Low frequency sinusoidal electromagnetic field accelerating intervertebral fusion through YAP/β-catenin axis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Lumbar interbody fusion is vital for treating degenerative diseases, but fusion rates vary.
• Low-frequency sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (LF-SEMF) show potential for bone regeneration.
• The precise molecular mechanisms of LF-SEMF in bone healing require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate LF-SEMF's regulation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenic differentiation via the YAP/β-catenin axis in vitro.
• To assess LF-SEMF's efficacy in enhancing intervertebral fusion using a HA/Col I composite scaffold loaded with BMSCs.

Main Methods:

• BMSCs were analyzed for osteogenic differentiation and mineralization using ALP and Alizarin red staining.
• Western blot, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR assessed LF-SEMF's impact on the YAP/β-catenin pathway and osteogenic genes.
• A rat intervertebral fusion model evaluated LF-SEMF effects using imaging and histological analyses.

Main Results:

• LF-SEMF exposure significantly promoted BMSC osteogenic differentiation in vitro, upregulating YAP and β-catenin expression.
• Gene silencing confirmed the critical role of the YAP/β-catenin axis in LF-SEMF-induced osteogenic differentiation.
• In vivo studies demonstrated LF-SEMF significantly enhanced bone formation and strength in a rat intervertebral fusion model.

Conclusions:

• LF-SEMF promotes BMSC osteogenic differentiation through the YAP/β-catenin signaling pathway.
• LF-SEMF, combined with HA/Col I scaffolds and BMSCs, effectively improves intervertebral fusion outcomes.