Effect of electromagnetic fields on human osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic chondrocytes

Abstract

BackgroundStudies of the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on cartilaginous cells show a broad range of outcomes. However EMFs are not yet clinically applied as standard treatment of osteoarthritis, as EMF effects are showing varying outcomes in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine effects of EMFs (5 mT or 8 mT) on osteoarthritic (OA) and non-OA chondrocytes in order to investigate whether EMF effects are related to chondrocyte and EMF quality.MethodsPellets of human OA and non-OA chondrocytes were exposed to a sinusoidal 15 Hz EMF produced by a solenoid. Control groups were cultivated without EMF under standard conditions for 7 days. Cultures were examined by staining, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR for RNA corresponding to cartilage specific proteins (COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9).ResultsOA chondrocytes increased the expression of COL2A1 and ACAN under 5 mT EMF compared to control. In contrast no changes in gene expression were observed in non-OA chondrocytes. OA and non-OA chondrocytes showed no significant changes in gene expression under 8 mT EMF.ConclusionA 5 mT EMF increased the expression of cartilage specific genes in OA chondrocytes whereas in non-OA chondrocytes no changes in gene expression were observed. An 8 mT EMF however showed no effect altogether. This suggests that EMF effects are related to EMF but also to chondrocyte quality. Further studies about the clinical relevance of this effect are necessary.

Low‐frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields alleviate the condylar cartilage degeneration and synovitis at the early stage of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

“…[5][6][7] Emerging evidences suggest that low-frequency PEMF not only promoting the proliferation and inhibiting the apoptosis of chondrocytes, but also significantly reducing the expression of cartilage-related pro-inflammatory and degradative factors, as well as promoting the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycan, which effectively alleviate the degradation of cartilage matrix. [8][9][10][11][12] However, few research focuses on the effect of PEMF on the treatment of TMJOA.…”

Chondrogenic Potential of Pellet Culture Compared to High-Density Culture on a Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogel

“…OA chondrocytes were obtained from human OA articular cartilage from patients undergoing a total knee replacement (n = 4; all females; mean age 67.5 years; range 62-73 years). In order to compare OA chondrocytes to the best possible cartilage quality, the non-OA chondrocytes were not age matched but instead obtained from knees of young deceased persons without apparent joint disease, up to 12 h after death (n = 4; 3 males, 1 female; mean age 25. as supplements) for one, two, or three passages respectively, according to Redeker et al [5].…”

“…Beneficial effects on chondrogenesis have been shown for high density (HD) and three dimensional (3D) culture systems (providing intensive cell-cell contacts) [1][2][3], alternative culture surfaces such as hydrogels (addressing cell-surface contacts) [4], and various physical stimuli (e.g., electromagnetic fields of a certain spectrum [5], or hydrostatic pressure and perfusion [6]) as well as chemical stimuli [7].…”

Evaluation of the efficiency and safety of magnet therapy for osteoarthritis. Results of the multicenter blind placebo-controlled study COSMO (Clinical Evaluation of Current Magnet Therapy for Osteoarthritis)

“…Было показано, что пульсирующее магнитное поле оказывает стимулирующее действие на образцы хондроцитов, полученные у больных ОА, усиливая метаболический и пролиферативный потенциал этих клеток. Кроме этого, Мт замедляет разрушение трабекулярной структуры субхондральной кости и развитие остеопороза, в том чис-ле ассоциированного с Wnt/β-катепсин-сигнальным путем [6][7][8].…”