Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Treatment of osteoporosis by long-term magnetic field with extremely low frequency in rats med./bio.

Published in: Gynecol Endocrinol 2009; 25 (8): 524-529

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the role of long-term effect of a extremely low frequency magnetic field on osteoporosis in rats.

Background/further details

45 female rats were divided into three groups: ovariectomized and exposed to an extremely low frequency magnetic field (group 1), ovariectomized without exposure (group 2), and cage control (group 3).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 6 months

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 6 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a diameter of 70 cm and 125 turns of 1.5 mm soft copper wire placed vertically 47 cm apart facing each other in a 130 cm x 65 cm x 80 cm Faraday cage; rats in 43 cm x 42 cm x 15 cm methacrylate boxes during exposure
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1.5 mT - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

After six months of exposure the bone mineral content and bone mineral density values were significantly increased in the ovariectomized and exposed group, decreased in the ovariectomized and unexposed group and unchanged in the cage control.
Significant alterations were detected in the investigated biochemical markers for bone metabolism: Bone specific alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in the ovariectomized and exposed group, decreased in group 2 in comparison to the cage control. N-telopeptide, testosterone, and cortisol levels of the group 1 were significantly higher compared to the other groups whereas the estradiol level was lower.
The authors concluded that extremely low frequency magnetic fields may be useful in prevention und treatment of osteoporosis.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles