Abstract
Objective(s):It is known that extremely low frequency-pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF) influence multiple cellular and molecular processes. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells have a significant part in the emergence and pathophysiology of several ocular disorders, such as neovascularization. This study assessed the impact of ELF-PEMF on the proangiogenic features of RPE cells. Materials and Methods:Primary cultured RPE cells were treated with ELF-PEMF (50 Hz) for three days. Using ELISA assay, we evaluated the effects of treatment on RPE cell proliferation and apoptosis. Also, RT-PCR was used to determine the gene expression of proangiogenic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factors receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α), VEGFA, cathepsin D, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), E2F3, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2.Results:No noticeable changes were observed in cell proliferation and cell death of ELF-PEMF-exposed RPE cells, while transcript levels of proangiogenic genes (HIF-1α, VEGFA, VEGFR-2, CTGF, cathepsin D, TIMP-1, E2F3, MMP-2, and MMP-9) increased significantly.Conclusion:RPE cells are important for homeostasis of the retina. ELF-PEMF increased the gene expression of proangiogenic factors in RPE cells, which highlights concerns about the impact of this treatment on human health.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.