Studies on the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field exposure on cultured human chondrocytes and breast cancer cell lines

Abstract

Electric and magnetic fields have been used to treat damaged tissues for over 40 years of clinical studies Pulsed electromagnetic field PEMF is used to treat bone and joint disorders and it is one of the emerging alternative therapies for chronic diseases Despite the applications the mechanism of action of PEMF at the cellular and molecular level is remaining unknown Existence of endogenous electrical gradient between cellular compartments is an important factor favouring tissue regeneration Normal development of human tissue is dependent on endogenous electrical field which play a critical role in cell division and proliferation PEMF exposure showed positive outcomes in a variety of orthopedic pathologies such as congenital pseudoarthrosis delayed union fracture at risk recent fractures bone grafts vertebral arthrosis and a vascular necrosis The modulation is being achieved by exposure to and#8804; 300 Hz range of extremely low frequency as they are non-ionizing and athermal Recent studies demonstrate a significant effect of PEMF on bone and cartilage proliferation differentiation synthesis of extracellular matrix and production of growth factors The aim of this study is to assess if electromagnetic fields of low frequency ultralow field strength and short time exposure have beneficial effects on in vitro cultured human chondrocytes Low frequency and low field strength PEMF may benefit cancer therapy Prior studies infer that pulsed electromagnetic fields at milli tesla or higher field strength enhance activity of antitumor drug when used in combination with chemotherapy However it remains unclear if similar effects are produced by low field strength (nano tesla nT) exposure Though low levels of PEMF produces specific biological responses the outcome is dependent on magnetic field parameters This study assessed effects of low dose PEMF on breast cancer cell lines and compared the cellular response to different field strengths of exposure Primary human chondrocytes cultures were established using articular cartilage obtai