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[The effects of PEMF on the activation of human monocytes]
Xiaoying Chen1, Xiaoyu Han, Qian Wang
1Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the activation of human monocytes (THP-1). Cultured THP-1 cells were exposed to PEMF stimulation with radiation of 32Hz or 64Hz respectively, using sinusoidal wave, and 1mT, twice a day, 30 minutes each time, with an interval of 8 hours, for 3 days. Those with 0Hz stimulation served as the controls. Monocytes activation was monitored by measuring both the release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from monocytes and their adhesion to monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs was evaluated by cell counting method. The secretion of MCP-1 from THP-1 cells was detected by ELISA and MCP-1 mRNA expression was assessed by real time quantitative RT-PCR. The data showed that exposure to PEMF with above parameters could significantly inhibit the adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs and decrease the MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression. The results demonstrated that exposure to PEMF of 1mT, 32Hz or 64Hz for 3 days could significantly inhibit the activation of THP-1 cells.
Insights
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy significantly inhibits human monocyte (THP-1) activation. This therapy reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression and adhesion to endothelial cells, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Context:
- Human monocyte (THP-1) activation plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses.
- Understanding modulators of monocyte activation is vital for developing targeted therapies.
- Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are explored for their therapeutic potential in various biological processes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation on human monocyte (THP-1) activation.
- To quantify changes in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression and adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) following PEMF exposure.
Summary:
- THP-1 cells were exposed to PEMF (32Hz or 64Hz, 1mT, twice daily for 3 days) or 0Hz control.
- Monocyte activation was assessed by measuring MCP-1 release (ELISA), MCP-1 mRNA expression (RT-PCR), and THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs.
- PEMF exposure significantly inhibited THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs and decreased both MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels.
Impact:
- PEMF stimulation at 1mT, 32Hz or 64Hz for 3 days effectively inhibits human monocyte activation.
- This finding suggests PEMF as a potential non-invasive therapeutic strategy for conditions involving monocyte-mediated inflammation.
- Further research can explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications of PEMF in modulating immune responses.

