Combined radiofrequency electromagnetic and pulsed magnetic field exposure enhances gastric ulcer healing via eNOS-mediated angiogenesis in young rats.

BACKGROUND

This study examined whether combined exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and pulsed magnetic field (PMF)s confers gastroprotective and pro-healing effects in an acute ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model by modulating inflammatory, apoptotic, and regenerative pathways.

METHODS

Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups (Control, RF-EMF+PMF, Ulcer, Ulcer+RF-EMF+PMF; n = 8 each). Gastric ulcers were induced by oral ethanol administration (0.5 ml/100 g). Our innovative exposure combination of 30-min active/90-min passive cycles of 27.12 MHz RF-EMF (with electric field intensity of 10 V/m) +continuously 1 Hz PMF (with magnetic field intensity of 0.5 mT) was applied for 7 d. Histopathological scoring evaluated mucosal injury, leukocyte infiltration and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry assessed caspase-3 (Cas-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression. Molecular signaling of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Ulcer induction caused pronounced mucosal damage with increased leukocyte infiltration, hemorrhage and marked elevations in Cas-3, IL-6 and TNF-α, along with reduced EGF, while EGF and VEGF remained unchanged. RF-EMF+PMF treatment in ulcerated rats markedly reduced mucosal injury, suppressed inflammatory and apoptotic markers, partially restored EGF and VEGF levels and significantly increased eNOS expression. In non-ulcerated rats, RF-EMF+PMF exposure produced values comparable to those of the control group, indicating no detectable adverse effect on healthy gastric tissue.

CONCLUSION

RF-EMF+PMF exposure provides gastroprotective and reparative effects by reducing inflammation, suppressing apoptosis and improving partial microvascular-related signaling. The application did not cause damage to healthy tissue, supporting its safety.