Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of Low-Intensity Electromagnetic Fields on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Cultured Mouse Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells med./bio.

Published in: Phys Ther 2012; 92 (9): 1208-1219

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To determine the effects of magnetic fields on the proliferation and differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of mice.

Background/further details

Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, bone marrow cells of mice were submitted to one of the following treatments: 1.) control group, 2.) osteogenesis-inducing medium, 3.) magnetic field-exposure and 4.) osteogenesis-inducing medium + magnetic field-exposure.
In a second experiment, unexposed and exposed bone marrow cells were inserted into the femurs of mice (n=8). Every mouse received both kinds of cells, into the left and the right femur, respectively. 4 mice were sacrificed and examined after 4 weeks, the other 4 mice after 8 weeks.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 8 h/day for up to 12 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 8 h/day for up to 12 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.5 mT - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the first experiment, in cell cultures exposed to magnetic fields, the cell proliferation and the percentage of cells in the G2 phase/mitosis + S phase were significantly increased in comparison to the control group. Additionally, mineralization and differentiation was enhanced in magnetic field-exposed cell cultures when compared to control samples: the gene expression of collagen was significantly upregulated, the enzyme activity of the alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased and more calcified nodules were observed.
In the second experiment, the bone healing in the right femur (exposed cells) was significantly more sophisticated when compared to the left femur (unexposed cells), especially after 8 weeks.
The authors conclude that magnetic field-exposure of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of mice could increase cell proliferation and cell differentiation.

Study character:

Study funded by

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