Mapping the landscape of magnetic field effects on neural regeneration and repair: a systematic review, mathematical model, and meta-analysis

Abstract

Although magnetic field exposure is a well-established diagnostic tool, its use as a therapeutic in regenerative medicine is relatively new. Our goal here was to evaluate how magnetic fields affect neural repair in vitro by performing a systematic review of the literature, mathematical modeling, and meta-analyses. The 38 included articles presented with high heterogeneity, representing 13 cell types, magnitudes ranging from 0.0002-10,000 mT, frequencies from 0-150 Hz, and exposure times lasting from one hour to several weeks. Mathematical modeling revealed that increasing magnetic field magnitude increases neural progenitor cell (NPC) viability. For regenerative processes that were not influenced by magnitude, frequency, and time, we integrated data with meta-analyses. Results revealed that magnetic field exposure increases NPC proliferation while decreasing astrocytic differentiation. Collectively, our work identifies neural repair processes that may be most responsive to magnetic field exposure and provides a framework for novel hypothesis and technology development.