PAPIMI

A. ARTICLES INDICATING THE WIDE RANGE APPLICATIONS OF THE PEMF ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC GENERATORS

1. This review article notes that pulse-type electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are the most frequently used type of electromagnetic therapy. Another form is pulsed radio frequency; PRF therapy generally includes daily sessions of 30-minute exposure and is primarily used in cases of pain and edema, with results being apparent quickly when the therapy is effective. PEMF treatment is most successful when used in bone healing, with results occurring over a longer period of time.

A.A. Pilla, "State of the Art in Electromagnetic Therapeutics: Soft Tissue Applications,

2. Noting that beneficial effects of low-energy, time-varying magnetic fields have been shown since the early 1970s,

this review article cites studies pointing to its success in the treatment of a wide range of conditions.

Bassett CA (1989) Fundamental and practical aspects of therapeutic uses of pulsed EMFs (PEMFs).

Crit Rev Biomed Eng 17(5):451-529. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia Univ, New York, New York.

The beneficial therapeutic effects of selected low-energy, time-varying magnetic fields, called PEMFs, have been documented with increasing frequency since 1973. Initially, this form of athermal energy was used mainly as a salvage for patients with long-standing juvenile and adult non-unions. Many of these individuals were candidates for amputation. Their clearly documented resistance to the usual forms of surgical treatment, including bone grafting, served as a reasonable control in judging the efficacy of this new therapeutic method, particularly when PEMFs were the sole change in patient management. More recently, the biological effectiveness of this approach in augmenting bone healing has been confirmed by several highly significant double-blind and controlled prospective studies in less challenging clinical circumstances. There is also double-blind evidence of therapeutic effects in other clinical disorders. These data, coupled with well-controlled lab findings on pertinent mechanisms of action, have begun to place PEMFs on a therapeutic par with surgically invasive methods but at considerably less risk and cost. As a result of these clinical observations and concerns about EM "pollution", interactions of nonionizing EMFs with biological processes have been the subject of increasing investigational activity. Over the past decade, the number of publications on these topics has risen exponentially. They now include textbooks, speciality journals, regular reviews by government agencies, and articles in a wide spectrum of peer-reviewed, scientific sources.

In a recent editorial in Current Contents, the editor reviews the frontiers of biomedical engineering focusing on Science Citation Index methods for identifying core research endeavors.

Dr Garfield chose PEMFs from among other biomedical engineering efforts as an example of a rapidly emerging discipline. Three new societies in bioelectromagnetics, bioelectrochemistry, and bioelectrical growth and repair have been organized during this time, along with a number of national and international committees and conferences.

These activities augment a continuing interest by the IEEE in the USA and the IEE in the UK. This review focuses on the principles and practice behind the therapeutic use of "PEMFs". This term is restricted to time-varying magnetic field characteristics that induce voltage waveform patterns in bone similar to those resulting from mechanical deformation.

These asymmetric, broad-band pulses affect a number of biologic processes athermally.

Many of these processes seem to have the ability to modify selected pathologic states in the musculoskeletal and other systems.

3. This review article cites studies pointing to the efficacy of low-frequency magnetic fields in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including burns, arthritis, fractures, arterial aneurysms, PMS, phantom pain, tuberculosis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, bronchial asthma, and ulcerated varicose veins, among others.

V.M. Bogoliubov & L.A. Skurikhina, "Therapeutic Application of Constant and Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields,

4. This review article claims that over a quarter of a million patients worldwide with chronically ununited fractures have experienced beneficial results from treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields. In addition, the author cites studies pointing to the treatment's efficacy with respect to other conditions such as nerve regeneration, wound healing, graft behavior, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

C.A. Bassett, "Beneficial Effects of Electromagnetic Fields,"

Journal of Cell Biochem, 51(4),April 1993, p. 387-393.

Bioelectric Research Ctr, Columbia Univ, Riverdale, New York 10463.

Selective control of cell function by applying specifically configured, weak, time-varying magnetic fields has added a new, exciting dimension to biology and medicine. Field parameters for therapeutic, PEMFs were designed to induce voltages similar to those produced, normally, during dynamic mechanical deformation of connective tissues.

