Pulsed electromagnetic fields accelerate apoptotic rate in osteoclasts.
Chang K, Chang WH, Tsai MT, Shih C.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li,
Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Selective control of cell function by applying specifically configured,
low-energy, time-varying electromagnetic fields (EMF) has added a new, exciting
dimension to biology and medicine. In our study, we investigated the effect of pulsed
electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on induction of osteoclasts apoptosis. The findings
suggest that PEMF have the ability to speed up apoptosis of osteoclasts
derived from primary osteoblasts and bone marrow cells cocultures. This in vitro
study, therefore, could be considered as groundwork for in vivo PEMF applications
on some osteoclasts-associated bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
2: Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi. 2005 Dec;22(6):1168-70.
[Effects of the PEMFs of different intensity on BMD and biomechanical properties
of rabbits' femur]
[Article in Chinese]
Luo E, Jiao L, Shen G, Wu XM, Xu Q, Lu L.
Research Center of Intelligent Information Processing, School of Electronic
Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China.
The effects of the pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) of different intensity
on bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties of rabbits' femur had
been studied. Compared with control group, the values of BMD, maximum load and
structural rigidity of magnetic group were significantly increased (P < 0.05).
In addition, there was significant increase in values of BMD and structural
rigidity in group 10 x 10(-4) T in comparison with group 20 x 10(-4) T (P <
0.05). PEMFs is effective in improving BMD and biomechanical properties. It is
favorable to the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
3: Indian J Exp Biol. 2003 Jun;41(6):581-6.
Effects of low level pulsed radio frequency fields on induced osteoporosis in
rat bone.
Jayanand, Behari J, Lochan R.
311, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
110067, India.
Effect of modulated pulsed electromagnetic fields on induced osteoporosis in
rat femur and tibia resulted in statistically significant increase in bone mineral
density, and deceleration in bone resorption process.
4: Bioelectromagnetics. 2003 Apr;24(3):189-98.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields prevent osteoporosis in an ovariectomized female
rat model: a prostaglandin E2-associated process.
Chang K, Chang WH.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li,
Taiwan, Republic of China.
These experiments demonstrated that extremely low intensity, low
frequency, single pulse electromagnetic fields significantly suppressed the
trabecular bone loss and restored the trabecular bone structure in bilateral
ovariectomized rats. We, therefore, conclude that PEMF may be useful in the
prevention of osteoporosis.
5: Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000 Feb;26(1):51-62, viii.
Electromagnetic fields and magnets. Investigational treatment for
musculoskeletal disorders.
Trock DH.
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Certain pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) affect the growth of bone and
cartilage in vitro, with potential application as an arthritis treatment. PEMF
stimulation is already a proven remedy for delayed fractures, with potential
clinical application for osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of bone, osteoporosis,
and wound healing. The mechanisms underlying the use of PEMF and magnets
are discussed.
6: J Spinal Cord Med. 1999 Winter;22(4):239-45.
The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on osteoporosis at the knee in
individuals with spinal cord injury.
Garland DE, Adkins RH, Matsuno NN, Stewart CA.
Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, California 90242, USA.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pulsed electromagnetic
fields on osteoporotic bone at the knee in individuals with chronic spinal
injury. The authors believe a local as well as a systemic response was created.
7: Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1993 Jul-Aug;69(7-8):469-75.
Effects of pulsed magnetic fields in the therapy of osteoporosis induced by
ovariectomy in the rat.
Zati A, Gnudi S, Mongiorgi R, Giardino R, Fini M, Valdre G, Galliani I,
Montagnani AM.
Institute Orthopaedic Rizzoli, University of Bologna.
This paper presents preliminary results on the effects of pulsed electromagnetic
fields (EMF) in the therapy of post menopausal osteoporosis in female rats.
Treatment lasting one hour per day for 4 months showed that the pulsed EMF are able to
slow down or stop bone mass loss.
8: J Bone Miner Res. 1990 May;5(5):437-42.
Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed
electromagnetic fields (PEMFs).
Tabrah F, Hoffmeier M, Gilbert F Jr, Batkin S, Bassett CA.
University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu.
20 subjects were exposed to PEMF 10 h daily for a period of 12 weeks. Bone
mineral densities of the treated radii measured increased significantly in the
immediate area of the field during the exposure period. A similar but weaker
response occurred in the opposite arm, suggesting a "cross-talk" effect on the
nontreated radii, from either possible arm proximity during sleep or very weak
general field effects. The data suggest that properly applied PEMFs, if scaled for
whole-body use, may have clinical application in the prevention and treatment
of osteoporosis.
9: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1989 Mar;71(3):411-7.
Prevention of osteoporosis by pulsed electromagnetic fields.
Rubin CT, McLeod KJ, Lanyon LE.
Musculo-Skeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, State
University of New York, Stony Brook 11794.
Using an animal model, we examined the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields,
induced at a physiological frequency and intensity, to prevent the osteoporosis
that is concomitant with disuse. The data suggests that short daily periods of
exposure to appropriate electromagnetic fields can beneficially influence the
behavior of the cell populations responsible for bone-remodeling in the absence
of mechanical loading.