Electromagnetic Field as a Treatment for Cerebral Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Cerebral stroke is a leading cause of death and adult-acquired disability worldwide. To this date, treatment options are limited; hence, the search for new therapeutic approaches continues. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affect a wide variety of biological processes and accumulating evidence shows their potential as a treatment for ischemic stroke. Based on their characteristics, they can be divided into stationary, pulsed, and sinusoidal EMF. The aim of this review is to provide an extensive literature overview ranging from in vitro to even clinical studies within the field of ischemic stroke of all EMF types. A thorough comparison between EMF types and their effects is provided, as well as an overview of the signal pathways activated in cell types relevant for ischemic stroke such as neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. We also discuss which steps have to be taken to improve their therapeutic efficacy in the frame of the clinical translation of this promising therapy.

Mapping the landscape of magnetic field effects on neural regeneration and repair: a systematic review, mathematical model, and meta-analysis

“…10 The potential of applied magnetic fields has also been explored in the context of cerebral ischemic stroke, as highlighted by Moya-Gomez et al in their review of electromagnetic field (EMF) applications in stroke from the culture dish to the clinic. 11 Magnetic fields are thought to provide neuroprotective (i.e., rescue of apoptotic cells) effects, 11 but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Hypothesized mechanisms that may underlie physiological responses to magnetic fields include modulation of calcium and nitric oxide concentration, 12,13 free radical production, 14 inhibition of apoptosis, 15 induced angiogenesis, 16 manipulation of cellular electrical activity, 17 and reduced edema/inflammation.…”

“…Hypothesized mechanisms that may underlie physiological responses to magnetic fields include modulation of calcium and nitric oxide concentration, 12,13 free radical production, 14 inhibition of apoptosis, 15 induced angiogenesis, 16 manipulation of cellular electrical activity, 17 and reduced edema/inflammation. 11,18 Although magnetic field exposure appears to be beneficial in the context of stroke and some psychiatric disorders, there are other diseases where the impacts of magnetic field exposure are more ambiguous, such as Alzheimer's disease. Some case-controlled and cohort studies report an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease with static (no oscillations) magnetic field exposure (~10 uT).…”

“…Hypothesized mechanisms that may underlie physiological responses to magnetic fields include modulation of calcium and nitric oxide concentration, 12,13 free radical production, 14 inhibition of apoptosis, 15 induced angiogenesis, 16 manipulation of cellular electrical activity, 17 and reduced edema/inflammation. 11,18…”

Electromagnetic field and cardiovascular diseases: A state‐of‐the‐art review of diagnostic, therapeutic, and predictive values

“…For example, strong SMFs produced by powerful magnets are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is a sophisticated and noninvasive imaging technology. Pulsed EMFs, one of the therapeutic modalities of EMF, possess the potential to be used as adjunctive or standalone methods to treat musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative synovial joints, and cerebrovascular diseases 4–6 . However, many studies are empirical, and the exact mechanisms of those actions are largely unknown.…”

“…Pulsed EMFs, one of the therapeutic modalities of EMF, possess the potential to be used as adjunctive or standalone methods to treat musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative synovial joints, and cerebrovascular diseases. [4][5][6] However, many studies are empirical, and the exact mechanisms of those actions are largely unknown.…”