Effect of low-magnitude different-frequency whole-body vibration on subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture, cartilage degradation, bone/cartilage turnover, and joint pain in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

BackgroudWhole-body vibration(WBV) has been suggested for the prevention of subchondral bone loss of knee osteoarthritis (OA) . This study examined the effects of different frequency of whole-body vibration on subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture, cartilage degradation and metabolism of the tibia and femoral condyle bone, and joint pain in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)–induced knee osteoarthritisrabbit model.MethodNinety adult rabbits were divided into six groups: all groups received unilateral ACLT; Group 1, ACLT only; Group 2, 5 Hz WBV; Group 3, 10 Hz WBV; Group 4, 20 Hz WBV; Group 5, 30 Hz WBV; and Group 6, 40 Hz WBV. Pain was tested via weight-bearing asymmetry. Subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture was examined using in vivo micro-computed tomography. Knee joint cartilage was evaluated by gross morphology, histology, and ECM gene expression level (aggrecan and type II collagen [CTX-II]). Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, N-mid OC, cartilage oligometric protein, CPII, type I collagen, PIIANP, G1/G2 aggrecan levels, and urinary CTX-II were analyzed.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of low-magnitude WBV, the lower frequency (10 Hz and 20 Hz) WBV treatment decreased joint pain and cartilage resorption, accelerated cartilage formation, delayed cartilage degradation especially at the 20 Hz regimen. However, the higher frequencies (30 Hz and 40 Hz) had worse effects, with worse limb function and cartilage volume as well as higher histological scores and cartilage resorption. In contrast, both prevented loss of trabeculae and increased bone turnover. No significant change was observed in the 5 Hz WBV group.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that the lower frequencies (10 Hz and 20 Hz) of low-magnitude WBV increased bone turnover, delayed cartilage degeneration, and caused a significant functional change of the OA-affected limb in ACLT-induced OA rabbit model but did not reverse OA progression after 8 weeks of treatment.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Versus Whole Body Vibration on Cartilage and Subchondral Trabecular Bone in Mice With Knee Osteoarthritis

“…We found OARSI scores were significantly decreased after PEMF and WBV treatment. Our results are similar with the previous study, which found that PEMF and WBV treatments protected cartilage and delayed cartilage degeneration [Junbo et al, 2017; Zhou et al, 2017]. This is the first study which showed that PEMF provided more beneficial effects than WBV.…”

“…Yang et al [2017] demonstrated that pre‐emptive PEMF treatment has more a beneficial effect on subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture compared with early and delayed PEMF treatment. Similar findings were also reported, that WBV treatment can maintain subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture and avoid bone loss [Junbo et al, 2017].…”

“…Some studies showed that PEMF stimulation inhibited cartilage destruction and preserved cartilage and subchondral trabecular bone by regulating the catabolic factor, MMP13 [Ciombor et al, 2003; Fini et al, 2005; Fini et al, 2008; Zhou et al, 2017]. Due to the fact that musculoskeletal tissues are highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation, previous studies suggested that WBV delayed cartilage degeneration, stimulated the proliferation of chondrocytes, increased bone turnover, regulated the expression of inflammatory factors, reduced the expression of MMPs, and promoted tissue repair [Yamazaki et al, 2002; Junbo et al, 2017; Pamon et al, 2018]. We also found similar results, that PEMF and WBV treatments attenuated the expression of IL‐1β, ADAMTS4, and MMP13 and increased the expression of Aggrecan, and prevented articular cartilage degeneration.…”

“…Some previous studies demonstrated that mechanical stimulation not only increased matrix synthesis and expression of collagen and chondrogenic marker, but also decreased the production of MMPs group in osteoarthritic chondrocytes for normal cartilage [Liphardt et al, 2009; Burr and Gallant, 2012]. Additionally, WBV modulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, promoted tissue repair, accelerated cartilage formation, and decreased cartilage resorption [Junbo et al, 2017; Pamon et al, 2018]. It has been widely accepted that WBV has been recommended as a safe and efficient tool for increasing muscle strength in KOA.…”

Pathway Analysis Hints Towards Beneficial Effects of Long-Term Vibration on Human Chondrocytes

“…A recent study showed that WBV induced cartilage degeneration in mice [4]. Higher frequencies of WBV (30 Hz and 40 Hz) in a rabbit model had a negative influence on cartilage volume and cartilage resorption, whereas lower frequencies (10 Hz and 20 Hz) decreased cartilage resorption, accelerated cartilage formation, and delayed cartilage degradation especially at the 20 Hz regimen [5].…”