Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field enhances human keratinocyte cell growth and decreases proinflammatory chemokine production med./bio.

By: Vianale G, Reale M, Amerio P, Stefanachi M, Di Luzio S, Muraro R
Published in: Br J Dermatol 2008; 158 (6): 1189-1196
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on keratinocyte proliferation and production of chemokines in order to evaluate a potential therapeutic use of magnetic fields in skin injuries.

Background/further details

Investigated chemokines were RANTES, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and interleukin-8. Their production gives an important hint of cellular immunological response. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa B was measured as it can exert influence on the cell proliferation due to the activation of signaling pathways.
The experiments were repeated at least five times in triplicate.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, 72 or 96 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, 72 or 96 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup 0.22 m long solenoid coil with a radius of 0.06 m and 160 turns of 25 mm copper wire; cells placed in the center of the solenoid
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT effective value measured - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

After 48 hours of electromagnetic field exposure a significantly increased cell proliferation was found in exposed cells compared to control cells, while no difference in cell viability was detected.
Gene expression and release of the chemokines RANTES, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and interleukin-8 were significantly reduced after 72 hours of exposure. Nuclear factor kappa B levels became almost undetectable after only 1 hour of exposure, and were inversely correlated with cell density.
These data indicate that an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field modulates chemokine production and keratinocyte growth through inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway and thus may inhibit inflammatory processes. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field could represent an additional therapeutic approach in the treatment of skin injury.

Study character:

Study funded by

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