Pulsed electromagnetic field effectively improves musculoskeletal degeneration and inflammation levels in a rat model of osteosarcopenia: an experimental study

Background Insufficient protein synthesis significantly contributes to the metabolic imbalance between muscle and bone, serving as a primary factor in the concurrent deterioration of both muscle and bone structure and function in the elderly. Increasing evidences suggest that Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) can enhance the recovery process of bones and muscles as a non-invasive and highly specific intervention, thereby offering potential treatment options for osteoporosis and sarcopenia. However, the application of PEMF in the treatment of Osteosarcopenia (OS) remains relatively underexplored, and the associated mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Methods Ovariectomy was performed on rats followed by intraperitoneal injection of excessive dexamethasone. After successful model establishment confirmed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, rats were subjected to 15 Hz, 2.0 mT PEMF intervention (five times per week for 12 weeks). Following the intervention, muscle mass and strength, bone microarchitecture, bone biomechanical strength, serum markers of osteogenic and myogenic differentiation, systemic inflammatory levels, skeletal muscle and bone tissue histomorphology, and protein expression were quantitatively assessed. These analyses were performed to elucidate the regulatory effects of PEMF on chronic musculoskeletal deterioration and circulating inflammatory levels. Results We found that PEMF enhance the synthesis of osteogenic and myogenic proteins, leading to an increase in both the quantity and density of trabecular bone and myotubes. This intervention reduces the progression of bone loss and muscle atrophy while simultaneously improving the biological performance of muscle and bone. Moreover, PEMF treatment attenuated the systemic chronic inflammatory milieu, as evidenced by reduced circulating levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, although a complete restoration to baseline levels was not achieved. Conclusion PEMF demonstrates therapeutic effects on OS by promoting the synthesis of key proteins involved in osteogenesis and myogenesis, thereby enhancing muscle function and bone strength, while also suppressing the systemic chronic inflammatory microenvironment. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting PEMF as a potential non-pharmacological intervention strategy for OS.