Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of low frequency electromagnetic field on proliferation of human epidermal stem cells: An in vitro study med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2013; 34 (1): 74-80

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine the effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields on the proliferation of epidermal stem cells.

Background/further details

Three different frequencies (1 Hz, 10 Hz and 50 Hz) and a sham exposed control were tested.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min/day on 3, 5, or 7 days
Exposure 2: 10 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min/day on 3, 5, or 7 days
Exposure 3: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min/day on 3, 5, or 7 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min/day on 3, 5, or 7 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a mean radius of 15 cm ± 0.3 cm positioned vertical to the horizontal plane at a horizontal distance of 15 cm ± 0.5 cm; cells placed in plates with six wells in the coil system; field uniformity approximately 90%; exposure system placed in an incubator with a constant temperature of 37°C ± 0.5°C, 5% CO2 and 50% humidity
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5 mT effective value measured - at the center of the coils

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 10 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min/day on 3, 5, or 7 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5 mT effective value measured - at the center of the coils

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min/day on 3, 5, or 7 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5 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)

No influence of magnetic field-exposure on the cell morphology and on the cell phenotype were detected in any of the groups. In all exposed cell cultures, the cell proliferation was significantly increased compared to the sham exposed cultures, in a frequency dependent manner, with the highest rate in the 50 Hz-group. Magnetic field-exposure led to a significant increase of cells in the S phase and to a significant decrease of cells in the G1 phase. The changes in the cell cycle distibution were not dependent on the frequency.
The data indicate a promoting influence of low frequency magnetic fields on the proliferation of human epidermal stem cells.

Study character:

Study funded by

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