Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Treatment Reduces Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Septic Shock in Mice

Pulsed electromagnetic fields treatment ameliorates cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice and pigs

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a prominent contributor to mortality worldwide, with myocardial infarction (MI) representing its most severe manifestation. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) treatment shows promise for treating IHD. Nevertheless, the therapeutic impact and underlying mechanism of PEMF in MI are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of PEMF for MI.

METHODS

We established MI models in both mice and pigs and performed serial echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance follow-up to demonstrate the benefit of PEMF treatment after MI. The pathological environment after myocardial infarction was simulated in vitro to observe changes in various cells exposed to PEMF. Gene knockout (TLR4-/-) mice and inhibitors were used to compare the differences in the efficacy of PEMF treatment relative to that of gene knockout/inhibitor treatments. Agonists were used to further explore the mechanism of PEMF treatment.

RESULTS

In post-MI mice, PEMF treatment enhanced cardiac function and reduced scar formation. PEMF reduced the macrophage inflammatory response, improved cardiomyocyte survival in an inflammatory environment, and decreased collagen secretion by fibroblasts in vitro. Importantly, in the clinically relevant porcine model, PEMF treatment inhibited the inflammatory response and alleviated adverse left ventricular remodeling. Moreover, PEMF could exert therapeutic effects similar to those of gene knockout or inhibitor treatments. In the presence of TLR4 knockout or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (an NF-κB inhibitor) administration, PEMF could still improve cardiac function in post-MI mice. Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory effect of PEMF was reversed when RS09 (a TLR4 agonist) was administered, and the antifibrotic effect of PEMF was attenuated after treatment with SRI-011381 (a TGF-β signaling pathway agonist).

CONCLUSIONS

PEMF treatment exhibits considerable promise as a noninvasive physical therapy modality, warranting further investigation into its potential implications for managing patients with IHD.

Pulsed electromagnetic field ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis via the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes electromagnetic fields to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. However, PEMFs' anti-inflammatory effect on osteoarthritis (OA) and the potential mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Human chondrocytes (C28/I2) were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β with or without the treatment of PEMF. CCK-8 assay Kit was used to detect cell viability. RT-qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescent staining and western blot was used to analyze relative markers of inflammatory response and extracellular matrix (ECM) under the treatment of PEMF and related mechanism. Besides, the significance role of Sirt1 was assessed by using the Sirt1 inhibitor (EX-527). Moreover, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were carried out to evaluate the curative effect of PEMF on OA mice induced by the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM).

RESULTS

PEMF inhibited IL-1β-mediated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Besides, PEMF alleviated IL-1β-induced degradation of ECM by increasing the expression of Col2a1 and ACAN, while inhibiting the expression of MMP13 and ADAMTS5. At the mechanism level, PEMF increased the expression of Sirt1 and inhibited IL-1β-induced the activation of NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, blocking Sirt1 with EX-527 attenuated the effect of PEMF on the inhibition of NF-κB pathway and the expression of ECM in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In vivo, PEMF-treated OA mice showed low modified mankin scores, reduced the number of osteophytes and preserved joint structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PEMF inhibits NF-κB pathway and blocks the expression of inflammatory factors by activating the expression of Sirt1, which may be a novel strategy for OA.

Radiofrequency Electromagnetic and Pulsed Magnetic Fields Protected the Kidney Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Systemic Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis by Regulating the IL-6/HIF1α/eNOS and Bcl2/Bax/Cas-9 Pathways

Background/Objectives: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is related to hypoxia, amplification of the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. This study aims to explore the protective effects of a radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and a pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on acute kidney injury in rats. Materials and methods: Forty female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (each containing eight rats): control, LPS, RF-EMF, PMF, and RF-EMF + PMF groups. Six hours after LPS application, blood and tissues were removed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and genetic analysis. Results: Histopathological findings, caspase-3, inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha immunoexpressions, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index levels, and interleukin-6, hypoxia-inducible factor alpha, Bcl-2-associated X protein, and caspase 9 gene expression in kidney tissue and blood urine nitrogen and creatinine levels in blood were increased, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthase and B-cell lymphoma 2 gene expression were decreased in the LPS groups. Both RF-EMF and PMF reversed all these findings and recovered renal tissues. Conclusions: Noninvasive, nontoxic, low-cost PMF and RF-EMF, both single and combined, have been demonstrated to have renoprotective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields inhibit IL-37 to alleviate CD8+ T cell dysfunction and suppress cervical cancer progression

