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Signaling pathways involved in anti-inflammatory effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field in microglial cells

Stefania Merighi1, Stefania Gessi1, Serena Bencivenni1

  • 1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy.

Cytokine
|August 11, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) reduce neuroinflammation by activating the JNK MAPK pathway in microglial cells. This finding offers potential therapeutic strategies for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) show promise in treating joint and cerebral diseases by modulating inflammatory pathways.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying PEMF-induced neuroprotection and their molecular targets remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms of PEMFs' anti-neuroinflammatory action.
  • To investigate PEMF effects on cytokine production, intracellular signaling pathways, and microglial cell functions.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated N9 microglial cells to PEMFs.
  • Analysis of cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).
  • Investigation of signaling pathways (AC, PLC, PKC, MAPK, Akt, caspase 1) and microglial functions (ROS generation, cell invasion, phagocytosis).

Main Results:

  • PEMFs significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β production via the JNK1/2 pathway.
  • PEMFs decreased LPS-induced IL-6 release through a mechanism independent of several tested signaling pathways.
  • PEMFs modulated critical microglial functions, including ROS generation, cell invasion, and phagocytosis.

Conclusions:

  • PEMFs exert anti-neuroinflammatory effects in microglial cells, at least partially through JNK MAPK pathway activation.
  • PEMF's modulation of microglial functions suggests potential therapeutic applications for neuroinflammatory conditions.
Keywords:
InflammationMicrogliaPulsed electromagnetic fieldsSignal transduction

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