography, histologic analysis, and immunohistochemistry, and gene expression was quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results Following 4 weeks of WBV, intervertebral discs showed histologic hallmarks of degeneration in the annulus fibrosus, disruption of collagen organization, and increased cell death. Greater Mmp3 expression in the intervertebral disc, accompanied by enhanced collagen and aggrecan degradation, was found in mice exposed to WBV as compared to controls. Examination of the knee joints after 4 weeks of WBV revealed meniscal tears and focal damage to the articular cartilage, changes resembling osteoarthritis. Moreover, mice exposed to WBV also demonstrated greater Mmp13 gene expression and enhanced matrix metalloproteinase–mediated collagen and aggrecan degradation in articular cartilage as compared to controls. No changes in trabecular bone microarchitecture or density were detected in the proximal tibia. Conclusion Our experiments reveal significant negative effects of WBV on joint tissues in a mouse model. These findings suggest the need for future studies of the effects of WBV on joint health in humans.