A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study of static electric field therapy by high voltage alternating current for active rheumatoid arthritis

Demonstrative Experiment on the Favorable Effects of Static Electric Field Treatment on Vitamin D3-Induced Hypercalcemia

Simple Summary

Static electric field (SEF) treatment by high-voltage alternating current is a traditional complementary medicine in Japan. Although it is believed that the SEF-induced electric current serves to regulate cellular or humoral responses in patients, the mechanism for SEF treatment remains poorly understood. There have been very few experimental reports on the biological action with SEF treatment. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of SEF treatment on vitamin D₃ (Vit D₃)-induced abnormalities in mice. SEF treatment improved the abnormalities in the renal function tests and the imbalance of serum electrolytes. In addition, this treatment remarkably attenuated the Vit D₃-induced tissue injuries (severe tissue calcification in the kidneys, hearts, and stomachs). It was likely that the SEF treatment had some favorable effects on the metabolism of calcium. In conclusion, this study provides important evidence that SEF treatment can reduce hypercalcemia and remove calcium deposits from the renal, cardiac, and gastric tissues. SEF treatment is useful in the regulation of disorders caused by an imbalance of serum electrolytes. This study experimentally demonstrates the favorable effects of SEF treatment on Vit D₃-induced hypercalcemia. For small animals, the larger the body surface area per body weight becomes, the higher the therapeutic efficacy with SEF treatment.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of static electric field (SEF) treatment on vitamin D₃ (Vit D₃)-induced hypercalcemia and renal calcification in mice. The mice were assigned to three groups: Vit D₃-treated mice, mice treated with Vit D₃ and SEF (Vit D₃ + SEF), and untreated mice. After the administration of Vit D₃, the Vit D₃ + SEF-treated mice were exposed to SEF treatment by a high-voltage alternating current over five days. Serum biochemical examinations revealed that both the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly higher in the Vit D₃-treated group. Significantly, decreased Cl concentrations, and increased Ca and inorganic phosphorus concentrations, were found in the Vit D₃-treated group. In the Vit D₃ + SEF-treated group, these parameters returned to the levels of the untreated group. In the Vit D₃-treated group, histopathological examinations showed marked multifocal calcification in the lumens of the renal tubules and the renal parenchyma. The myocardium was replaced by abundant granular mineralization (calcification), with degeneration and necrosis of the calcified fibers. The stomach showed calcification of the cardiac mucosa. SEF treatment remarkably attenuated the Vit D₃-induced hypervitaminotic injuries. In conclusion, this study provides important evidence that SEF treatment can reduce hypercalcemia and remove calcium deposits from the renal, cardiac, and gastric tissues. SEF treatment is useful in the regulation of disorders caused by an imbalance of serum electrolytes.

The Genome of the Medicinal Macrofungus Sanghuang Provides Insights Into the Synthesis of Diverse Secondary Metabolites

The mushroom, Sanghuang is widely used in Asian countries. This medicinal fungus produces diverse bioactive compounds and possesses a potent ability to degrade the wood of the mulberry tree. However, the genes, pathways, and mechanisms that are involved in the biosynthesis of the active compounds and wood degradation by Sanghuang mushroom are still unknown. Here, we report a 34.5 Mb genome—encoding 11,310 predicted genes—of this mushroom. About 16.88% (1909) of the predicted genes have been successfully classified as EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups, and approximately 27.23% (665) of these genes are involved in metabolism. Additionally, a total of 334 genes encoding CAZymes—and their characteristics—were compared with those of the other fungi. Homologous genes involved in triterpenoid, polysaccharide, and flavonoid biosynthesis were identified, and their expression was examined during four developmental stages, 10 and 20 days old mycelia, 1 year old and 3 years old fruiting bodies. Importantly, the lack of chalcone isomerase 1 in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway suggested that different mechanisms were used in this mushroom to synthesize flavonoids than those used in plants. In addition, 343 transporters and 4 velvet family proteins, involved in regulation, uptake, and redistribution of secondary metabolites, were identified. Genomic analysis of this fungus provides insights into its diverse secondary metabolites, which would be beneficial for the investigation of the medical applications of these pharmacological compounds in the future.

Potential therapeutic mechanism of extremely low-frequency high-voltage electric fields in cells

The aim of this survey was to provide background theory based on previous research to elucidate the potential pathway by which medical devices using extremely low-frequency high-voltage electric fields (ELF-HVEF) exert therapeutic effects on the human body, and to increase understanding of the AC high-voltage electrotherapeutic apparatus for consumers and suppliers of the relevant devices. Our review revealed that an ELF field as weak as 1-10 μ V/m can induce diverse alterations of membrane proteins such as transporters and channel proteins, including changes in Ca + + binding to a specific site of the cell surface, changes in ion (e.g., Ca + + ) influx or efflux, and alterations in the ligand-receptor interaction. These alterations then induce cytoplasmic responses within cells (Ca + + , cAMP, kinases, etc.) that can have impacts on cell growth, differentiation, and other functional properties by promoting the synthesis of macromolecules. Moreover, increased cytoplasmic Ca + + involves calmodulin-dependent signaling and consequent Ca + + /calmodulin-dependent stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. This event in turn induces the nitric oxide-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway, which may be an essential factor in the observed physiological and therapeutic responses.