Analysis of Quantum Molecular Resonance Effects on Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields and electric currents on biological systems, in particular concerning stem cells, are not extensively studied. Medical devices based on Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) technology are actually used in clinical practice for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and post-surgical articulation conditions. QMR is a new technology based on the quantum theory and assumes that a quantum value of energy exists for breaking every type of molecular bond without any increase of temperature. QMR produces waves at high frequencies (4-64 MHz) and low intensity through oscillating electric currents. This work aimed at understanding how QMR acts on the regenerative capacities of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). MSC are multipotent non-hematopoietic cells with peculiar immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties and a supportive role in hematopoiesis. Moreover their capacity to be recruited in damaged tissues and to differentiate in tissues of mesodermal origin, make them suitable for cellular therapy and in regenerative medicine. MSC cultures were exposed to QMR for two cycles of treatment at two different nominal powers (40 and 80) using an experimental medical device supplied and patented by Telea Electronic Engineering S.r.l. (Italy). QMR treatments maintained MSC identity and function in terms of morphology, phenotype and multilineage differentiation (adipogenesis, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis). Moreover the treatment did not affect cell viability or proliferation and preserved their intrinsic migration capacity. Microarray analysis revealed that QMR stimulation at 40 nominal power was likely more effective than 80 in inducing molecular changes, as demonstrated by the greater number of up- and down-regulated genes. Specifically, it was observed that genes modulated at 40 were involved into cellular and tissue regeneration processes like extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, angiogenesis, cellular migration and regulation of actin filaments. In this regard, quantitative real time PCR results confirmed expression of MMP1, PLAT and A2M genes. These genes generate transcripts for secreted proteins and are involved in ECM remodeling through the fibrinolytic system, which is also implicated in embryogenesis, wound healing and angiogenesis. We conclude that QMR stimulation might favor tissue regeneration probably supporting neoangiogenesis. Further studies are needed to evaluate how these proteins are implicated in MSC regenerative response after QMR exposition.