Low-intensity Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

Alterations in membrane stability after in vitro exposure of human erythrocytes to 2.41 GHz electromagnetic field

The growing use of wireless communication devices has been significantly increasing the level of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment, which raises a concern for possible deleterious effects on living organisms. Long lasting exposure to low-intensity EMFs can cause effects on the molecular and cellular level, and a number of morphological and physiological changes. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of 2.41 GHz EMF emitted by wireless communication systems on human erythrocytes after in vitro irradiation. The amount of the hemoglobin released from the cells was measured as an indicator for membrane destabilization. Effects of different exposure times (20 min or 4 h) and time elapsed after exposure to 2.41 GHz pulsed or continuous EMFs with different intensities, emitted from a textile (0.213–0.238 V/m) or a dipole (5, 20, 40 and 180 V/m) antenna, were investigated. The obtained results showed that the low intensity EMF had no significant effect on the hemoglobin release from irradiated cells; even a slight tendency for membrane stabilization was noticed 3–4 hours after the end of 20-min exposure to 0.213–0.238 V/m, 2.41 GHz EMF. There was no difference in the effects of continuous and pulsed EMFs. Increased hemoglobin release was observed only during the 4-hour exposure to 180 V/m, 2.41 GHz continuous EMF. Under these conditions, the temperature of the cell suspension had been rising, so we compared the results obtained under EMF with the effects of conventional heating. Moreover, after 1-hour exposure to 180 V/m the released hemoglobin level was a bit higher than the control one but the difference disappears within an hour after terminating the irradiation. In conclusion, the in vitro exposure to 2.41 GHz EMF emitted by wireless communication devices with power density below the reference level for population exposure does not change the stability of the cell membrane of human erythrocytes.

Frequency-tuned electromagnetic field therapy improves post-stroke motor function: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Impaired upper extremity (UE) motor function is a common disability after ischemic stroke. Exposure to extremely low frequency and low intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) in a frequency-specific manner (Electromagnetic Network Targeting Field therapy; ENTF therapy) is a non-invasive method available to a wide range of patients that may enhance neuroplasticity, potentially facilitating motor recovery. This study seeks to quantify the benefit of the ENTF therapy on UE motor function in a subacute ischemic stroke population. In a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial, ischemic stroke patients in the subacute phase with moderately to severely impaired UE function were randomly allocated to active or sham treatment with a novel, non-invasive, brain computer interface-based, extremely low frequency and low intensity ENTF therapy (1-100 Hz, < 1 G). Participants received 40 min of active ENTF or sham treatment 5 days/week for 8 weeks; ~three out of the five treatments were accompanied by 10 min of concurrent physical/occupational therapy. Primary efficacy outcome was improvement on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) from baseline to end of treatment (8 weeks). In the per protocol set (13 ENTF and 8 sham participants), mean age was 54.7 years (±15.0), 19% were female, baseline FMA-UE score was 23.7 (±11.0), and median time from stroke onset to first stimulation was 11 days (interquartile range (IQR) 8-15). Greater improvement on the FMA-UE from baseline to week 4 was seen with ENTF compared to sham stimulation, 23.2 ± 14.1 vs. 9.6 ± 9.0, p = 0.007; baseline to week 8 improvement was 31.5 ± 10.7 vs. 23.1 ± 14.1. Similar favorable effects at week 8 were observed for other UE and global disability assessments, including the Action Research Arm Test (Pinch, 13.4 ± 5.6 vs. 5.3 ± 6.5, p = 0.008), Box and Blocks Test (affected hand, 22.5 ± 12.4 vs. 8.5 ± 8.6, p < 0.0001), and modified Rankin Scale (-2.5 ± 0.7 vs. -1.3 ± 0.7, p = 0.0005). No treatment-related adverse events were reported. ENTF stimulation in subacute ischemic stroke patients was associated with improved UE motor function and reduced overall disability, and results support its safe use in the indicated population. These results should be confirmed in larger multicenter studies. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04039178, identifier: NCT04039178.

