Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) induce in vitro angiogenesis process in human endothelial cells med./bio.

By: Delle Monache S, Alessandro R, Iorio R, Gualtieri G, Colonna R
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29 (8): 640-648
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on human vascular endothelial cell functions.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 1, 6 or 12 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 1, 6 or 12 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a radius of 13.0 +/- 0.5 cm and 800 turns of 2 mm² wire each; vertical distance between the coils 13.5 +/- 0.5 cm; stack of four culture plates placed inside the coil system
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT effective value measured - at the center of the coils

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The exposure to 1 mT extremely low frequency electromagnetic field increased the cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner, reaching a statistical significant difference compared to the control group after 6 hours of exposure. The cell migration was higher in exposed cells with a peak of cell migration at 1 hour of exposure. Concerning angiogenic response, exposed cells showed significantly higher capillary length at 12 hours of exposure. A progressive time-dependent increase of focal adhesions (vinculin spots) with a maximum at 12 hours of exposure, while actin density reached a maximum level at 6 hours of treatment was observed in exposed cells. At 1 hour of exposure, both levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR/Flk-1) expression and phosphorylation were raised, and this significant increase was maintained up to 12 hours of electromagnetic field treatment.
In conclusion, these results may indicate that sinusoidal extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (1 mT, 50 Hz) promote capillary formation in vitro exploiting a signaling pathway primed by activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR/Flk-1).

Study character:

Study funded by

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