Extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields cause antioxidative defense mechanisms in human osteoblasts via induction of •O2 − and H2O2

Recently, we identified a specific extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) that supports human osteoblast (hOBs) function in an ERK1/2-dependent manner, suggesting reactive oxygen species (ROS) being key regulators in this process. Thus, this study aimed at investigating how ELF-PEMF exposure can modulate hOBs function via ROS. Our results show that single exposure to ELF-PEMF induced ROS production in hOBs, without reducing intracellular glutathione. Repetitive exposure (>3) to ELF-PEMF however reduced ROS-levels, suggesting alterations in the cells antioxidative stress response. The main ROS induced by ELF-PEMF were •O 2 − and H 2 O 2 , therefore expression/activity of antioxidative enzymes related to these ROS were further investigated. ELF-PEMF exposure induced expression of GPX3, SOD2, CAT and GSR on mRNA, protein and enzyme activity level. Scavenging •O 2 − and H 2 O 2 diminished the ELF-PEMF effect on hOBs function (AP activity and mineralization). Challenging the hOBs with low amounts of H 2 O 2 on the other hand improved hOBs function. In summary, our data show that ELF-PEMF treatment favors differentiation of hOBs by producing non-toxic amounts of ROS, which induces antioxidative defense mechanisms in these cells. Thus, ELF-PEMF treatment might represent an interesting adjunct to conventional therapy supporting bone formation under oxidative stress conditions, e.g. during fracture healing.