High-Intensity Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Treatment Stimulates Fin Regeneration in Adult Zebrafish—A Preliminary Report

Low-Intensity electromagnetic fields (LI-PEMFs) are known to induce a trophic stimulus on bone tissue and therefore have been largely used for the treatment of several musculoskeletal disorders. High intensity (HI) PEMFs add interesting features to bio-stimulation such as electroporation, a phenomenon characterized by transient increased cell permeabilization to molecules, and diamagnetism, a water-repulsive effect based on the diamagnetic properties of water and transmembrane ions gradients. Despite the rapid evolution of technology, the biological mechanisms underlying it are still poorly understood. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this particular stimulation, HI LF-PEMFs were used to stimulate the caudal fin rays of adult zebrafish. Actually, the zebrafish fin regeneration is a simple, well understood, and widely adopted model for studying bone regeneration. A controlled amputation fin experiment was then conducted. Regenerated bone matrix of fin rays was dyed with calcein and then analysed under fluorescence microscopy. Both the length and the area of regenerated fin’s rays treated with HI LF-PEMFs resulted significantly increased when compared with non-treated.

Wearable Antennas for Sensor Networks and IoT Applications: Evaluation of SAR and Biological Effects.

In recent years, there has been a rapid development in the wearable industry. The growing number of wearables has led to the demand for new lightweight, flexible wearable antennas. In order to be applicable in IoT wearable devices, the antennas must meet certain electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and safety requirements (e.g., specific absorption rate (SAR) below worldwide limits). However, the assessment of SAR does not provide information on the mechanisms of interaction between low-intensity electromagnetic fields emitted by wearable antennas and the human body. In this paper, we presented a detailed investigation of the SAR induced in erythrocyte suspensions from a fully textile wearable antenna at realistic (net input power 6.3 mW) and conservative (net input power 450 mW) conditions at 2.41 GHz, as well as results from in vitro experiments on the stability of human erythrocyte membranes at both exposure conditions. The detailed investigation showed that the 1 g average SARs were 0.5758 W/kg and 41.13 W/kg, respectively. Results from the in vitro experiments demonstrated that the short-term (20 min) irradiation of erythrocyte membranes in the reactive near-field of the wearable antenna at 6.3 mW input power had a stabilizing effect. Long-term exposure (120 min) had a destabilizing effect on the erythrocyte membrane.

Studying the bioeffects of complexly organized electromagnetic impacts of low intensity

Introduction. One of the modern tasks of hygienic assessment of the human environment is the accumulation of data on the bioeffects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), formed by the simultaneous action of several microwave sources. There is virtually no literature on the corresponding comparative analysis of the results of identical in conditions and energy effects on animals and humans. The purpose of this work is to compare bioeffects and analyze possible mechanisms of their formation, as a result of the action of electromagnetic fields (EMF) of one, two and three carrier frequencies, within 0.9-1.4 GHz with equivalent energy and modulation characteristics. Materials and methods. The work was performed in experiments on 11 rabbits (2.5-3 kg) of the Chinchilla breed and clinical- physiological studies involving 14 volunteers - men, aged 40-50 years. Irradiation was subjected mainly to the head of the object. The series differed in the number of carrier frequencies, their specific value and modulation within different EEG ranges, while maintaining an energy flux density (EPR) in the total pulse - 300 μW/cm2. We analyzed a set of indicators related to the functional assessment of central nervous, cardiovascular, respiration and muscular vbody systems. Results. The results on the dependence of the EMF effect of complex organization on the carrier frequency, their number and modulation nature are presented. It was established that each of the observed reactions was within the physiological norm, but along with the gain in the number of carrier frequencies and the specific modulation value, their qualitative and quantitative characteristics increased. Analysis of their phenomenology (of the alpha EEG range only at one carrier; + delta with a reflection of the reaction in other indicators - at two; an increase in the percentage of reactions in a complex of indicators, especially EMG - at three) indicated a different degree of synchronization of the bioelectric activity of the brain and the neurophysiological mechanism of their formation. The information obtained, of course, is limited to specific EMF parameters. It complements the relevant information available by highlighting the need for more research on a case-by-case basis. Limitations. The study of the phenomenology and mechanism of bioeffects of several low-intensity EMFs at the same time is a complex task that requires the involvement of a larger number of electromagnetic sources and a variety of indicators of the body’s response than this work was limited to and which, undoubtedly, is promising in the development of this area of research. Conclusion. In this study, there were no reactions that would go beyond the physiological norm. However, further strengthening of synchronization processes in the central nervous system, according to the analysis of the literature, can lead to such changes. This circumstance dictates the need to take it into account in the formation of the appropriate sanitary and hygienic assessment.

