Stimulation of Chondrogenesis in a Developmental Model of Endochondral Bone Formation by Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

Notable characteristics of the skeleton are its responsiveness to physical stimuli and its ability to remodel secondary to changing biophysical environments and thereby fulfill its physiological roles of stability and movement. Bone and cartilage cells have many mechanisms to sense physical cues and activate a variety of genes to synthesize structural molecules to remodel their extracellular matrix and soluble molecules for paracrine signaling. This review describes the response of a developmental model of endochondral bone formation which is translationally relevant to embryogenesis, growth, and repair to an externally applied pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF). The use of a PEMF allows for the exploration of morphogenesis in the absence of distracting stimuli such as mechanical load and fluid flow. The response of the system is described in terms of the cell differentiation and extracellular matrix synthesis in chondrogenesis. Emphasis is placed upon dosimetry of the applied physical stimulus and some of the mechanisms of tissue response through a developmental process of maturation. PEMFs are used clinically for bone repair and have other potential clinical applications. These features of tissue response and signal dosimetry can be extrapolated to the design of clinically optimal stimulation.

Are New Approaches Needed to Solidify Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields and Osteoarthritis Associations: A 50-year Retrospective Showing Promise but No Definitive Lab or Clinical Research Conclusions (1974-2024)

“…However, in contrast to other physical therapy modalities which may invoke tissue heating and subsequent destructive enzyme activity and swelling if excessive, pulsed electromagnetic field applications can be applied with no heating effect to mimic those mechanical stimuli known to favour the production of molecules that can foster extracellular cartilage matrix production, joint mobility and stability [16]. In addition, it is possible that its insightful application using thermal doses may yet relieve pain and muscle spasm that accompanies the disease.…”

“…What has been shown is that due to their differential abilities to stimulate or trigger selected cell-based molecules and structural components, intermittent or low frequency externally applied electrophysiological applied fields may favorably influence multiple intrinsic joint structures and functional status implicated in osteoarthritis, such as cartilage cells, bone cells, possible muscle and tendon repair processes as required and others [11,15]. As such, their application alone or as a complementary modality may be especially helpful in efforts to improve the cartilage tissue integrity to a degree that fosters mobility as well as joint stability, while securing protection against future loading insults [16][17][18][19][20][21][22].…”

“…• Favorably alter cartilage cell morphology, cartilage chondrocyte density, protein and cytoskeletal regulation, while reducing the extent of premature cartilage cell death [26,[30][31][32] • Improve cartilage cell physiology enhancing processes, including the production of favourable anabolic processes that build and maintain cartilage infrastructure, while reducing adverse cellular based production of destructive enzymes and m-RNA effects [22,26,[33][34][35] • Reduce the rate of chondrocyte stress-induced cell death via its impact DNA synthesis bone cell enhancement, inflammation resolution and muscle regeneration [16,[24][25][26][36][37][38] • Improve or stimulate the cyclotron resonance frequencies of critical ions and their motion through cartilage cell membrane and subsequent transduction effects [9] • Foster a rise in cartilage collagen support tissue, as well as total protein synthesis in surrounding tissues if injured nerve regeneration if compromised, inflammation, pain, stiffness and function [5,[39][40][41][42][43] According to these theories and others, the unique or cumulative or supportive impacts of pulsed electromagnetic fields can conceivably be favourable if applied to stimulate cartilage and bone cell proliferation and tissue repair in damaged joints [44][45][46][47]. They can help reduce inflammatory processes, even if their overall efficacy in other spheres is deemed equal to other traditional non-surgical approaches [48,49].…”

The Influence of Magnetic Fields, Including the Planetary Magnetic Field, on Complex Life Forms: How Do Biological Systems Function in This Field and in Electromagnetic Fields?

“…However, the magnetic fields used in the studies were often variable, and it is sometimes difficult to compare studies. Magnetic fields have also been used to study cells [112] and processes such as development [113].…”

The Influence of Magnetic Fields including the Geomagnetic Field of Earth on Complex Life Forms: A Silent “Partner” in Human Health and Disease?

“…However, the magnetic fields used in the studies were often variable and it is sometimes difficult to compare studies. Magnetic fields have also been used to study cells [109] and processes such as development [110].…”