AUTHOR=Sahm Franziska , Freiin Grote Vivica , Zimmermann Julius , Haack Fiete , Uhrmacher Adelinde M. , van Rienen Ursula , Bader Rainer , Detsch Rainer , Jonitz-Heincke Anika TITLE=Long-term stimulation with alternating electric fields modulates the differentiation and mineralization of human pre-osteoblasts JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=13 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.965181 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.965181 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=

Biophysical stimulation by electric fields can promote bone formation in bone defects of critical size. Even though, long-term effects of alternating electric fields on the differentiation of osteoblasts are not fully understood. Human pre-osteoblasts were stimulated over 31 days to gain more information about these cellular processes. An alternating electric field with 0.7 Vrms and 20 Hz at two distances was applied and viability, mineralization, gene expression, and protein release of differentiation factors were analyzed. The viability was enhanced during the first days of stimulation. A higher electric field resulted in upregulation of typical osteogenic markers like osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, and interleukin-6, but no significant changes in mineralization. Upregulation of the osteogenic markers could be detected with a lower electric field after the first days of stimulation. As a significant increase in the mineralized matrix was identified, an enhanced osteogenesis due to low alternating electric fields can be assumed.