Effects of ELF-EMF Treatment on Depression

Introduction: Depression is an extremely widespread disorder that is also highly impactful on the quality of life and general health of individuals, on a global scale. The aim of this study was a preliminary assessment of a potential non-pharmacological treatment, based on extremely low frequency and intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), which could potentially reduce the impact of depression on the lives of sufferers. Materials and methods: A preliminary case-control study based in 2centres was conducted during the second half of 2020. The recruited participants were subject either to ELF-EMF treatment (Group α) or to a placebo treatment (Group β) for a total of 5 sessions. Treatment involved non-focused exposure using a radiant mat associated with focused exposure in the cranial area using the same ELF-EMF parameters. Each individual session lasted 36 min and the same ELF-EMF program was used for all 5 therapeutic sessions. The effects of treatment were evaluated by giving the subjects the following self-administration tests: Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI), and Short-Form 12 (SF12). The tests were administered before starting the treatment cycle (T0), after the 5 sessions (T1), and at a 2 month follow-up (FU). Results: Statistical significance indicating an improvement in the depressed state perceived by the participants was achieved with both the SDS and the BDI, at T1 (T1: SDSα 37.8, SDSβ 46.6, p = 0.012; BDIα 8.7, BDIβ 20.4, p = 0.004) and persisting at FU (T1: SDSα 39.1, SDSβ 49, p = 0.037; BDIα 10, BDIβ 19.9, p = 0.04). As regards SF12, the mental part of the test (MCS12) exhibited a significant improvement at T1in the treated group compared to the placebo (MCS12α 47.40, MCS12β 40.48, p = 0.048), but this was not confirmed at FU. During the treatment period there were no drop-outs from the 2 groups and no adverse events were reported in the treatment group. Conclusions: Treatment with ELF-EMF demonstrated safety and efficacy for reducing the gravity of perceived depressed state.

Ultra-Low Electromagnetic Fields Application on In Vitro Cartilage Regeneration: A Pilot Study to Improve Treatment of Osteoarticular Diseases

Extremely low-frequency and low-intensity electromagnetic fields show positive effects on the treatment of several osteoarticular diseases, such as osteoarthritis, and are currently applied in the clinical setting with promising results on tissue regeneration. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects triggered by this type of physical stimulation still need to be deciphered. We tested the hypothesis that ultra-low complex electromagnetic fields stimulation using an innovative medical device could enhance chondrogenesis in human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and analyzed its biological effects. Chondrogenic lineage markers, like ACAN, SOX9, RUNX2, COL2A1, and COL10A1, were evaluated after 21 days of treatment. Thus far, we have provided preliminary evidence that a dedicated pattern of ultra-weak complex electromagnetic sequences emitted by a cutting-edge technology can promote cartilage regeneration, inducing the chondrogenic differentiation and maturity of ADSCs.

Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields Act via Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Activation to Cause Very Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease: 18 Distinct Types of Evidence.

Electronically generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including those used in wireless communication such as cell phones, Wi-Fi and smart meters, are coherent, producing very high electric and magnetic forces, which act on the voltage sensor of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce increases in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i. The calcium hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has shown that each of the important AD-specific and nonspecific causal elements is produced by excessive [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i acts in AD via excessive calcium signaling and the peroxynitrite/oxidative stress/inflammation pathway, which are each elevated by EMFs.An apparent vicious cycle in AD involves amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) and [Ca2+]i. Three types of epidemiology suggest EMF causation of AD, including early onset AD. Extensive animal model studies show that low intensity EMFs cause neurodegeneration, including AD, with AD animals having elevated levels of Aβ, amyloid precursor protein and BACE1. Rats exposed to pulsed EMFs every day are reported to develop universal or near universal very early onset neurodegeneration, including AD; these findings are superficially similar to humans with digital dementia. EMFs producing modest increases in [Ca2+]i can also produce protective, therapeutic effects. The therapeutic pathway and peroxynitrite pathway inhibit each other. A summary of 18 different findings is provided, which collectively provide powerful evidence for EMF causation of AD. The author is concerned that smarter, more highly pulsed “smart” wireless communication may cause widespread very, very early onset AD in human populations.