As a result, a wide variety of challenging musculoskeletal disorders have been treated successfully over the past 20 yr. >250000 patients with chronically ununited fractures have benefitted, worldwide, from this surgically non-invasive method, without risk, discomfort, or the high costs of operative repair.

Many of the athermal bioresponses, at the cellular and subcellular levels, have been identified and found appropriate to correct or modify the pathologic processes for which PEMFs have been used.

Not only is efficacy supported by these basic studies but by a number of double-blind trials. As understanding of mechanisms expands, specific requirements for field energetics are being defined and the range of treatable ills broadened.

These include nerve regeneration, wound healing, graft behavior, diabetes, and myocardial and cerebral ischemia (heart attack and stroke), among other conditions.

Preliminary data even suggest possible benefits in controlling malignancy.

Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8496242, UI: 93266659

5. This research examined the effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields on patients suffering from a wide range of disorders, including musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, circulatory diseases, traumatic disorders, gastroenterological problems, and stress-related morbidity. Results, based on the patients' own subjective ratings, indicated the treatment to be beneficial across most conditions, with the strongest effects seen in those suffering from musculoskeletal and traumatic disorders.

6. This review article notes that low-frequency electromagnetic therapy has been used for a variety of purposes. Those specifically identified the author include cell growth promotion, pain reduction, improved blood circulation, bone repair, increased wound healing, sedative effects, enhanced sleep, and arthritic relief.

R.A. Drolet, A Non-invasive Cell Regeneration Ion and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy Using LF-EM Fields,

7. This study examined the effects of magnetotherapy on patients suffering from a variety of eye and brain vascular disorders.

Treatment was made with most patients receiving a course of 15-20 daily exposures.

Results showed overall general improvements in 95 percent of patients with eye diseases.

N. Gilinskaya & L.V. Zobina, "Magnetic Field Application for the Treatment of Vascular Diseases of the Brain and Eyes,

8. This review article notes that treatment with an apparatus, used to deliver low-frequency magnetic fields, has been shown to improve general hemodynamics and microcirculation in addition to exhibiting anti-inflammatory, sedative, and analgesic effects in Olympic-level Russian athletes.

9. This study examined the effects of extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields in the treatment of a group of 650 patients suffering from a host of various diseases. Treatment consisted 15-25 minute daily exposures 5 days per week over a total of 20-25 days.

Marked improvements were seen with respect to analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-enhancing effects.

V.I. Kovalchuk, et al., "Use of Extremely-Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields in Clinical Practice,

10. This article reports on the efficacy of a Russian electromagnetic stimulation apparatus. The authors state that data from 508 patients suffering from various ailments who were treated with the device indicate it to be anywhere from 75 to 100 percent effective. Examples of conditions in which the device was used include stubborn fractures, post-traumatic contractures, crush syndrome, and Perthes' disease.

11. This review article on the use of pulsed magnetotherapy in Czechoslovakia points to its efficacy across a variety of conditions, including joint problems, enuresis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

12. This article reviews the use of magnetotherapy in Czechoslovakia. Noting that this modality has been used for more than a decade, the author states that magnetotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating rheumatic diseases, sinusitis, enuresis, and ischemic disorders of the lower extremities.

Positive findings have also been shown with respect to multiple sclerosis and degenerative diseases of the retina.

J. Jerabek, "Pulsed Magnetotherapy in Czechoslovakia--A Review," Rev Environ Health, 10(2),April-June 1994, . 127-134.

13.Results of this study indicated that the optimal frequency of pulsed magnetic fields ranges between 10.0 and 25.0 Hz in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions of the locomotor apparatus, ischemia of the blood vessels of the lower extremities, dyspeptic syndrome, lactation mastitis, and other diseases. Treatment proved best when the therapeutic cycle was repeated after a 2-3 month period.

This paper reviews the history and development of electric and EMFs used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions.

An account is given of their clinical use and some suggestions are advanced for an explanation of a possible physiological mechanism.

15. Vodovnik L, Karba R (1992) Treatment of chronic wounds by means of electric and EMFs: Part 1 - Literature review.

Med Biol Eng Comput May;30(3):257-266. Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Univ of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The healing of a cutaneous wound is accompanied by endogeneous electrical phenomena. Not knowing whether they represent merely a side-effect of the physiological processes which take course during healing or whether they play a much more important role as mediators of healing, externally applied electricity was examined as a therapeutic tool for the enhancement of natural regenerative processes. In the present review a historical literature survey dealing with human applications of electric current for wound healing acceleration is given. It presents a complete palette of heterogeneous studies, differing in the parameters of applied electric current, in delivery modes as well as in the types of wounds being stimulated. Because of all these differences, comparing the efficacy of the described methods is difficult and could hardly be objective. Therefore greater stress was laid upon the discussion concerning the problems in designing clinical studies (size of the sample, control group, ethics of the procedures), rationales for the employment and possible underlying mechanisms of particular methods, and problems of evaluating their efficacy. In spite of the extensive work performed in the field of electrical wound healing we remain only part way towards explaining the mechanisms by which electricity reinforces the regenerative capabilities of injured tissue as well as only part way towards the selection of the optimal stimulation method from among the published reports.

16. Jacobson JI (1996) Therapeutic radiology: a potential unfolding through bioelectromagnetic sciences.

Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Fla., USA.

Clinical and experimental research in the area of bioelectromagnetics is reviewed and considered from a physical standpoint. An equation relating the intrinsic or "rest" energy of a charged particle with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field is proposed. This equation is intended to represent an initial basic physical interaction that may be part of a more complex biological mechanism that may explain the potential effects of externally applied magnetic fields.

Speculations are presented on the potential use of magnetic fields for the noninvasive treatment of such diverse conditions as cancer, AIDS, and neurological disorders.

17. Jacobson JI (1994) Jacobson resonance: the coupling mechanism for weak EMF bioeffects, and a new way to approach magneto therapy. Panminerva Med Mar;36(1):34-41.

Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida 334377-1418.

Jacobson Resonance is explained in fundamental terms. The essential predictions are stated and supported clinically, experimentally and epidemiologically. Weak magnetic fields influence biological systems in ways previously not known. The potential is scrutinized.

In this interview with Dr. C. Andrew L. Bassett, a physician researching the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields for the past 30 years at Columbia University's Orthopedic Research Lab, Dr. Bassett notes that approximately 10,000 of the 12,000-plus orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. have used pulsed electromagnetic fields on at least one patient.

Many such surgeons have incorporated the therapy on a more regular basis. He estimates that a total of at least 65,000 patients nationwide have received the treatment, with a probable success rate of between 80 and 90 percent.

Use of the treatment has been primarily in patients suffering from nonunited fractures, fusion failures, and pseudoarthrosis.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields. A Noninvasive Therapeutic Modality for Fracture Nonunion (Interview),

This review article notes that the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields began in 1974, and that 250,000 nonunion patients have received the treatment since. The author argues that success rates are comparable to those of bone grafting, and that PEMF treatment is more cost-effective and free of side effects. The FDA approved PEMF use in 1982, although it remains widely unused due to physician misunderstanding and lack of knowledge concerning the treatment.

A. Bassett, ;Therapeutic Uses of Electric and Magnetic Fields in Orthopedics,; in D.O. Carpenter ; S. Ayrapetyan, (eds.),

Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields. Volume II: beneficial and Harmful Effects, San Diego: Academic Press, 1994, . 13-48.

This review article makes the following observations with respect to the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields in treating ununited fractures, failed arthrodeses, and congenital pseudarthroses. The treatment has been shown to be more than 90 percent effective in adult patients.

In cases where union does not occur with PEMFs alone after approximately four months, PEMF treatment coupled with fresh bone grafts ensures a maximum failure rate of only 1 to 1.5 percent. For those with delayed union three to four months following fracture, PEMFs appear to be more successful than in patients treated with other conservative methods. For more serious conditions, including infected nonunions, multiple surgical failures, long-standing atrophic lesions, failed knee arthrodeses after removal of infected prostheses, and congenital pseudarthroses, PEMF treatment has exhibited success in most patients.

