Osteoporosis is a bone disease that involves bone mass loss and structural weakening, resulting in bones that are more fragile and prone to fractures[16]. An imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation plays a significant role in the progression of various types of osteoporosis, ultimately leading to a decrease in bone mineral density and overall bone strength[17]. Glucocorticoid medication, which has anti-inflammatory effects, is a commonly administered therapeutic for a wide array of illnesses, such as arthritis, lupus, and respiratory disorders such as asthma[3]. Based on previous investigations, glucocorticoid therapy diminishes bone formation and intensifies bone resorption, resulting in negative calcium homeostasis and heightened vulnerability to fractures[18, 19]. Immediately upon glucocorticoid treatment, bone loss sets in rapidly, increasing the likelihood of fractures, while prolonged glucocorticoid administration contributes to the onset of osteopenia. Previous research has suggested that a low dose of glucocorticoids notably curtails bone formation, presumably due to diminished bone remodeling, which has implications for bone strength[20, 21]. In our investigation, following glucocorticoid administration, the rats in the MPSL group exhibited cartilage erosion, and the bone trabeculae in the proximal femur were either infrequent or disrupted. Currently, numerous pharmacological modalities are available for the treatment of osteoporosis, including calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and raloxifene[22, 23]. However, the extended use of osteoporosis medications is associated with potential adverse effects, including atypical femoral fractures in the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal region, gastrointestinal distress, and necrosis of the jawbone[24].
Apart from pharmacotherapy, physical therapy that incorporates safe and nonintrusive biophysical interventions should be strongly advocated for clinical use. Compared to pharmacological interventions, PEMFs are considered an effective treatment modality for a wide range of bone conditions, including fresh fractures, fractures with delayed healing or failure to unite, diabetic osteopenia, and bone necrosis[25]. To date, there is a lack of clarity regarding the effects PEMF exerts on patients with GIOP. PEMFs, with their beneficial effects as a form of mechanical stimulation for bone mass preservation, have potential for clinical use in preventing and managing osteoporosis[25, 26]. This research aimed to examine the preventative impact of PEMF on GIOP in rats, while delving into the mechanisms responsible. Inspired by the report published by Ishida et al., the PEMF parameters were chosen based on their observation that PEMF can lower the chances of steroid-induced osteonecrosis[27]. Guided by our preceding research, we kept the electromagnetic frequency constant while modifying the daily stimulation interval from 10 hours to 4 hours[13].
Monitoring the BMD and BMC in the proximal femur of the rats revealed a progressive decrease in the MPSL group, starting at week 2 and attaining the lowest values by week 8. A marked statistical distinction was observed in comparison to the remaining two groups, suggesting that the administration of glucocorticoids diminishes BMD and BMC in rats, thereby contributing to the development of GIOP. In contrast, compared with those in the PS group, the BMD and BMC in the PEMF group did not significantly differ at any measurement point, and these values were markedly greater than those in the MPSL group at weeks 4 and 8. Hence, we are convinced that PEMF has the potential to counter glucocorticoid-mediated bone loss, thereby sustaining BMD and BMC within normal levels.
BMP-2, a growth factor that accelerates bone renewal and boosts bone robustness and density, has garnered widespread application in the treatment of osteoporosis and its associated conditions[14, 15]. Because of its fleeting half-life and inadequate retention capability, BMP-2 is unsuitable for administration as a standalone injection[28]. Additionally, the direct administration of large quantities of BMP-2 can result in severe complications and side effects. PEMF, a noninvasive therapeutic method, exhibits endocrine-like actions, promoting the a sustained secretion of cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and BMP-2, that aid osteoblast differentiation in bone tissue affected by a fracture, thus facilitating bone tissue reparative processes[29]. However, the precise mechanism responsible for PEMF mediated enhancement of bone formation, specifically in GIOP treatment, is still not fully understood. The findings of our investigation revealed a downregulation of BMP-2 mRNA and protein expression in the MPSL cohort, whereas an upregulation was observed in the PEMF group. Hence, there is a significant probability that PEMF stimulation boosts BMP-2 expression in the proximal femur area of rats given glucocorticoids, playing a role in the prevention of GIOP, likely constituting one of the key mechanisms involved. As a prophylactic measure, PEMF could be administered alongside glucocorticoids for the management of various clinical disorders, including arthritis, asthma, and SLE, for which high-dose glucocorticoid therapy is necessary.