Novel and non-invasive brain-computer interface-based stimulation device using frequency tuned electromagnetic fields to significantly reduce disability following sub-acute ischemic stroke: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Background: Exposure of the central nervous system to extremely low frequency and low intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) increases plasticity-related processes, with associated clinical improvements. Aim: The purpose of this RCT was to explore the benefit of BrainQ’s novel and non-invasive stimulation device which uses frequency-tuned ELF-EMF treatment (BQ) to reduce general disability and improve upper extremity motor function (UEMF) in subacute ischemic stroke. Methods: Study was planned for n=50, but was discontinued due to COVID-19 at n=25. Participants were randomized to receive 40 minutes of BQ (active or sham) 5 days/week, for 8 weeks, with 10 minutes of PT. BQ uses brain-computer interface-based machine learning algorithms to extract motor-related spectral features in EEG for use as treatment frequencies, and is delivered via a wearable and portable device. Results: Primary endpoint: Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Upper Extremity improved significantly (and sooner) in the treatment group versus sham at W4 (23.2±3.91 vs. 9.9±3.2;13.6 points greater than sham p=0.0070) and after 8 weeks of treatment (31.5±2.97 vs. 23.1±4.99;p=0.0611). Secondary endpoints: Most strikingly, and as a major clinical indication of reduced disability, mRS, at W9 the treatment group showed a mean improvement of 2.5±0.18 points versus 1.3±0.16 points in the sham group (p=0.0005), i.e., a mean of 1.2 points higher than that of the sham group. Significant improvements were also observed in the ARAT–Pinch subscale (W9: p=0.0082), BBT (W6: p=0.0169;W9: p<0.0001), and NIHSS (W9: p=0.0340). Conclusion: BQ treatment significantly reduces general disability and improves UEMF in subacute ischemic stroke across multiple metrics. A pivotal study is planned, with an explicit motivation of moving toward home use, for a more patient-centric approach. Keywords: Brain computer interface, Non-invasive brain stimulation, Neurological recovery, Stroke

"Rotation of Simple Organic Systems Can Be Induced by Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields"

"Rotation of Simple Organic Systems Can Be Induced by Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields"

Radiofrequency EMF irradiation effects on pre-B lymphocytes undergoing somatic recombination

Intense electromagnetic fields (EMFs) induce DNA double stranded breaks (DSBs) in exposed lymphocytes.We study developing pre-B lymphocytes following V(D)J recombination at their Immunoglobulin light chain loci (IgL). Recombination physiologically induces DNA DSBs, and we tested if low doses of EMF irradiation affect this developmental stage. Recombining pre-B cells, were exposed for 48 h to low intensity EMFs (maximal radiative power density flux S of 9.5 µW/cm2 and electric field intensity 3 V/m) from waves of frequencies ranging from 720 to 1224 MHz. Irradiated pre-B cells show decreased levels of recombination, reduction which is dependent upon the power dose and most remarkably upon the frequency of the applied EMF. Although 50% recombination reduction cannot be obtained even for an S of 9.5 µW/cm2 in cells irradiated at 720 MHz, such an effect is reached in cells exposed to only 0.45 µW/cm2 power with 950 and 1000 MHz waves. A maximal four-fold recombination reduction was measured in cells exposed to 1000 MHz waves with S from 0.2 to 4.5 µW/cm2 displaying normal levels of γH2AX phosphorylated histone. Our findings show that developing B cells exposure to low intensity EMFs can affect the levels of production and diversity of their antibodies repertoire.

