The preventive effect on bone loss of 50-Hz, 1-mT electromagnetic field in ovariectomized rats

Osteoporosis is a common health problem, especially in the elderly and in women after menopause. Although there are some treatment methods, they impose serious side effects. Recently, the use of an electromagnetic field (EMF) has been a promising candidate for better treatment of osteoporosis. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of low-frequency (50 Hz), low-intensity (1 mT), and long-term (6 weeks) EMF on bone loss in ovariectomized rats. We used 18 female albino Wistar rats (8 unexposed and 10 exposed) to assess the effect of EMF. We examined the mineralization and the morphology of the tibia in control and EMF-exposed rats. The cortical thickness of the tibia was increased in EMF-exposed rats (P < 0.002). The levels of Na and K in the tibia were significantly increased in rats exposed to EMF (P < 0.001; P < 0.002, respectively). We also observed an increased blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level after EMF exposure (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the levels of Ca, Mg, Li, or creatine were found between the exposed and unexposed groups. Our data support the notion that an EMF may prove to be an effective treatment method for osteoporosis and other abnormalities related to bone loss.