Treatment with Pulsed Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (PELF-EMF) Exhibit Anti-Inﬂammatory and Neuroprotective Effect in Compression Spinal Cord Injury Model

Biomedicines, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10020325 · Published: January 29, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes initial damage followed by secondary problems like inflammation and nerve cell degeneration. Currently, there is no effective treatment for SCI. However, PELF-EMF, shows promise for treating neurotrauma. This study tested whether a PELF-EMF device could help mice with SCI. Mice treated with PELF-EMF showed reduced inflammation, increased nerve cell survival signals, and less damage to nerve fibers. The findings suggest PELF-EMF treatment can significantly reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells after SCI. This readily available device may be a valuable tool for SCI rehabilitation.

Study Duration

7 weeks

Participants

C57BL/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
PELF-EMF treatment reduced inflammation by decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration and astrocyte activation at the injury site.
2
The treatment increased pro-survival signaling by upregulating BDNF expression on neuronal cells.
3
PELF-EMF exhibited a neuroprotective effect by reducing demyelination of axons in the white matter at the injury center.

Research Summary

This study investigates the efficacy of PELF-EMF treatment on a compression SCI mouse model, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The results indicate that PELF-EMF treatment significantly reduces inflammation, promotes neuronal survival, and reduces demyelination in the injured spinal cord. The study concludes that PELF-EMF therapy could be a valuable rehabilitative tool for SCI, given its safety and availability.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitative Tool

PELF-EMF devices can be combined with traditional SCI therapy.

Early Intervention

PELF-EMF treatment can start soon after SCI, before patient active participation is possible.

Reduced Inflammation

The treatment's anti-inflammatory effects limit secondary tissue injury, promoting better long-term outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The functional improvement was more significant in the first week only.
2
The injury was mild enough for mice from both groups to gain a high motor recovery score.
3
Combined treatment approach should be examined in the future for better neuro-functional outcomes in SCI patients.

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