title: The effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on E-cadherin and type IV collagen in gingiva: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The potential beneficial effects of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields have been shown on many tissues. Gingival epithelium plays an important role in immunosurveillance of the periodontal tissues. The epithelium acts as a mechanical barrier through cell junctions such as E-cadherin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Investigation of the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on gingiva.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 9), SEMF group (n = 9), PEMF group (n = 9). The SEMF and PEMF (pulse time: 25 µsn, pulse frequency: 50 Hz) groups were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 h a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. The gingival tissue pieces processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examination and tissue sections were stained with H-E and Masson trichrome. In addition, E-cadherin and type IV collagen expressions were examined immunohistochemically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intraepithelial lymphocytes and proliferation of epithelial cells increased in both electromagnetic field groups. The over-expressions of E-cadherin on gingival epithelium was detected in the PEMF and SEMF groups. The expression level of type IV collagen was not significant between the control and electromagnetic field treated groups, except for a significant increase in the basal cell layer of the PEMF group, as compared to the control and SEMF groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PEMF and SEMF have a local pro-inflammatory effect on gingiva, leading to an increase in E-cadherin level but not type IV collagen. Both PEMF and SEMF can be used as a supportive device in the treatment of gingival diseases, especially those which lead to defects in the epithelial barrier.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, University of Dicle, Turkey.
authors.forename: Arzum G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Dogru
authors.forename: Selcuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tunik
authors.forename: Veysi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Akpolat
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dogru
authors.forename: Ebru E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Saribas
authors.forename: Filiz A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Kaya
authors.forename: Yusuf
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nergiz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000528:radiation effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000528:radiation effects; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000378:metabolism*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D005881:Gingiva / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D015820:Cadherins; D024141:Collagen Type IV