Oestrogen and Vibration Improve Intervertebral Disc Cell Viability and Decrease Catabolism in Bovine Organ Cultures

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for intervertebral disc degeneration, possibly due to the decrease in oestrogen levels. Low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) is applied as a therapeutic approach for postmenopausal osteoporosis; however, less is known regarding possible effects on the intervertebral disc (IVD) and whether these may be oestrogen-dependent. The present study investigated the effect of 17β-oestradiol (E2) and LMHFV in an IVD organ culture model. Bovine IVDs (n = 6 IVDs/group) were treated with either (i) E2, (ii) LMHFV or (iii) the combination of E2 + LMHFV for 2 or 14 days. Minor changes in gene expression, cellularity and matrix metabolism were observed after E2 treatment, except for a significant increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and interleukin (IL)-6 production. Interestingly, LMHFV alone induced cell loss and increased IL-6 production compared to the control. The combination of E2 + LMHFV induced a protective effect against cell loss and decreased IL-6 production compared to the LMHFV group. This indicates possible benefits of oestrogen therapy for the IVDs of postmenopausal women undergoing LMHFV exercises.