Effects of single and combined low frequency electromagnetic fields and simulated microgravity on gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells during chondrogenesis

Mayer-Wagner, Susanne; Hammerschmid, Florian; Blum, Helmut; Krebs, Stefan; Redeker, Julia I.; Holzapfel, Boris M.; Jansson, Volkmar und Müller, Peter E. (2018): Effects of single and combined low frequency electromagnetic fields and simulated microgravity on gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells during chondrogenesis. In: Archives of Medical Science, Vol. 14, No. 3: pp. 608-616

Abstract

Introduction: Low frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMF) and simulated microgravity (SMG) have been observed to affect chondrogenesis. A controlled bioreactor system was developed to apply LF-EMF and SMG singly or combined during chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in 3D culture. Material and methods: An external motor gear SMG bioreactor was combined with magnetic Helmholtz coils for EMF (5 mT;15 Hz). Pellets of hMSCs (+/- TGF-beta 3)were cultured (P5) under SMG, LF-EMF, LF-EMF/SMG and control (1 g) conditions for 3 weeks. Sections were stained with safranin-O and collagen type II. Gene expression was evaluated by microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Simulated microgravity application significantly changed gene expression;specifically, COLXA1 but also COL2A1, which represents the chondrogenic potential, were reduced (p < 0.05). Low frequency electromagnetic fields application showed no gene expression changes on a microarray basis. LF-EMF/SMG application obtained significant different expression values from cultures obtained under SMG conditions with a re-increase of COL2A1, therefore rescuing the chondrogenic potential, which had been lowered by SMG. Conclusions: Simulated microgravity lowered hypertrophy but also the chondrogenic potential of hMSCs. Combined LF-EMF/SMG provided a rescue effect of the chondrogenic potential of hMSCs although no LF-EMF effect was observed under optimal conditions. The study provides new insights into how LF-EMF and SMG affect chondrogenesis of hMSCs and how they generate interdependent effects.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine; Chemistry and Pharmacy > Department of Biochemistry
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health; 500 Science > 540 Chemistry
• ISSN: 1734-1922
• Language: English