C.A. Bassett, "The Development and Application of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) for Ununited Fractures and Arthrodeses,"

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

This review article notes that magnetotherapy in a variety of forms has been successfully used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and is a commonly used physical therapy for the condition.

A.P. Dovganiuk, "Balneologic and Physical Therapy of Chronic Venous Insufficiency of Extremities,"

This review article looks at the history of pulsed electromagnetic fields as a means of bone repair.

The author argues that success rates have been either superior or equivalent to those of surgery, with PEMF free of side effects and risk.

C.A.L. Bassett,; Historical Overview of PEM-Assisted Bone and Tissue Healing, t;

Bioelectromagnetics Society, 10th Annual Meeting, 19-24 June 1988, Stamford, CT, . 19.

This review article examined the literature concerning the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression. Results showed the high-frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment to be an effective, side-effect free therapy for depression that may hold promise for treating related psychiatric disorders as well.

M.T. Kirkcaldie, et al., Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as Therapy for Depression and Other Disorders,

This review article notes that transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to elicit antidepressant effects, electically stimulating deep regions of the brain.

C. Haag, et al., "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. A Diagnostic Means from Neurology as Therapy in Psychiatry?

This review article notes that placebo-controlled studies have shown positive results concerning the use of pulsed magnetic field therapy in the treatment of secondary chronic pyelonephritis.

V.A. Kiyatkin, "Pulsed Magnetic Field in Therapy of Patients with Secondary Chronic Pyelonephritis,"

This review article examined the data concerning impulsed magnetic fields in the treatment of lupus erythematosus. Studies indicate that the treatment can be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, its positive action on microcirculation, and immunological reactivity.

I.V. Khamaganova, et al., "The Use of a Pulsed Magnetic Field in the Treatment of Lupus Erythematosus," Ter Arkh, 67(10),1995, p. 84-87.

Noting that pulsed electromagnetic fields have been used in bone healing for more than 20 years, this review article cites recent results from both animal and human studies pointing to the efficacy of PEMF in the treatment of soft-tissue injuries as well.

B.F. Sisken J. Walker, Therapeutic Aspects of Electromagnetic Fields for Soft-Tissue Healing, in M. Blank, (ed.),

Electromagnetic Fields: Biological Interactions and Mechanisms, Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society,1995, p. 277-285.

In this general review article on the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis with magnetic fields, the authors state that an alternating low-frequency magnetic field (30-40 mT) improves the clinical state of afflicted joints. Such treatments are normally carried out for 30 minutes per day over a period of 15 to 20 days.

V.D. Grigor'eva, et al., "Therapeutic Use of Physical Factors in Complex Therapy of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis,"

This review article discusses the theoretical and clinical applications of magnetic field therapy in the treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower limbs.

A. Sieron, Use of Magnetic Field in Treatment of Trophic Leg Ulcers, Pol Tyg Lek, 46(37-39),September 1991, p. 717-719.

Int J Neurosci Nov;83(1-2):69-79. NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811, USA.

The occurrence of cognitive deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been known since 1877 when Charcot noted "enfeeblement of memory" in his patients. Cognitive deficits have been reported in almost 50% of patients with a relapsing-remitting course and in a significantly higher % of patients with a chronic progressive course leading to intellectual disability which is often severe enough to preclude employment. MS is considered a form of subcortical dementia and the occurrence of classical cortical disorders such as aphasia, agnosia and apraxia is reported to be rare in the disease.

However, in my experience alexia, a reading impairment unrelated to visual acuity or visual field defects, is common in patients with MS. Recently, I reported that treatment with picotesla range EMFs is an efficacious modality in the management of both the motor and cognitive symptoms of MS. 3 patients with MS who developed alexia as a manifestation of the disease are presented. In all patients the alexia was reversed several months after they began treatment with EMFs. Since alexia usually reflects a disconnection syndrome whereby lesions involving the left visual cortex and the splenium of the corpus callosum disconnect language association areas from visual association areas, it is suggested that reversal of the alexia in these patients by EMFs was related to improved interhemispheric transcallosal transmission of visual information. Also, changes in the metabolism of monoamines, which are involved in visual information processing and reading comprehension, may have been important in causing reversal of the alexia.

