Electromagnetic radiation: a new charming actor in hematopoiesis?

Expert Rev Hematol. 2021 Jan;14(1):47-58. doi: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1826301. Epub 2021 Jan 7.

Abstract

Introduction: Electromagnetic waves play indispensable roles in life. Many studies addressed the outcomes of Electromagnetic field (EMF) on various biological functions such as cell proliferation, gene expression, epigenetic alterations, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects, and its therapeutic applications in medicine. The impact of EMF on bone marrow (BM) is of high importance; however, EMF effects on BM hematopoiesis are not well understood.

Areas covered: Publications in English were searched in ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar with no restriction on publication date. A literature review has been conducted on the consequences of EMF exposure on BM non-hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and the application of these waves in regenerative medicine. Human blood cells such as lymphocytes, red blood cells and their precursors are altered qualitatively and quantitatively following electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, studying the impact of EMF on related signaling pathways in hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation could give a better insight into its efficacy on hematopoiesis and its potential therapeutic usage.

Expert opinion: In this review, authors evaluated the possible biologic consequences of EMF on the hematopoiesis process in addition to its probable application in the treatment of hematologic disorders.

Keywords: DNA damage; Electromagnetic radiation; bone marrow; differentiation; electromagnetic Field; gene expression regulation; hematopoiesis; hematopoietic stem cells; regenerative medicine; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electromagnetic Radiation*
  • Hematopoiesis* / radiation effects
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Field Therapy
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects