Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Neural stimulation on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells by extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields med./bio.

Published in: Biotechnol Prog 2012; 28 (5): 1329-1335

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on the cell differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs).

Background/further details

hBM-MSCs have the potential to differentiate into nerve type cells.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 12 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 12 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with an inner diameter of 7.5 cm, an outer diameter of 13 cm and 1000 windings, placed vertically, spaced 7.5 cm apart; cells cultured in 100 mm plates positioned between the coils
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT maximum measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure inhibited the growth of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) following 12 days of exposure. The gene expression of the neural stem cell marker nestin was decreased, but the neural markers like MAP2, Neuro D1, NF-L and Tau were induced. The protein expression of Tau and NF-L was confirmed in exposed cells.
Both oligodendrocyte and astrocyte related proteins like O4 and GFAP were induced by extremely low frequency magnetic fields.
The authors suggest, that extremely low frequency magnetic fields can induce neural cell differentiation in hBM-MSCs although the differentiation was unspecific.

Study character:

Study funded by

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