NET Formation Was Reduced via Exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cellular Biology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Fracture healing is complex, and non-healing fractures pose significant clinical challenges.
• Extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF) are explored as non-invasive adjunct therapies for bone healing.
• Concerns exist that ELF-PEMF-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium influx (Ca2+) might excessively stimulate neutrophils, leading to neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, potentially hindering healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of 16 Hz ELF-PEMF on neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation.
• To determine if ELF-PEMF induces ROS and Ca2+ influx in neutrophils, which are known NET-stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Neutrophils were isolated from healthy volunteers.
• Cells were exposed to 16 Hz ELF-PEMF and various NET-inducing stimuli (PMA, LPS, H2O2).
• NET formation was quantified using Sytox Green Assay and immunofluorescence; Ca2+ influx and ROS were measured with fluorescence probes.

Main Results:

• Unlike mesenchymal cells, ELF-PEMF did not induce ROS or Ca2+ influx in neutrophils.
• ELF-PEMF exposure did not increase basal or PMA-stimulated NET formation.
• ELF-PEMF significantly reduced DNA release in NETs induced by PMA, LPS, and H2O2.

Conclusions:

• 16 Hz ELF-PEMF does not induce NET formation or negatively impact neutrophils.
• The findings suggest that ELF-PEMF can be safely initiated immediately after fracture treatment without compromising the healing cascade.
• ELF-PEMF demonstrates potential as a safe and effective adjunct therapy for enhancing fracture healing.