Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Published on: June 23, 2013
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on inflammatory pathway markers in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages
Christina L Ross1, Benjamin S Harrison
1Akamai University, Department of Energy Medicine, Hilo, HI, USA ; Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Abstract:
In the treatment of bacterial infections, antibiotics have proven to be very effective, but the way in which antibiotics are dosed can create a lag time between the administration of the drug and its absorption at the site of insult. The time it takes an antibiotic to reach therapeutic levels can often be significantly increased if the vascular system is compromized. Bacteria can multiply pending the delivery of the drug, therefore, developing treatments that can inhibit the inflammatory response while waiting for antibiotics to take effect could help prevent medical conditions such as septic shock. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field on the production of inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), and the expression of the A20 (tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 3), in an inflamed-cell model. Lipopolysaccharide-challenged cells were exposed to a pulsed electromagnetic field at various frequencies in order to determine which, if any, frequency would affect the TNF-NFkB-A20 inflammatory response pathway. Our study revealed that cells continuously exposed to a pulsed electromagnetic field at 5 Hz demonstrated significant changes in the downregulation of TNF-α and NFkB and also showed a trend in the down regulation of A20, as compared with controls. This treatment could be beneficial in modulating the immune response, in the presence of infection.
Insights
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) may help manage bacterial infections by reducing inflammation. A 5 Hz PEMF exposure significantly decreased inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB).
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections faces challenges due to drug absorption lag times, especially with compromised vascular systems.
- During this lag, bacteria can proliferate, increasing the risk of severe conditions like septic shock.
- Targeting the inflammatory response during antibiotic lag could be a crucial therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on key inflammatory markers.
- To determine if PEMF can modulate the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB)-A20 pathway in an inflamed cell model.
Main Methods:
- An inflamed-cell model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.
- Cells were exposed to PEMF at various frequencies.
- The production of TNF, NFkB, and the expression of A20 were measured.
Main Results:
- Continuous exposure to 5 Hz PEMF significantly downregulated TNF-α and NFkB production.
- A trend towards downregulation of A20 expression was observed with 5 Hz PEMF.
- These effects were compared against control groups.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, particularly at 5 Hz, shows potential in modulating the inflammatory response.
- This approach could be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment during bacterial infections to mitigate inflammation while antibiotics take effect.
- Further research may explore PEMF's role in managing immune responses during infections.
