The effects of repetitive vibration on sensorineural function: biomarkers of sensorineural injury in an animal model of metabolic syndrome

Brain Res, 2015 · DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.09.026 · Published: November 19, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study examines how vibration exposure affects sensory nerve function in rats with metabolic syndrome. Obese and lean Zucker rats were exposed to vibration, and their sensitivity to electrical stimulation was tested. Researchers then analyzed nerve tissues for signs of injury and repair. The study found that obese rats showed fewer immediate changes in nerve sensitivity after vibration, but they had significant changes in gene activity related to nerve damage and regeneration. This suggests that obese rats may have pre-existing nerve damage that is worsened by vibration. These findings indicate that individuals with conditions like diabetes might be more vulnerable to nerve damage from vibration exposure. This information could be used to better protect workers at risk.

Study Duration

10 consecutive days

Participants

16 male obese and 16 male lean Zucker rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Obese Zucker rats displayed very few changes in sensorineural function as measured by transcutaneous electrical stimulation immediately after vibration exposure.
2
Obese Zucker rats displayed significant changes in transcript levels for factors involved in synapse formation, peripheral nerve remodeling, and inflammation.
3
Exposure to vibration led to a number of changes in gene transcription in the nerve, dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord.

Research Summary

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of vibration in lean and obese Zucker rats to determine if the elevation in glucose and insulin in obese rats had a significant effect on sensation or peripheral nerve function. The greatest effects of vibration on responsiveness to electrical stimulation occurred at 2000 Hz. After the first exposure to vibration, lean and obese rats exposed to restraint displayed an increase in their responsiveness to electrical stimulation. Taken together, the results of these studies indicate that the higher circulating glucose levels and hyperinsulinemia seen in obese Zucker rats may make them more susceptible to the negative health consequences of vibration exposure.

Practical Implications

Worker Safety

The findings suggest that workers with conditions like diabetes may be more susceptible to vibration-induced nerve damage, highlighting the need to consider individual health status when determining safe exposure limits in the workplace.

Diagnostic Challenges

The study indicates that traditional physiological measures may not easily differentiate between peripheral neuropathies caused by vibration and those caused by type II diabetes, suggesting the need for further research to identify more specific diagnostic markers.

Further Research

The study suggests the need for longer-term studies with older animals to better understand the combined effects of vibration and type II diabetes on sensory neuropathies, potentially leading to the identification of additional changes that could help clinicians distinguish between vibration-induced and diabetes-induced nerve dysfunction/injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study used an animal model, which may not fully replicate the complexities of human physiology and responses to vibration.
2
The study focused on a specific frequency (125 Hz) and duration (10 days) of vibration exposure, which may not represent the full range of real-world occupational exposures.
3
The study acknowledges that traditional physiological measures may not be sufficient to distinguish between vibration-induced and diabetes-induced neuropathies, indicating a need for more specific diagnostic markers.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Pharmacology