Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields accelerates wound healing modulating MMP-9 and inflammatory cytokines

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been previously shown to enhance keratinocyte proliferation.
• Understanding the role of ELF-EMF in wound healing and its underlying molecular mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of ELF-EMF exposure on wound healing in vitro.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ELF-EMF influences keratinocyte behavior and tissue repair.

Main Methods:

• Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) were cultured and subjected to ELF-EMF or Sham exposure in a scratch wound model.
• Cytokine production (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 activity and expression, and Akt/ERK signaling pathway activation were assessed.

Main Results:

• ELF-EMF exposure significantly reduced the cell-free area, indicating accelerated wound closure.
• Increased gene expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed in ELF-EMF-exposed cells.
• ELF-EMF exposure upregulated MMP-9 activity and expression, potentially mediated via the Akt/ERK pathway.

Conclusions:

• ELF-EMF exposure demonstrates a significant ability to modulate inflammation mediators and enhance keratinocyte proliferation and migration, playing a key role in wound repair.
• The study concludes that ELF-EMF accelerates wound healing by modulating MMP-9 expression through the Akt/ERK signaling pathway.