Benign Effect of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Brain Plasticity Assessed by Nitric Oxide Metabolism during Poststroke Rehabilitation.


Author: Cichoń N1, Czarny P2, Bijak M1, Miller E3,4, Śliwiński T5, Szemraj J2, Saluk-Bijak J1

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, Lodz, Poland.

<sup>2</sup>Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, Lodz, Poland.

<sup>3</sup>Department of Physical Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Pl. Hallera 1, Lodz, Poland.

<sup>4</sup>Neurorehabilitation Ward, III General Hospital in Lodz, Milionowa 14, Lodz, Poland.

<sup>5</sup>Department of Molecular Genetics, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, Lodz, Poland.
Conference/Journal: Oxid Med Cell Longev.
Date published: 2017
Other:
 Volume ID: 2017   ,  Pages: 2181942   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1155/2017/2181942. Epub  2017 Sep 12.   ,  Word Count: 199  
    Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important signal molecules, involved in both physiological and pathological processes. As a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, NO regulates cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on generation and metabolism of NO, as a neurotransmitter, in the rehabilitation of poststroke patients. Forty-eight patients were divided into two groups: ELF-EMF and non-ELF-EMF. Both groups underwent the same 4-week rehabilitation program. Additionally, the ELF-EMF group was exposed to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field of 40 Hz, 7 mT, for 15 min/day. Levels of 3-nitrotyrosine, nitrate/nitrite, and TNFα in plasma samples were measured, and NOS2 expression was determined in whole blood samples. Functional status was evaluated before and after a series of treatments, using the Activity Daily Living, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination. We observed that application of ELF-EMF significantly increased 3-nitrotyrosine and nitrate/nitrite levels, while expression of NOS2 was insignificantly decreased in both groups. The results also show that ELF-EMF treatments improved functional and mental status. We conclude that ELF-EMF therapy is capable of promoting recovery in poststroke patients.



PMID: 29138675 PMCID: PMC5613626 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2181942