Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation Promotes Anti-cell Proliferative Activity in Doxorubicin-treated Mouse Osteosarcoma Cells.

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) and doxorubicin therapy in a mouse osteosarcoma cell line (LM8 cells) in vitro. The effects of PEMF (5 mT, 200 Hz) of different durations and doxorubicin on the proliferative activity of LM8 cells were measured by the MTT assay. Apoptotic-related factors such as cell-cycle phase, mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase 3/7 activity were investigated using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and apoptosis kits. Identification of intracellular signaling molecules induced by the combination was comprehensively explored using a stress and apoptosis-related protein array kit. PEMF enhanced the inhibition of cell proliferation mediated by doxorubicin but did not affect the cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, or doxorubicin-induced G2/M arrest. The combination of PEMF and doxorubicin altered a few signaling molecules. PEMF tended to reduce the doxorubicin-induced decrease of phosphorylated BAD, while reducing the increased expression of total IĸB and phosphorylated-CHK1 induced by doxorubicin. Our results indicate that combination of PEMF and doxorubicin could be a novel chemotherapeutic strategy.