Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulates cellular proliferation in human intervertebral disc cells

A review on the consequences of molecular and genomic alterations following exposure to electromagnetic fields: Remodeling of neuronal network and cognitive changes

The use of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is essential in daily life. Since 1970, concerns have grown about potential health hazards from EMF. Exposure to EMF can stimulate nerves and affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological and cognitive changes. However, current research results are often vague and contradictory. These effects include changes in memory and learning through changes in neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, synapses and hippocampal neuritis, and changes in metabolism and neurotransmitter levels. Prenatal exposure to EMFs has negative effects on memory and learning, as well as changes in hippocampal neuron density and histomorphology of hippocampus. EMF exposure also affects the structure and function of glial cells, affecting gate dynamics, ion conduction, membrane concentration, and protein expression. EMF exposure affects gene expression and may change epigenetic regulation through effects on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA biogenesis, and potentially leading to biological changes. Therefore, exposure to EMFs possibly leads to changes in cellular and molecular mechanisms in central nervous system and alter cognitive function.

Physical Treatments and Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss affecting both men and women, is typically treated using pharmaceutical options, such as minoxidil and finasteride. While these medications work for many individuals, they are not suitable options for all. To date, the only non-pharmaceutical option that the United States Food and Drug Administration has cleared as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Numerous clinical trials utilizing LLLT devices of various types are available. However, a myriad of other physical treatments for this form of hair loss have been reported in the literature. This review evaluated the effectiveness of microneedling, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), fractional laser therapy, and nonablative laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It also explores the potential of multimodal treatments combining these physical therapies. The majority of evidence in the literature supports LLLT as a physical therapy for androgenetic alopecia. However, other physical treatments, such as nonablative laser treatments, and multimodal approaches, such as PEMF-LLLT, seem to have the potential to be equally or more promising and merit further exploration.

Effect of the Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation on Transcriptomic Profile of Pig Myometrium during the Peri-Implantation Period-An In Vitro Study

The electromagnetic field (EMF) affects the physiological processes in mammals, but the molecular background of the observed alterations remains not well established. In this study was tested the effect of short duration (2 h) of the EMF treatment (50 Hz, 8 mT) on global transcriptomic alterations in the myometrium of pigs during the peri-implantation period using next-generation sequencing. As a result, the EMF treatment affected the expression of 215 transcript active regions (TARs), and among them, the assigned gene protein-coding biotype possessed 90 ones (differentially expressed genes, DEGs), categorized mostly to gene ontology terms connected with defense and immune responses, and secretion and export. Evaluated DEGs enrich the KEGG TNF signaling pathway, and regulation of IFNA signaling and interferon-alpha/beta signaling REACTOME pathways. There were evaluated 12 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DE-lnc-RNAs) and 182 predicted single nucleotide variants (SNVs) substitutions within RNA editing sites. In conclusion, the EMF treatment in the myometrium collected during the peri-implantation period affects the expression of genes involved in defense and immune responses. The study also gives new insight into the mechanisms of the EMF action in the regulation of the transcriptomic profile through lnc-RNAs and SNVs.

Pulsed-electromagnetic-field induced osteoblast differentiation requires activation of genes downstream of adenosine receptors A2A and A3

Pulsed-electromagnetic-field (PEMF) treatment was found to enhance cellular differentiation of the mouse preosteoblast, MC3T3-E1, to a more osteoblastic phenotype. Differentiation genes such as Alp, BSPI, cFos, Ibsp, Osteocalcin, Pthr1 and Runx2 showed increased expression in response to PEMF stimulation. Detailed molecular mechanisms linking PEMF to the activation of these genes are limited. Two adenosine receptors known to be modulated in response to PEMF, Adora2A and Adora3, were functionally impaired by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene disruption, and the consequences of which were studied in the context of PEMF-mediated osteoblastic differentiation. Disruption of Adora2A resulted in a delay of Alp mRNA expression, but not alkaline phosphatase protein expression, which was similar to that found in wild type cells. However, Adora3 disruption resulted in significantly reduced responses at both the alkaline phosphatase mRNA and protein levels throughout the PEMF stimulation period. Defects observed in response to PEMF were mirrored using a chemically defined growth and differentiation-inducing media (DM). Moreover, in cells with Adora2A disruption, gene expression profiles showed a blunted response in cFos and Pthr1 to PEMF treatment; whereas cells with Adora3 disruption had mostly blunted responses in AlpI, BSPI, Ibsp, Osteocalcin and Sp7 gene activation. To demonstrate specificity for Adora3 function, the Adora3 open reading frame was inserted into the ROSA26 locus in Adora3 disrupted cells culminating in rescued PEMF responsiveness and thereby eliminating the possibility of off-target effects. These results lead us to propose that there are complementary and parallel positive roles for adenosine receptor A_2A and A₃ in PEMF-mediated osteoblast differentiation.

Morphological changes in the vertebrae and central canal of rat pups born after exposure to the electromagnetic field of pregnant rats

Several studies have investigated the effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) on the central nervous system. However, we encountered no studies of the effects of EMF applied in the prenatal period on the offspring vertebrae. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF applied to rat dams in the prenatal period on the vertebrae of rat pups. Female Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-250 g were used in the experiment. Rats identified as pregnant were divided into two groups, control (n = 3) and EMF (n = 3). No EMF was applied to the control group pregnant rats. EMF was applied to the EMF group rats for 1 h daily on an equal and standard basis on prenatal days 13-21. All newborn rat pups were divided into pup control (n = 6) (PC) and pup EMF (n = 6) (PEMF) groups, and no treatment was performed on either. All animals were decapitated on day 32, and the spinal cord in the upper thoracic region was harvested. Vertebral tissues were subjected to routine histological procedures. Histopathological examination revealed that PEMF group vertebral cartilage had been converted into bone tissue. Comparison of central canal diameter and area values between the PEMF group and the PC group revealed statistically significant increases in the PEMF group (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001, respectively). Statistical analysıs revealed no significant difference in mean body weights between the two groups (p > 0.530). Based on these findings, we think that 900 MHz EMF applied in the prenatal period affects the development of the vertebrae. This effect causes pathological changes in the rat pup vertebrae. These findings now raise the question of whether EMF also has an impact on neurological and neurosurgical diseases involving the vertebrae.

Promising application of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) in musculoskeletal disorders

Increasing evidence suggests that an exogenous electromagnetic field might be involved in many biologic processes which are of great importance for therapeutic interventions. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are known to be a noninvasive, safe and effective therapy agent without apparent side effects. Numerous studies have shown that PEMFs possess the potential to become a stand-alone or adjunctive treatment modality for treating musculoskeletal disorders. However, several issues remain unresolved. Prior to their widely clinical application, further researches from well-designed, high-quality studies are still required to standardize the treatment parameters and derive the optimal protocol for health-care decision making. In this review, we aim to provide current evidence on the mechanism of action, clinical applications, and controversies of PEMFs in musculoskeletal disorders.

Exposure to Static and Extremely-Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Cellular Free Radicals

This paper summarizes studies on changes in cellular free radical activities from exposure to static and extremely-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly magnetic fields. Changes in free radical activities, including levels of cellular reactive oxygen (ROS)/nitrogen (RNS) species and endogenous antioxidant enzymes and compounds that maintain physiological free radical concentrations in cells, is one of the most consistent effects of EMF exposure. These changes have been reported to affect many physiological functions such as DNA damage; immune response; inflammatory response; cell proliferation and differentiation; wound healing; neural electrical activities; and behavior. An important consideration is the effects of EMF-induced changes in free radicals on cell proliferation and differentiation. These cellular processes could affect cancer development and proper growth and development in organisms. On the other hand, they could cause selective killing of cancer cells, for instance, via the generation of the highly cytotoxic hydroxyl free radical by the Fenton Reaction. This provides a possibility of using these electromagnetic fields as a non-invasive and low side-effect cancer therapy. Static- and ELF-EMF probably play important roles in the evolution of living organisms. They are cues used in many critical survival functions, such as foraging, migration, and reproduction. Living organisms can detect and respond immediately to low environmental levels of these fields. Free radical processes are involved in some of these mechanisms. At this time, there is no credible hypothesis or mechanism that can adequately explain all the observed effects of static- and ELF-EMF on free radical processes. We are actually at the impasse that there are more questions than answers.

Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic fields on pain, disability, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with cervical disc herniation: a randomized controlled study

Background/aim

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects ofpulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) therapy on pain, disability, psychological state, and quality of life in cervical disc herniation.

Materials and methods

Patients were randomly divided into two groups, including Group 1, which received a therapy consisting of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), hot pack (HP), and PEMF, and Group 2, which received a magnetic field (sham magnetic field) without current flow in addition to TENS and HP therapy. Pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS, 0–10 cm). The other outcome measures were function (Neck Pain and Disability Scale), anxiety-depressive mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile). All evaluations were performed at baseline, in the 3rd week, and in the 12th week after treatment.

Results

A significant improvement was found in the neck pain, disability, depression, anxiety, and quality of life scores of both groups after treatment when compared to those before treatment. However, in the comparison between changes within groups, significant improvements were determined only in the VAS and Nottingham Health Profile sleep subparameter in the 12th week after treatment compared to those before treatment.