Abstract P194: Artificial Intelligence-Powered Non-Invasive and Frequency-Tuned Electromagnetic Field Therapy Improves Upper Extremity Motor Function in Sub-Acute Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Neural oscillations at specific frequencies have been associated with increased neuroplasticity. Additionally, exposure to extremely low frequency and low intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) increases plasticity-related processes, with associated clinical improvements. Aim: The purpose of this double-blind sham-controlled trial was to explore the benefit of BrainQ’s novel and non-invasive, artificial intelligence-powered, frequency-tuned ELF-EMF treatment (BQ) in improving upper extremity motor function (UEMF) in a sub-acute ischemic stroke population. Methods: Study was planned for 50 subjects, but was discontinued due to COVID-19 at 25 subjects. Participants were randomized to receive 40 minutes of BQ treatment (active or sham) 5 days/week, for 8 weeks, in conjunction with 10 minutes of physical therapy. The BQ treatment uses artificial intelligence-based algorithms to extract motor-related spectral features in EEG for use as treatment frequencies. BQ treatment is delivered via a wearable device that transmits frequency-tuned ELF-EMF, facilitating neuroplasticity processes within the central nervous system. Primary endpoint: Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Upper Extremity (FMA-UE); Secondary endpoints: mRS, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block Test (BBT), NIHSS. Results: FMA-UE scores improved significantly (and sooner) in the treatment group versus sham at week 4 (23.2±3.91 vs. 9.9±3.2; 13.6 points greater than sham p=0.0070) and after 8 weeks of treatment (31.5±2.97 vs. 23.1±4.99; p=0.0611). For mRS, at week 9 the treatment group showed a mean improvement of 2.5±0.18 points versus 1.3±0.16 points in the sham group (p=0.0005), i.e. a mean of 1.2 points higher than that of the sham group. Significant improvements were also observed in the ARAT-Pinch subscale (week 9: p=0.0082), BBT (week 6: p=0.0169; week 9: p&lt;0.0001), and NIHSS (week 9: p=0.0340). No related adverse events were reported, supporting the safety of the treatment. Conclusion: Our results show that BQ treatment significantly improves UEMF in a sub-acute ischemic stroke population across multiple clinical metrics. Further studies are planned and ongoing with larger study populations, and in related indications.

Electromagnetic and acoustic technologies in antibacterial preparation development

Subject and Purpose. The present paper is concerned with the use of wave technologies in the development of antibiotics-alternative approaches for pathogenic microflora suppression. Lactobacilli strains picked in different ecological niches and their activity against pathogenic strains are studied with a focus on a targeted modification of adhesive and antagonistic properties of lactobacilli by exposing them to low-intensity electromagnetic (EM) fields and the ultrasound. Methods and Methodology. Lactobacilli picked in different ecological niches are experimentally studied, including (1) standard strains from probiotic preparations and (2) circulating strains picked in humans and bees. For the ultrasonic and electromagnetic radiation sources, G3-109 and G3-F and G4-141 and G4-142 generators are taken, respectively. The adhesive properties of Lactobacillus spp. strains and their antagonistic activity are estimated against C. diphtheriae, S. aureus and yeast-like fungi of Candida genus in aerobic and microaerophilic culture conditions. Statistical technology is employed in the data processing and analysis. Results. It has been established that L. plantarum strains picked in the gut of healthy bees are most antagonistic towards pathogens. It has been demonstrated that the priority culture conditions for lactobacilli are microaerophilic conditions simulating their stay in vivo. It has been shown that it is possible to modify properties of microorganisms by their exposure to ultrasound and low-intensity electromagnetic fields in narrow bands of the EHF range. The effect efficiency versus frequency has a dispersion character. Individual features of various pathogenic strains have been recognized. Conclusion. The obtained results open up prospects for electromagnetic and acoustic technologies in the development of safe alternative means to antagonize persisting pathogens and increase human body resilience.

