Assessment of the Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Murine 3T3 Cell Line: An Investigation into Cytotoxicology

Abstract

Introduction: Pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) therapy is gaining significant attention in clinical medicine due to its promising regenerative properties and its ability to modulate pain effectively. The precise biological mechanisms by which PEMF influences cellular processes—particularly those related to cell proliferation and cytotoxicity—remain unclear despite its increasing use. To better understand how PEMF affects these cellular activities and to maximize its therapeutic uses, more research is essential.

Objectives: Monitor cellular viability and proliferation in order to assess the cytotoxicological effects of PEMF exposure on the 3T3 murine fibroblast cell line.

Methods: To offer the best nutrition and avoid bacterial contamination, 3T3 fibroblast cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. For uniform growth conditions in every sample, the cells were planted at a density of 100,000 cells per 60 mm dish. Using a sine wave pattern, experimental groups were exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) at a frequency of 27.12 MHz and a power intensity of 73 mW/cm². This exposure was applied for 12 hours each day over five consecutive days. Control groups did not receive PEMF treatment. Daily, cell viability was quantitatively measured with the Alamar Blue assay, and each experimental condition was performed in triplicate for reliability.

Results: PEMF exposure resulted in a consistently slower proliferation rate in 3T3 fibroblast cells compared to the control group- did not receive PEMF. Over time, the number of cells in both groups increased steadily, but the PEMF-treated samples' growth rate stayed steadily lower. This highlights the quantifiable influence of PEMF on the dynamics of fibroblast cell line proliferation over the course of the study period and shows a notable difference in the cell growth patterns between the two groups.

Conclusions: 3T3 fibroblast growth is markedly inhibited by pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. This has ramifications for regenerative medicine and supports the way electromagnetic fields regulate cellular activity. To clarify mechanisms and optimize exposure conditions, more research is required.