Abstract
This study investigated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on proteoglycan (PG) metabolism of human articular cartilage explants from patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Human cartilage explants, recovered from lateral and medial femoral condyles, were classified according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) and graded based on Outerbridge scores. Explants cultured in the absence and presence of ILโ1ฮฒ were treated with PEMF (1.5โmT, 75โHz) or IGFโI alone or in combination for 1 and 7 days. PG synthesis and release were determined. Results showed that explants derived from lateral and medial condyles scored OA grades I and III, respectively. In OA grade I explants, after 7 days exposure, PEMF and IGFโI significantly increased ^35^Sโsulfate incorporation 49% and 53%, respectively, compared to control, and counteracted the inhibitory effect of ILโ1ฮฒ (0.01โng/ml). The combined exposure to PEMF and IGFโI was additive in all conditions. Similar results were obtained in OA grade III cartilage explants. In conclusion, PEMF and IGFโI augment cartilage explant anabolic activities, increase PG synthesis, and counteract the catabolic activity of ILโ1ฮฒ in OA grades I and III. We hypothesize that both IGFโI and PEMF have chondroprotective effects on human articular cartilage, particularly in early stages of OA. Bioelectromagnetics 32:543โ551, 2011. ยฉ 2011 WileyโLiss, Inc.