Fuzzy Models for Evaluating the Effect of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Health

Numerous studies of domestic and foreign researchers show that long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of artificial radio frequency range have negative effects on the human body. At the same time, if the effects of EMF of significant intensity are sufficiently well studied and regulated by the relevant sanitary norms and rules and state Standards, the harmful effects of low-intensity EMF are confirmed by many researchers, but there are practically no quantitative estimates of their impact on human health in combination with other exogenous and endogenous factors. In real conditions, the human body is often exposed to combined, combined and mixed EMF effects of various frequency ranges of different intensity, which cause a multiplicative effect, leading to an increased risk of occurrence and development of a number of socially significant diseases, especially when they are long-term exposure

Long-Term Study on the Effects of Housing C57BL/6NCrl Mice in Cages Equipped With Wireless Technology Generating Extremely Low-Intensity Electromagnetic Fields.

The recent development of mouse cages equipped with monitoring wireless technology raised questions on the potential effects on animals induced by electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by electronic boards positioned underneath the cages. The aims of this study were to characterize the EMF produced by digitally ventilated cages (DVC) and perform a clinicopathological study on mice maintained in DVC for up to 1 year. The EMFs were measured in empty individually ventilated cages (IVC) and DVC. Male (n = 160) and female (n = 160) C57BL/6NCrl mice were randomly housed in IVC and DVC in a single rack, 4 mice per cage. Body weight and food and water consumption were recorded at 14-day intervals. At sacrifice (days 60, 120, 180, and 365), body and testes weight was measured, and necropsy, hematology, bone marrow cytology, histology, and immunohistochemistry for cleaved-caspase 3 on the testes were performed. Digitally ventilated cages produced extremely low-intensity electric fields ranging from 5 Hz to 3 GHz. No exposure-related clinical signs and mortality occurred. Occasional statistical differences in body weight, food and water consumption, hematology, bone marrow, and histopathology were recorded, but considered without biological or clinical relevance. In conclusion, long-term maintenance in DVC had no definite effects on C57BL/6NCrl mice.

The effects of electromagnetic field and γ-radiation on cell proliferation and regeneration in planarian Schmidtea mediterranea

We have shown that γ-irradiation at dose of 10 Gy and low-intensity electromagnetic fields (EMF, 900 MHz, 100 μW/cm2, 180 min) significantly compromised cell proliferation of planarian S. mediterranea regenerating after decapitation. Using flow cytometry we have shown that 24 hours after exposure to γ-rays and EMF the index of proliferation established as the total amount of cells at S and G2/M phases was 2.8 and 1.8 lower than that in controls respectively. Our data therefore provide the first experimental evidence for the effects of medium-dose γ-irradiation on regeneration in planaria which is attributed to radiation-induced compromised proliferation activity.

Low-intensity electromagnetic fields induce human cryptochrome to modulate intracellular reactive oxygen species.

Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which increasingly pollute our environment, have consequences for human health about which there is continuing ignorance and debate. Whereas there is considerable ongoing concern about their harmful effects, magnetic fields are at the same time being applied as therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology. This paradox cannot be resolved until the cellular mechanisms underlying such effects are identified. Here, we show by biochemical and imaging experiments that exposure of mammalian cells to weak pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) stimulates rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a potentially toxic metabolite with multiple roles in stress response and cellular ageing. Following exposure to PEMF, cell growth is slowed, and ROS-responsive genes are induced. These effects require the presence of cryptochrome, a putative magnetosensor that synthesizes ROS. We conclude that modulation of intracellular ROS via cryptochromes represents a general response to weak EMFs, which can account for either therapeutic or pathological effects depending on exposure. Clinically, our findings provide a rationale to optimize low field magnetic stimulation for novel therapeutic applications while warning against the possibility of harmful synergistic effects with environmental agents that further increase intracellular ROS.

[Effect of low frequency low intensity electromagnetic fields on maturation and mineralization of rat skull osteoblasts in vitro].