This report further supports the unique efficacy of this treatment modality in reversing specific cognitive deficits in MS.

Jacobson JI (1994) Pineal-hypothalamic tract mediation of picotesla magnetic fields in the treatment of neurological disorders. Panminerva Med Dec;36(4):201-205. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, FL 334377-1418, USA.

The objective of this study is analysis of the clinical efficacy of picotesla magnetic fields in the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. The method utilized involved the exogenous application of physiologic, very weak magnetic fields to the brain by Sandyk, Anninos, Derpapas and Tsagas. The magnetic device produced a magnetic field ranging from about 5 x 10(-8) to about 2.5 x 10(-7) Gauss (G) at frequencies of 2-7 Hz. The wave form was sinusoidal and the device was positioned about the posterior portion of the corpus callosum most specifically to influence the pineal gland. Direct correlation of melatonin production with magnetic field stimulation was found. In most cases, the neurological conditions showed amelioration or palliation over an extended period of time. It seemed that resonance was established between the magnetic field and melatonin which could be explained with Jacobson Resonance. These studies begin to point to the explanation of the mechanism of interaction between non-ionizing EM radiation and biological systems. Also, evaluation of the pineal gland as an magneto-sensitive gland may help us understand fundamental conditions in magneto-receptors of biological systems in terms of their piezoelectric nature. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7603740, UI: 95327372

Badea MA, Vasilco R, Sandru D, Paslaru L, Jieanu V, Comorosan S (1993) The effect of pulsed EMF (Diapulse) on cellular systems.

Rom J Physiol Jan;30(1-2):65-71. Interdisciplinary Research Group, Fundeni Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.

This was a study of the effect of a 27.12 MHz PEMF (Diapulse) on microbial growth.

A strain of K 12 E. coli grown in complete Pennassay medium was subjected to Diapulse action for 30 m, at 8 h and 12 h of growth.

In this experiment, designed to be close to the physiological conditions of open wounds, the PEMF action promoted no increase of cell population, indicating the safety of this type of therapy for wound healing process.

The same K 12 E. coli strain grown in Pennassay medium for 2 h was inoculated into a minimal growth medium and the lagless exponential growth thus obtained was followed spectrophotometrically. Diapulse PEMF was applied to this lagless phase of cellular cultures at 30, 60, and 90 m after inoculation. A slight increase in the number of cells occurred at 2 and 4 h after the Diapulse application, when the cultures were previously subjected to Diapulse action between the period of 60 and 90 m of their growth.

A possible molecular mechanism for these PEMF effects is discussed. PMID: 7982019, UI: 95072991

Barker AT (1991) An introduction to the basic principles of magnetic nerve stimulation.

J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):26-37. Dept of Med Physics and Clinical Engineering, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.

Magnetic nerve stimulation is a new method for the noninvasive stimulation of neuromuscular tissue.

The technique, developed at the Univ of Sheffield, UK, is being increasingly used for both clinical studies and basic research, with some 500 stimulators presently in use worldwide. This paper looks at the development of magnetic stimulation as a clinical tool. The basic physics principles of the technique are outlined, and the different magnetic field waveforms, coil geometrics, and orientations that can be used are discussed. The depth of penetration of magnetic stimulation is compared to that of conventional electrical stimulation using surface electrodes. The former generated lower electric fields at the surface of the body, resulting in greater penetration and the ability to stimulate deep nerves without pain. Magnetic stimulation has many other advantages over electrical stimulation, including being able to stimulate the human brain without discomfort due to the magnetic fields passing through the skull without attenuation. These advantages, along with the limitations of the technique, are discussed.

Finally, data relating to the safety of brain stimulation are summarised in terms of the EM parameters used.

The present generation of magnetic stimulators cause no acute hazards, provided their electrical and mechanical design meets the relevant electromedical safety standards.

