Abstract
In this article, we provide an extensive review of the recent literature of the signaling pathways modulated by Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) and PEMFs clinical application. A review of the literature was performed on two medical electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) from 3 to 5 March 2021. Three authors performed the evaluation of the studies and the data extraction. All studies for this review were selected following these inclusion criteria: studies written in English, studies available in full text and studies published in peer-reviewed journal. Molecular biology, identifying cell membrane receptors and pathways involved in bone healing, and studying PEMFs target of action are giving a solid basis for clinical applications of PEMFs. However, further biology studies and clinical trials with clear and standardized parameters (intensity, frequency, dose, duration, type of coil) are required to clarify the precise dose-response relationship and to understand the real applications in clinical practice of PEMFs.
Highlights
Accepted: 6 July 2021Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) are widely used in orthopedic clinical practices to promote bone healing processes [1]
Skeletal cells responses to PEMFs have been therapeutically evaluated with devices that expose bone cells to electromagnetic fields in order to stimulate extracellular matrix synthesis for bone and cartilage repair
Using the “electromagnetic field AND bone healing” string, we found 32 articles in PubMed and 56 in Embase
Summary
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) are widely used in orthopedic clinical practices to promote bone healing processes [1]. In the 1950s, a group of Japanese researchers discovered the piezoelectric properties of the bone; Fukada and Yasuda demonstrated that in the compression areas the bone is electronegative and causes bone resorption, whereas areas under tension are electropositive and produce bone [2]. Bone responses to PEMFs have been widely studied. Skeletal cells responses to PEMFs have been therapeutically evaluated with devices that expose bone cells to electromagnetic fields in order to stimulate extracellular matrix synthesis for bone and cartilage repair. Understanding the molecular pathways after PEMFs exposure provides important details for their clinical application. The aim of the review is to highlight the molecular cell responses to PEMFs and their clinical uses in promoting bone repair, tissue engineering and regeneration
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