Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and wound healing: implication of cytokines as biological mediators

Abstract

Wound healing is a highly coordinated and complex process involving various cell types, chemical mediators and the surrounding extracellular matrix, resulting in a tightly orchestrated re-establishment of tissue integrity by specific cytokines. It consists of various dynamic processes including a series of overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation, re-epithelialization and remodeling. One of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the disturbances in wound healing is an out-of-control inflammatory response that can cause pathological consequences, such as hypertrophic scars, keloids or chronic wounds and ulcers. Recently, several reports have evaluated the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on tissue repair. In particular, the data analysis supports an anti-inflammatory effect of EMFs by the modulation of cytokine profiles that drive the transition from a chronic pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state of the healing process. In this review, we focus on the effect of EMFs on skin wound healing showing emerging details of the anti-inflammatory effects of EMFs, with a view to cytokines as candidate biomarkers. Molecular clarification of the mechanisms involved in the modulation of inflammatory factors following exposure to EMFs will provide a better understanding of the cellular responses induced by EMFs and a potential, additional treatment in non-responding, chronic wounds.

Effect of extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields on antioxidant activity in the human keratinocyte cell line NCTC 2544

“…This finding, that is, the absence of significant cell damage after the investigated magnetic fluxes ELF‐EMF exposure, paves the way for the use of these fields in future experiments on keratinocytes as a possible model to treat skin injury. At present, experimental and clinical evidence supporting the use of ELF‐EMF in this therapeutic field is still ambiguous .…”

Iron Oxide Based Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Strategies in Biological Applications

“…They respond to chemical and physical stimulus by the triggering of specific signalling intermediates,17 changing their chemical environment, or undergoing biological changes like cell differentiation 18. Mild oscillating electromagnetic fields (EMF) applied for a sustained time can enhance up to 30‐fold the efficiency in reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotent ones18 or can promote the healing of wounds by triggering anti‐inflammatory processes that lead to tissue repair 19. Magnetic stimulation, thus, widens the range of applications of MH therapies adding the possibility to promote tissue‐regeneration strategies.…”

Apoptotic cell: linkage of inflammation and wound healing

“…Wound healing is a complex process involving soluble mediators, blood cells, extracellular matrix, and parenchymal cells (Singer and Clark, 1999; Bullers et al, 2012; Pesce et al, 2013). The process from inflammation to the wound healing is divided into three phases: (1) inflammation process, (2) tissue formation, and (3) tissue remodeling ( Figure 1 ; Eming et al, 2007).…”