Cytokine Release from Osteoblasts in Response to Different Intensities of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation

• Published in: Electromagnetic biology and medicine Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 153 - 165
• Main Authors: Li, Jimmy Kuan-Jung, Lin, James Cheng-An, Liu, Hwa Chang, Chang, Walter Hong-Shong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 2007; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: ALP; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Cell Proliferation - radiation effects; Cell Survival - radiation effects; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines - metabolism; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Electromagnetic Fields; Gene Expression - physiology; Gene Expression - radiation effects; Intensity; Osteoblasts; Osteoblasts - physiology; Osteoblasts - radiation effects; PEMF; PGE; Radiation Dosage; Rats; Rats, Wistar; TGFβ1
• ISSN: 1536-8378; 1536-8386
• DOI: 10.1080/15368370701572837

We use an in-vitro osteoblast cell culture model to investigate the effects of low-frequency (7.5 Hz) pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation on osteoblast population, cytokines (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity to find the optimal intensity of PEMF for osteoblast growth. The results demonstrate that PEMF can stimulate osteoblast growth, release of TGFβ1, and, in addition, an increase of ALP activity. The synthesis and release of PGE2 in the culture medium are reduced with increasing numbers of cells. Higher intensity does not necessarily mean increased osteoblast growth, and the most efficient intensity is about 2 mV cm in this case. Although the lower intensities of the PEMF are yet to be determined, the results of this study can shed light on the mechanisms of PEMF stimulation on non union fracture therapy and osteoporosis prevention in the future.