A single-pulsed electromagnetic field enhances collagen synthesis in tendon cells.

Medical engineering & physics · 2020 · Benefit · Low evidence

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BenefitLow evidencePaper 5657

Study snapshot

PublicationMedical engineering & physics · 2020

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionBenefit

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Tendinopathy is a progressive pathology of tendon that is characteristic of imbalance between matrix synthesis and degeneration and is often caused by failure to adapt to mechanical loading. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are used as a conventional treatment to alleviate pain and swelling in the short term, but the ideal treatment for tendinopathy remains unclear. Here, we show a single pulsed electromagnetic field (SPEMF, 0.2 Hz) that up-regulated tenogenic gene expression (Col1a1, Col3a1, Scx, Dcn) and down-regulated inflammatory gene expression (Mmp1) in vitro. After five days of SPEMF stimulation (3 min/day), the collagen type I and total collagen synthesis protein levels were significantly increased. Under pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β) irritation, the decreased expression of Col1a1/Col3a1 was up-regulated by SPEMF treatment, and the increased expression of Mmp1 was also reversed. From the above, it can be inferred that SPEMF that enhances matrix synthesis and reduces matrix degeneration may counteract the imbalance in tendinopathy. SPEMF application may be developed as a potential future strategy for therapeutic intervention in tendon disorders.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typein_vitro

Effect directionbenefit

Populationtendon cells (in vitro)

Sample sizeNot supplied

Exposure0.2 Hz; 3 min/day for 5 days

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

A single pulsed electromagnetic field (0.2 Hz) up-regulated tenogenic gene expression (Col1a1, Col3a1, Scx, Dcn) and down-regulated Mmp1 in vitro. After 5 days of stimulation (3 min/day), collagen type I and total collagen synthesis protein levels were significantly increased. Under IL-1β irritation, SPEMF up-regulated decreased Col1a1/Col3a1 expression and reversed increased Mmp1 expression.

Outcomes measured

Tenogenic gene expression (Col1a1, Col3a1, Scx, Dcn)
Inflammatory/matrix degeneration gene expression (Mmp1)
Collagen type I protein level
Total collagen synthesis protein level
Gene expression changes under IL-1β irritation (Col1a1/Col3a1, Mmp1)

Limitations

In vitro study (tendon cells); clinical relevance not established in the abstract
No sample size reported in the abstract
Exposure metrics beyond frequency and stimulation schedule (e.g., field strength) not reported in the abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "pulsed electromagnetic field (SPEMF)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "0.2 Hz; 3 min/day for 5 days"
  },
  "population": "tendon cells (in vitro)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Tenogenic gene expression (Col1a1, Col3a1, Scx, Dcn)",
    "Inflammatory/matrix degeneration gene expression (Mmp1)",
    "Collagen type I protein level",
    "Total collagen synthesis protein level",
    "Gene expression changes under IL-1β irritation (Col1a1/Col3a1, Mmp1)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "A single pulsed electromagnetic field (0.2 Hz) up-regulated tenogenic gene expression (Col1a1, Col3a1, Scx, Dcn) and down-regulated Mmp1 in vitro. After 5 days of stimulation (3 min/day), collagen type I and total collagen synthesis protein levels were significantly increased. Under IL-1β irritation, SPEMF up-regulated decreased Col1a1/Col3a1 expression and reversed increased Mmp1 expression.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro study (tendon cells); clinical relevance not established in the abstract",
    "No sample size reported in the abstract",
    "Exposure metrics beyond frequency and stimulation schedule (e.g., field strength) not reported in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "single pulsed electromagnetic field",
    "SPEMF",
    "0.2 Hz",
    "tendon cells",
    "tendinopathy",
    "collagen synthesis",
    "tenogenic genes",
    "Mmp1",
    "IL-1β"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.12.001
PubMed: 31954614

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