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a potential non-invasive treatment to modulate immune responses and inhibit tumor growth. Cervical cancer (CC) is influenced by IL-37-mediated immune regulation, making PEMF therapy a potential strategy to impede CC progression. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of PEMF on IL-37 regulation and its molecular mechanisms in CC. CC cell-xenografted mouse models, including IL-37 transgenic (IL-37tg) mice, were used to assess tumor growth through in vivo fluorescence imaging and analyze CC cell apoptosis via flow cytometry. TCGA-CESC transcriptome and clinical data were analyzed to identify key inflammation and immune-related genes. CD8+ T cell models were stimulated with PEMF, and apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor expression were analyzed through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry. PEMF treatment significantly inhibited IL-37 expression (p < 0.05), promoted inflammatory factor release (TNF-α and IL-6), and activated oxidative stress, leading to increased CC cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). IL-37 interaction with SMAD3 impacted the p38/NF-κB signaling pathway, modulating CD8+ T cell activity and cytotoxicity. Co-culture of Hela cells with CD8+ T cells under PEMF treatment showed reduced proliferation (by 40%), migration, and invasion (p < 0.05). In vivo experiments with CC-bearing mice demonstrated that PEMF treatment downregulated IL-37 expression (p < 0.05), enhanced CD8+ T cell function, and inhibited tumor growth (p < 0.05). These molecular mechanisms were validated through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Thus, PEMF therapy inhibits CC progression by downregulating IL-37 and improving CD8+ T cell function via the SMAD3/p38/NF-κB signaling pathway.

A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial: Can Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Be a Novel Method for Treating Chronic Rhinosinusitis?

Background and Objectives: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy offers a promising approach to treating inflammatory diseases. Its notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and enhancement of microcirculation in the nasal mucosa make it a valuable treatment option. Despite its potential, the use of PEMF for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still in its early stages, with limited exploration of its effectiveness. This study aimed to assess the impact of PEMF on alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sinus opacifications, and ostiomeatal complex issues associated with CRS. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients of both genders with CRS, aged 19 to 40 years, were involved in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either a magnetic or a control group. The magnetic group underwent a 10 min PEMF session with a 20-gauss magnetic field strength at 7 Hz thrice a week for a month. The control group received the same PEMF application as an inactive device. Before and after the intervention, researchers assessed fatigue levels with a visual analog fatigue scale (VAFS), headache intensity via a numerical pain-rating scale, and the status of sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions by computerized tomography (CT). Results: The study findings showed a significant reduction in fatigue and headache scores in the magnetic group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable improvement in sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions among participants who received PEMF therapy. Conclusions: PEMF therapy effectively reduces fatigue, headaches, and sinus opacifications in CRS patients, suggesting its potential for inclusion in CRS management guidelines to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The results of this study indicate that PEMF represents a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for treating adults with mild-to-moderate CRS.

Bioelectricity in dental medicine: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Bioelectric signals, whether exogenous or endogenous, play crucial roles in the life processes of organisms. Recently, the significance of bioelectricity in the field of dentistry is steadily gaining greater attention.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aims to comprehensively outline the theory, physiological effects, and practical applications of bioelectricity in dental medicine and to offer insights into its potential future direction. It attempts to provide dental clinicians and researchers with an electrophysiological perspective to enhance their clinical practice or fundamental research endeavors.

METHODS

An online computer search for relevant literature was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, with the keywords "bioelectricity, endogenous electric signal, electric stimulation, dental medicine."

RESULTS

Eventually, 288 documents were included for review. The variance in ion concentration between the interior and exterior of the cell membrane, referred to as transmembrane potential, forms the fundamental basis of bioelectricity. Transmembrane potential has been established as an essential regulator of intercellular communication, mechanotransduction, migration, proliferation, and immune responses. Thus, exogenous electric stimulation can significantly alter cellular action by affecting transmembrane potential. In the field of dental medicine, electric stimulation has proven useful for assessing pulp condition, locating root apices, improving the properties of dental biomaterials, expediting orthodontic tooth movement, facilitating implant osteointegration, addressing maxillofacial malignancies, and managing neuromuscular dysfunction. Furthermore, the reprogramming of bioelectric signals holds promise as a means to guide organism development and intervene in disease processes. Besides, the development of high-throughput electrophysiological tools will be imperative for identifying ion channel targets and precisely modulating bioelectricity in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioelectricity has found application in various concepts of dental medicine but large-scale, standardized, randomized controlled clinical trials are still necessary in the future. In addition, the precise, repeatable and predictable measurement and modulation methods of bioelectric signal patterns are essential research direction.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Treatment Ameliorates Murine Model of Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of the joint synovial membranes. RA is difficult to prevent or treat; however, blocking proinflammatory cytokines is a general therapeutic strategy. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is reported to alleviate RA's inflammatory response and is being studied as a non-invasive physical therapy. In this current study, PEMF decreased paw inflammation in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) murine model. PEMF treatment at 10 Hz was more effective in ameliorating arthritis than at 75 Hz. In the PEMF-treated CIA group, the gross inflammation score and cartilage destruction were lower than in the untreated CIA group. The CIA group treated with PEMF also showed lower serum levels of IL-1β but not IL-6, IL-17, or TNF-α. Serum levels of total anti-type II collagen IgG and IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b) remained unchanged. In contrast, tissue protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and TNF-α receptor1 (TNFR1) were all lower in the ankle joints of the PEMF-treated CIA group compared with the CIA group. The results of this study suggest that PEMF treatment can preserve joint morphology cartilage and delay the occurrence of CIA. PEMF has potential as an effective adjuvant therapy that can suppress the progression of RA.