Pulsed electromagnetic fields: promising treatment for osteoporosis.


Author: Wang T1,2, Yang L1,2, Jiang J1,2, Liu Y3, Fan Z1,2, Zhong C1,2, He C4,5

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.

<sup>2</sup>Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.

<sup>3</sup>Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.

<sup>4</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China. hxkfhcq2015@126.com.

<sup>5</sup>Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China. hxkfhcq2015@126.com.
Conference/Journal: Osteoporos Int.
Date published: 2019 Jan 2
Other:
  Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00198-018-04822-6. [Epub ahead of print]   ,  Word Count: 142  
    Osteoporosis (OP) is considered to be a well-defined disease which results in high morbidity and mortality. In patients diagnosed with OP, low bone mass and fragile bone strength have been demonstrated to significantly increase risk of fragility fractures. To date, various anabolic and antiresorptive therapies have been applied to maintain healthy bone mass and strength. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are employed to treat patients suffering from delayed fracture healing and nonunions. Although PEMFs stimulate osteoblastogenesis, suppress osteoclastogenesis, and influence the activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and osteocytes, ultimately leading to retention of bone mass and strength. However, whether PEMFs could be taken into clinical use to treat OP is still unknown. Furthermore, the deeper signaling pathways underlying the way in which PEMFs influence OP remain unclear.



KEYWORDS: BMSCs; Osteoblasts; Osteoclasts; Osteocytes; Osteoporosis; PEMFs



PMID: 30603841  DOI: 10.1007/s00198-018-04822-6