New study demonstrates the positive biological effects of Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) on human osteoblasts
A new cell study by Gerdesmeyer et al. reveals for the first time the biological effects of Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) on primary human osteoblasts (hOBs).1 All processes of osteogenesis – from differentiation to mineralization – are accelerated and upregulated without causing an excessive effect. The findings highlight the potential of EMTT as a beneficial, safe, and time-saving treatment for various bone-related conditions such as fracture healing, osteonecrosis, and implant osseointegration.
Background
Electromagnetic field therapy is gaining attention for its potential in treating bone disorders, with EMTT emerging as an innovative approach. Compared to
traditional Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, EMTT uses high-intensity electromagnetic fields with a strength of up to 80 mT. These physical parameters facilitate a more substantial biological impact, promising a new therapeutic approach to managing bone disorders.
Since EMTT is a relatively novel form of electromagnetic wave therapy, there is limited available evidence regarding its effectiveness. It has been used successfully to treat non-unions and lower back pain and a few case reports have demonstrated enhanced bone healing. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not yet been sufficiently understood.
New study provides essential biological insights
In their new cell study, Gerdesmeyer et al. examined the effects of EMTT stimulation on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of primary human osteoblasts (hOBs). To ensure the clarity of the study’s conclusions, the authors maintained identical experimental conditions throughout. This involved employing consistent stimulation and cultivation protocols, including standardized EMTT physical parameters.
The results demonstrate that EMTT significantly enhances osteoblast bone formation at multiple levels. Key findings include:
- EMTT stimulation has no impact on cell viability and proliferation
- EMTT triggers calcium influx
- EMTT stimulation increases the production of osteogenesis-related proteins and genes
- EMTT stimulation enhances the collagen synthesis in hOBs
- EMTT stimulation enhances mineralization and upregulates mineralization-related genes
Discussion and conclusion
In the discussion section, the authors point out that, in contrast to traditional PEMF devices, the EMTT device used in the study (STORZ Medical Magnetolith) generates a magnetic field strength of 80 mT and operates at an effective transduction power exceeding 60 kT/s, with an oscillating frequency of 100–300 kHz. These physical parameters likely contribute to a more substantial biological impact and reduce treatment time.
The authors conclude that their study is the first to show that EMTT can enhance all phases of osteoblastogenesis and improve the production of critical mineralization components. The findings provide scientific evidence for the effect of EMTT in the cell system and thus at a very fundamental level. They highlight the potential of EMTT as a beneficial, safe, and time-saving treatment that could be used to accelerate fracture healing, treat osteonecrosis and enhance the osseointegration of implants.
Read the open access study here.
Find out more about our device for Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT).
Source:
1. Gerdesmeyer L, Tübel J, Obermeier A, Harrasser N, Glowalla C, von Eisenhart-Rothe R, Burgkart R. Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy as a New Form of Electromagnetic Wave Therapy: From Gene Upregulation to Accelerated Matrix Mineralization in Bone Healing. Biomedicines. 2024; 12(10):2269. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102269
