Pre-application of pulsed magnetic field protects oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background : Pulsed magnetic field (PMF) application is an alternative therapy method used especially in the treatment of musculoskeletal system diseases. However, its effects on the vascular system are unclear. On the other hand, an imbalance in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause crucial vascular diseases such as hypertension or atherosclerosis. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the modulatory effect of PMF pre-exposure and the protective role of the application on ROS-related vascular dysfunctions. Materials and Methods : Rats were exposed to 1.5 mT, 40 Hz PMF for 30 days. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated enzymatically at the end of the application. Cell proliferation in the presence or absence of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2, oxidative stress and apoptosis inducer) was determined by MTT assay. Caspase-3 activity and protein expressions were also determined. Results : Incubation of VSMCs with H 2 O 2 decreased the cell proliferation dose-dependently. However, the cells isolated from PMF pre-treated rats had higher proliferation levels at high dose H 2 O 2 (1 mM) than their controls. Moreover, PMF pre-applied cells had less caspase-3 expression at high dose H 2 O 2 incubation. A similar effect of PMF was also observed in caspase-3 enzyme activity. Conclusion : The present study demonstrated that PMF pre-exposed cells showed resistance to H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress. Notably, the decreased activity and expression of caspase-3 in PMF pre-treated groups indicated that PMF has regulatory effects on apoptosis formation mechanisms. The present study demonstrated that PMF pre-application should be considered as protective in the development of vascular diseases.