Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on the proliferation and differentiation potential of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30 (4): 251-260

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on the proliferation and differentiation potential of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Background/further details

It was suggested that the proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells may lead to the replenishment of bone cells.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 15 Hz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 8 h/day during cultivation time (up to 10 days)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 15 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 8 h/day during cultivation time (up to 10 days)
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 4.5 ms
Rise time 200 µs
Fall time 25 µs
Additional info

20 pulses per burst, burst duration = 4.5 ms

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup cells placed on the base of the PEMF device in a CO2 incubator
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1.8 mT - - - -

Reference articles

  • Lohmann CH et al. (2003): Pulsed electromagnetic fields affect phenotype and connexin 43 protein expression in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells and ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells
  • Guerkov HH et al. (2001): Pulsed electromagnetic fields increase growth factor release by nonunion cells
  • Lohmann CH et al. (2000): Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation of MG63 osteoblast-like cells affects differentiation and local factor production
  • Bassett CA et al. (1974): Augmentation of bone repair by inductively coupled electromagnetic fields

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed that about 59% and 40% more viable bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were obtained in the pulsed electromagnetic field exposed cultures at 24 h after plating for the seeding density of 1000 and 3000 cells/cm², respectively. Although the cell growth rates during the exponential growth phase were not significantly affected, 20-60% higher cell densities were achieved during the exponentially expanding stage. Many newly divided cells appeared from 12 to 16 h after exposure as revealed by the cell cycle analysis.
These findings suggest that pulsed electromagnetic field exposure could enhance the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation during the exponential phase and it possibly resulted from the shortening of the so-called "lag phase" (phase before exponential phase). In addition, the exposed mesenchymal stem cells showed multi-lineage differentiation potential similar to the control group.
The phenomenon of accelerated growth of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells due to pulsed electromagnetic field exposure may provide more osteoblast progenitor cells, thereby contributing to the healing of bone fractures.

Study character:

Study funded by

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