Static Magnetic Field (2–4 T) Improves Bone Microstructure and Mechanical Properties by Coordinating Osteoblast/Osteoclast Differentiation in Mice

Static magnetic field (SMF), with constant magnetic field strength and direction, has a long history of basic and clinical research in bone biology. Numerous studies demonstrate that exposure to moderate SMF (1 mT–1 T) can increase bone mass and bone density. However, few studies pay attention to the effects of high SMF (>1 T) on the skeletal system. To investigate the physiological effects of high SMF on bone, mice were exposed to 2–4 T SMF for 28 days. Bone microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. The activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts involved in bone remodeling was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Compared with the unexposed group, 2–4 T significantly improved the femoral microstructure and tibial mechanical properties. For bone remodeling in vivo, the number of osteoblasts and bone formation was increased, and the osteoclastic number was decreased by 2–4 T. Moreover, the expression of marker proteins in the femur and concentrations of biochemical indicators in serum involved in bone formation were elevated and bone resorption was reduced under 2–4 T SMF. In vitro, osteoblast differentiation was promoted, and the osteoclastic formation and bone resorption ability were inhibited by 2 T SMF. Overall, these results demonstrate that 2–4 T SMF improved bone microarchitecture and strength by stimulating bone formation and restraining bone resorption, and imply that high SMF might become a potential biophysical treatment modality for bone diseases with abnormal bone remodeling. Bioelectromagnetics.