Geddes LA (1991) History of magnetic stimulation of the nervous system. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):3-9. William A. Hillenbrand Biomedical Engineering Ctr, Purdue Univ, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.

The use of a time-varying magnetic field to induce a sufficiently strong current to stimulate living tissue was first reported by d'Arsonval in 1896. Since then, there have been many studies in what is now called magnetic stimulation. This paper traces the history of this field from d'Arsonval to its present use in neurophysiology. Publication Types: Historical article PMID: 2019649, UI: 91210410

Maccabee PJ, Amassian VE, Cracco RQ, Cracco JB, Eberle L, Rudell A (1991) Stimulation of the human nervous system using the magnetic coil.

J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):38-55. Dept of Neurology, State Univ of New York, Brooklyn 11203.

The magnetic coil (MC) is a unique probe that can be used to elucidate basic neurophysiological mechanisms in humans. Either by excitation or inhibition of responding neural elements, we have been able to investigate:

1. the distribution of the electric field induced within isotropic and anisotropic volume conductors by round and figure-8 MCs;

2. the theoretical relationship between electric field distribution and excitation of distal peripheral nerve, nerve root, cranial nerve, and motor cortex;

4. perturbation of sequential digit movements by MC stimulation of human premotor cortex;

6. elicitation of a sense of movement in an ischemic paralyzed limb by focal MC cortical stimulation; and

7. the effect of stimulation of the human visual system to (a) suppress and unmask visual perception using single MC stimuli and (b) prolong visual suppression using short trains of MC stimuli.

In the future, prolongation of MC action by using repetitive stimuli should be useful in further investigating functions concerned with language, speech, and cognition.

[Various humoral factors regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension during treatment by an impulse magnetic field –

Renin activity, aldosterone, prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha and PGB) and cyclic nucleotide levels and catecholamine excretion were measured in 165 essentially hypertensive patients exposed to therapeutic effects of "running" impulse magnetic field (RIMF). The correction of arterial blood pressure in RIMF-treated patients was mediated by BP-controlling humoral factors, the magnitude and direction of changes in levels and activity of biologically-active substances and hormones being determined by their respective baselines.

A decrease of hyperfunction, as reflected in elevated hormonal production, and an increase of hypofunction were the most common therapeutic effect of RIMF exposure.

Noting the well-established dangers associated with electroconvulsive therapy, the author, in this theoretical article, argues that transcranial magnetic stimulation should be looked at as an alternative psychiatric treatment. The author asserts that TMS has several advantages over ECT in that it is painless, noninvasive, and more effective on deep structures of the brain.

T. Zyss, Deep Magnetic Brain Stimulation - The End of Psychiatric Electroshock Therapy?

In this theoretical paper, the author argues that deep, low-rate transcranial magnetic stimulation can produce therapeutic effects equivalent to those of electroconvulsive therapy but without the dangerous side effects.

T. Zyss, "Will Electroconvulsive Therapy Induce Seizures: Magnetic Brain Stimulation as Hypothesis of a New Psychiatric Therapy," Psychiatr Pol, 26(6),November-December 1992, . 531-541.

Gordon RT, Gordon D (1981) Selective resolution of plaques and treatment of atherosclerosis by biophysical alteration of "cellular" and "intracellular" properties. Med Hypotheses Feb;7(2):217-229.

This is a totally new approach to effective treatment of atherosclerosis by alteration of biophysical properties both "intracellularly" and "extracellularly." Early results show that by allowing the atherosclerotic lesions to take up the magnetically excitable submicron particles and then applying an external alternating EMF, the atherosclerotic lesions may be selectively resolved without damaging normal blood vessels. This concept suggests many areas of research since there are many ways to alter atherosclerotic plaques biophysically, and many substances may be used to enhance the process. This new technology and this initial experimentation introduces a "new era" in the effective treatment of Atherosclerosis. PMID: 7219246, UI: 81172377

Jacobson JI, Yamanashi WS (1994) A possible, physical mechanism in the treatment of neurologic disorders with externally applied pico Tesla magnetic fields. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 26(4):287-297.

Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biological Research, Jupiter, FL 33477.

The clinical studies describing the treatment of some neurological disorders with an externally applied picoTesla (10(-12) Tesla, or 10(-8) Gauss) magnetic field are considered from a physical view point. An equation relating the intrinsic (or "rest") energy of a charted particle of mass m with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field B is presented. The equation is proposed to represent an initial basic physical interaction as a part of a more complex biological mechanism to explain the therapeutic effects of externally applied magnetic fields in these and other neurologic disorders.

Alexa O (1996) [Electrically induced osteogenesis. II. Experimental studies - Article in Romanian].

Disciplina de Ortopedie, Facultatea de Medicina, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Gr. T. Popa, Iasi.

The paper presents the possibilities to induce osteogenesis using different types of electrical current. The direct current may be used with invasive or semi-invasive methods. Electrodes are placed internally, near the bone. Experiments showed that the optimum stimulation is achieved with current between 5 and 20 uA. The capacitive current is able to induce osteogenesis. The electrodes are placed externally; between the electrodes there is an electric field with the value ranged 1-10 mV/cm.

The method of PEMFs is based on the field produced by a coil placed externally. The magnetic field range between 0, 1 and 20 Gauss. This is the most appreciate method because is noninvasive and offered the best experimental results.

Sandyk R, Anninos PA, Tsagas N (1991) Magnetic fields and seasonality of affective illness: implications for therapy.

Int J Neurosci Jun;58(3-4):261-267. Dept of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Med/Montefiore Med Ctr, Bronx, NY 10461.

Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by recurrent winter depression associated with hypersomnia, overeating, and carbohydrate craving. The severe form of winter depression affects about 5% of the general population and is believed to be caused by light deficiency. About 70%-80% of patients with winter depression experience attenuation of symptoms when exposed to bright light therapy. Hypotheses pertaining to the pathogenesis of winter depression implicate the effects of light on different characteristics of circadian rhythms. In addition to light, the geomagnetic field is an environmental factor which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of winter depression. There is strong indication that the pineal gland is a magnetosensitive system and that changes in the ambient magnetic field alter melatonin secretion and synchronize the circadian rhythms. In man, shielding of the ambient magnetic field significantly desynchronizes circadian rhythms which could be gradually resynchronized after application of magnetic fields. The strength of the environmental magnetic field diminishes during the winter months, leading to increased susceptibility for desynchronization of circadian rhythms. Thus, since the acute application of magnetic fields in experimental animals resembles that of acute exposure to light with respect to melatonin secretion (it suppresses melatonin secretion), magnetic treatment might be beneficial for patients with winter depression. Also, since the environmental light and magnetic fields, which undergo diurnal and seasonal variations, influence the activity of the pineal gland, we propose that a synergistic effect of light and magnetic therapy in patients with winter depression would be more physiological and, therefore, superior to phototherapy alone.

Effects of low-energy EMFs (pulsed and DC) on membrane signal transduction processes in biological systems.

Vertebrates have a number of internal processes for signaling and communication between cell types.

Hormones and neurotransmitters move from one cell type to another and carry chemical "messages" that modulate the metabolic responses of tissues to the environment. Interaction with these signaling systems is a potential mechanism by which very low-energy EMFs might produce metabolic responses in the body. Hormone and neurotransmitter receptors are specialized protein molecules that use a variety of biochemical activities to pass chemical signals from the outside of a cell across the plasma membrane to the interior of the cell. Since many low-energy EMFs have too little energy to directly traverse the membrane, it is possible that they may modify the existing signal transduction processes in cell membranes, thus producing both transduction and biochemical amplification of the effects of the field itself. The physiological effects of low-energy EMFs is well established in the healing of bone fractures.

The process of regulation of bone turnover and healing is reviewed in the context of clinical applications of EM energy to the healing process, especially for persistent non-union fractures. A hypothetical molecular mechanism is presented that might account for the effects of EMFs on bone cell metabolism in terms of the fields' interference with signal transduction events involved in the hormonal regulation of osteoblast function and differentiation.