Conclusion

PEMF therapy in cervical disc herniation can be used safely in routine treatment in addition to conventional physical therapy modalities.

Effects of a hypomagnetic field on DNA methylation during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells

It has been reported that hypomagnetic fields (HMFs) have a negative influence on mammalian physiological functions. We previously reported that HMFs were detrimental to cell fate changes during reprogramming into pluripotency. These studies led us to investigate whether HMFs affect cell fate determination during direct differentiation. Here, we found that an HMF environment attenuates differentiation capacity and is detrimental to cell fate changes during the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Moreover, HMF conditions cause abnormal DNA methylation through the dysregulation of DNA methyltransferase3b (Dnmt3b) expression, eventually resulting in incomplete DNA methylation during differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that an appropriate electromagnetic field (EMF) environment may be essential for favorable epigenetic remodeling during cell fate determination via differentiation.

Does omega-3 have a protective effect on the rat adrenal gland exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields?

The aim of this study was to investigate the harmful effects of exposure to 900-megahertz (MHz) electromagnetic fields (EMF) and the protective effects of omega-3 (Omg-3) against EMF in the rat adrenal gland. Eighteen Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into three groups, control (Cont), EMF, and EMF + Omg-3. The EMF and EMF + Omg-3 groups both consisted of six rats exposed to an EMF of 900 MHz for 60 min/day for 15 days. No procedure was applied to the six rats in the Cont group. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed, and the mean volumes of the cortex and medulla of the adrenal gland were estimated using a stereological counting technique. The stereological results showed that the mean volume of the adrenal gland increased significantly in the EMF-exposed groups compared to the Cont group. Additionally, the mean volume of the adrenal gland was significantly lower in the EMF + Omg-3 group compared to the EMF group. We suggest that Omg-3 therapy aimed at suppressing the effects of EMF may prove a safe alternative for animals, whether or not they are exposed to EMF.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment reduces expression of genes associated with disc degeneration in human intervertebral disc cells

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapies have been applied to stimulate bone healing and to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but the effects of PEMF on intervertebral disc (IVD) biology is unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine how PEMF affects gene expression of IVD cells in normal and inflammatory environments.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This was an in vitro human cell culture and microarray gene expression study.

METHODS

Human annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were separately encapsulated in alginate beads and exposed to interleukin 1α (IL-1α) (10 ng/mL) to stimulate the inflammatory environment associated with IVD degeneration and/or stimulated by PEMF for 4 hours daily for up to 7 days. RNA was isolated from each treatment group and analyzed via microarray to assess IL-1α- and PEMF-induced changes in gene expression.

RESULTS

Although PEMF treatment did not completely inhibit the effects of IL-1α, PEMF treatment lessened the IL-1α-induced upregulation of genes expressed in degenerated IVDs. Consistent with our previous results, after 4 days, PEMF tended to reduce IL-1α-associated gene expression of IL-6 (25%, p=.07) in NP cells and MMP13 (26%, p=.10) in AF cells. Additionally, PEMF treatment significantly diminished IL-1α-induced gene expression of IL-17A (33%, p=.01) and MMP2 (24%, p=.006) in NP cells and NFκB (11%, p=.04) in AF cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that IVD cells are responsive to PEMF and motivate future studies to determine whether PEMF may be helpful for patients with IVD degeneration.

Evaluation of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy

AIM

This randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) in the management of patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy.

METHODS

Forty patients suffering from lumbar radiculopathy due to lumbar disc prolapse were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a study group that included 20 patients who received PEMF therapy and a control group that included 20 patients who received placebo treatment. Both groups were evaluated at bases line and after 3 weeks by using a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) for selected dermatomes and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OSW), and findings were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between both groups before and after application of PEMF therapy relative to VAS (P=0.024), total OSW (P<0.001), and other domains of OSW score (pain intensity [P=0.009], personal care [P=0.01], lifting [P<0.001], walking [P<0.001], sitting [P<0.001], standing [P<0.001], sleeping [P<0.001], social life [P<0.001] and employment [P=0.003]). Other significant differences were observed between both groups relative to SSEP latency and amplitude of the evaluated dermatomes on the right side (P=0.022 and P=0.001, respectively), and left side latency and amplitude (P=0.016 and P=0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

PEMF therapy is an effective method for the conservative treatment of lumbar radiculopathy caused by lumbar disc prolapse. In addition to improvement of clinically observed radicular symptoms, PEMF also seems effective in reducing nerve root compression as evidenced by improvement of SSEP parameters after treatment.