Objective: To compare the effects of 50 Hz 1.8 mT sinusoidal magnetic field (SEMF) and 50 Hz 0.6 mT pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) on the maturation and mineralization of rat calvaria osteoblasts. Methods: Primary cultured rat calvarial osteoblasts were divided into 3 groups:blank control group, SEMF group and PEMF group. The rats in SEMT and PEMT groups were treated with 50 Hz 1.8 mT SEMF or 50 Hz 0.6 mT PEMF for 90 min/d, respectively. Western blotting and Real-time RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of Collagen-1, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), osterix (OSX) and Runt-associated transcription factor 2(Runx-2). The alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity was detected by ALP test kits at d6 and d9 after treatment, and by ALP staining using azo coupling at d10 after treatment. The formation of calcium nodules was observed by alizarin red staining. Results: Compared with blank control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of Collagen-1, BMP-2, OSX and Runx-2 in SEMT and PEMT groups were significantly increased (P <0.01 or P <0.05); while the mRNA expressions of Collagen-1 and BMP-2 in PEMF group were significantly higher than those in SEMF group. After 6 days treatment, the activity of ALP in PEMF group was significantly higher than that in blank control group (P<0.05), while such difference was not observed in SEMF group (P>0.05); after 9 days treatment, the activities of ALP in both PEMF and SEMP groups were significantly higher than that in blank control group (all P<0.05), but the difference between PEMF and SEMF groups was not significant (P>0.05). After 10 days treatment, ALP staining was increased in both PEMF and SEMF groups compared with that in blank control group (all P<0.01), and the stained area was bigger in PEMF group than that in SEMF group (P<0.05). After 12 days treatment, calcium nodules were increased in PEMF and SEMF groups compared with that in blank control group (all P<0.01), and more calcium nodules were observed in PEMF group than SEMF group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both 50 Hz 1.8 mT that in SEMF and 50 Hz 0.6 mT PEMF can promote the maturation and mineralization of osteoblasts, and the effect of PEMF is more marked.

Some thermodynamic considerations on low frequency electromagnetic waves effects on cancer invasion and metastasis

Cell membranes are the reason of the cell energy transfer. In cells energy transfer, thermo-electro-chemical processes and transports phenomena occur through their membranes. Cells can actively modify their behaviours in relation to any change of their environment. They waste heat into their environment. The analysis of irreversibility related to this wasted heat, to the ions transport and the related cell-environment pH changes represents a new useful approach to the study of the cells behaviour. This analysis allows also the explanation of the effects of electromagnetic fields on the cell behaviour, and to suggest how low intensity electromagnetic fields could represent a useful support to the present anticancer therapies.

"Take and Run" and "Take and Hold" Therapeutical Electromagnetic Field Application Modalities in Physiotherapy: Some Clinically Significant Pathways of Action

This paper proposes and for the first time examines in parallel the most likely mechanisms of clinical effects unlocked by two modality applications: the therapeutic (acute) “take and run” and the occupational (chronic) “take and hold” of therapeutic EMFs. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for therapeutic use have a long pre-clinical and clinical history. The practical experience worldwide has increased the trust of the medical community due to the EMF potential for speeding up the recovery and reparative processes and for influencing the pathological ones – edema, pain, inflammation. We consider these favourable effects of the triggered stimulation of the production of endothelial NO - a consequence of the biochemical activation of the calcium-calmodulin system as well as the vasodilatative vasomotor changes by low-intensity EMFs of any range as the main clinically significant, universal therapeutic mechanism of action in the stimulation of the reparative processes. These beneficial health effects on patients look different when assessed as an occupational factor from the perspective of the health of the physiotherapy professionals. Our recent, complex, ambispective study, which as far as we know is the first in this field, has provided evidence about their specific morbidity profile in its somatic and behavioral complexity, where seems to be endocrinal and cell damaging/ irritating processes are involved. The results indicate that the hypothesized endocrinal mechanisms concern the changes in the estrogen and melatonin levels (assessed indirectly). The immuno-endocrine EMF-induced autoreplication and disruption of adipose tissue cells are suspected to amplify the adverse effects of the occupational low-intensity mixed EMFs and were found to be in a causal relation. Our hypothesis of the main mechanism of the occupational (chronical) EMF adverse effects is based on the presumption of selective EMF targeting of the hydrated/hyper hydrated tissues (which is an indispensable physiological parameter of every vital tissue) with probable related maintenance of permanent high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This requires thorough examination due to the great biological/ clinical significance of such a dependence given some common recommendations existing in Bulgarian physiotherapy facilities for an increased water intake during working hours. Keywords: Therapeutic EMFs, therapy modality, occupational modality, mechanisms of interaction, eNO, ROS.