Is extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields applicable to gliomas? A literature review of the underlying mechanisms and application of extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (Feb 2023)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9939155
Gliomas are a type of aggressive brain tumor with a low survival rate. Traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and medications can be tough on patients. Researchers are exploring a new approach called ELF-PEMF, which uses low-powered, pulsating magnetic fields. The idea is that ELF-PEMF might weaken glioma cells by:
- Disrupting their internal communication (like calcium levels) to slow their growth.
- Triggering a self-cleaning process within the cells, potentially leading to their demise.
- Inducing self-destruction (apoptosis) in the tumor cells.
- Hindering their ability to build blood vessels (angiogenesis) needed for expansion.
- Affecting the levels of molecules that can damage cells.
The Effect of Different Frequencies of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Cartilage Repair of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Osteoarthritis (Dec 2022)
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/19476035221137726
The study aimed to investigate the effect of PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in promoting the regeneration of osteoarthritic cartilage. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs were extracted from rats and exposed to PEMF at different frequencies (15, 45, and 75 Hz) in an incubator. The regenerative effect of co-culturing with PEMF-exposed MSC-derived exosomes was then assessed on chondrocytes treated with interlukin-1β (IL-1β). The study also established a rat model of osteoarthritis and injected PEMF-exposed MSC-derived exosomes into the knee joints. The results showed that PEMF-exposed MSC-derived exosomes effectively suppressed inflammation and extracellular matrix degeneration in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, with the 75 Hz frequency showing the most significant effect. The intra-articular injection of 75 Hz PEMF-exposed exosomes also increased the number of tibial epiphyseal trabeculae, decreased the Osteoarthritis Research Society International score, and upregulated the COL2A1 and ACAN protein level of the degenerated cartilage. In conclusion, PEMF stimulation can effectively promote the regeneration effects of MSC-derived exosomes on osteoarthritic cartilage, with the 75 Hz frequency showing the most positive effect.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Direct Current Electric Field Modulation Promote the Migration of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes to Accelerate Cartilage Repair In Vitro (Dec 2022)
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/23/12406
PEMF stimulation has been shown to promote fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) migration in vitro and in vivo. PEMF also has a pro-anabolic effect on cartilage, increasing GAG and collagen levels. Together, PEMF and galvanotaxis DC EF modulation are electrotherapeutic strategies with complementary repair properties that may enable direct migration or selective homing of target cells to defect sites, thus augmenting natural repair processes for improving cartilage repair and healing.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Disrupt Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms and Enhance the Antibiofilm Efficacy of Antibiotics (Dec 2022)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9769884/
The study investigated the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) as a potential treatment for infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, a bacteria known for forming biofilms that increase resistance to antibiotics and the natural immune response. The study found that PEMF significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted preformed biofilms in vitro. When combined with antibiotics, PEMF showed synergistic biofilm inhibition. The results indicate that PEMF may be a promising novel technique for treating S. epidermidis biofilm infections and should be further tested in vivo.
Effect of 40 Hz Magnetic Field Application in Post-traumatic Muscular Atrophy Development on Muscle Mass and Contractions in Rats (Dec 2022)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36477897/
The study investigated the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on muscle atrophy caused by a long-term decrease in muscle function. Rats with quadriceps tendon rupture were used to simulate muscle atrophy and were divided into groups with and without PEMF treatment. The results showed that PEMF prevented muscle mass loss and did not significantly change contraction force or contraction time in the rats with muscle atrophy. The study suggests that PEMF may be a non-invasive therapy for muscle atrophy.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Protects Against Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Involvement of Anti-Inflammatory Processes and Hematoma Clearance via CD36 (Oct 22)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12031-022-02063-1
The study looked at the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model in mice. PEMF was applied 4 hours after the ICH and for 4 hours per day for 7 consecutive days. The study found that PEMF decreased the hematoma volume and the expression of proinflammatory factors after ICH. Additionally, PEMF enhanced the erythrophagocytosis of microglia via CD36. The study suggests that PEMF treatment may promote hematoma clearance and alleviate inflammation after ICH.
The Role of Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation: A Systematic Review (Aug 2022)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36042129/
The study aimed to analyze the use of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science, resulting in 46 eligible articles. The research indicated that EMFs are a practical and easy way to regulate stem cells in cell therapy and tissue engineering. Studies have shown positive effects on stem cell differentiation, but the optimal parameters for the electrical field and application method are not yet fully understood and require further research.
Successful application of pulsed electromagnetic fields in a patient with post-COVID-19 fatigue: a case report (Jun 2022)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8743351/
The article discusses the use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to treat post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome in a patient. The therapy was applied over the course of 5 weeks, with 10 sessions and a high intensity magnetic field. The patient’s fatigue, work ability, quality of life, and psychological well-being were evaluated before and after the treatment, and results showed improvement in all areas. The authors suggest that this therapy could be a promising treatment for post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome and could reduce clinical and economic health consequences, but further clinical studies are needed to confirm the results.
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) as an adjunct therapy for pain management in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (Jun 2021)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34100976/
The use of PEMF has been evaluated as a therapeutic strategy for pain management in several clinical scenarios. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials have reported positive efficacy and safety profiles when PEMF was used to treat non-specific low back pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome, chronic post-operative pain, osteoarthritis-related pain, rheumatoid arthritis-related pain, and fibromyalgia-related pain.
The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Angiogenesis (Apr 2021)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.22330
PEMF has been shown to promote angiogenesis, which is the growth of new blood vessels, in various studies. This has potential therapeutic applications for treating inflammation-based diseases such as osteoporosis, neurological injury, and osteoarthritis. The mechanisms behind this include promoting vascular endothelial cell growth and migration, increasing the expression of angiogenic growth factors, and impacting the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels. The potential clinical applications for PEMF in promoting angiogenesis may go beyond the current scope.
Therapeutic application of light and electromagnetic fields to reduce hyper-inflammation triggered by COVID-19 (Apr 2021)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8096326/
The article discusses how COVID-19 can lead to exaggerated inflammation and cytokine production in the lungs, causing acute respiratory failure. The cellular mechanisms behind this are regulated through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and by ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). The article suggests that noninvasive therapies like light (Photobiomodulation) and magnetic fields (e.g., Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field) can be used to reduce inflammation and regulate ROS signaling pathways. The article presents evidence that daily exposure to two 10-minute intervals of moderate intensity infra-red light and electromagnetic field exposure can help to lower the inflammatory response in human cell cultures. The treatments are considered safe and affordable, with the potential to be used both at home and in hospitals to help COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress.
Evaluation of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Highlights of Two Decades of Research In Vitro Studies (2021)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8342182/
This is a meta-analysis was performed using 3249 in vitro experimental observations available in 92 scientific journals (1999-2019) in order to determine the potential effects of PEMF on different cell types of both human and rat/mouse. this study provided us insight into that which cell types could be more responsive to PEMFs. Additionally, we determined the range of frequencies and intensities which PEMFs appeared more effective
Long-term treatment with transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields improves movement speed and elevates cerebrospinal erythropoietin in Parkinson’s disease (Apr 2021)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8081215/
In summary, the study investigated the effects of long-term treatment with transcranial bipolar pulsed electromagnetic fields on motor performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study found that after three eight-week periods of daily treatment, movement speed significantly improved compared to the natural progression of the disease and erythropoietin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid increased. The study suggests that the treatment may improve functional performance by increasing dopamine levels in the brain through erythropoietin-induced neural repair and/or protection of dopaminergic neurons.