Mechanism of nonthermal induction of apoptosis by high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure: Biochemical investigation in a porcine model.
BACKGROUND
Multiple studies have reported adipose tissue reduction after the application of the High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field technology, yet cellular level evidence of the mechanisms has remained scarce.


OBJECTIVES
This study aims to verify or refute previous single-study histological evidence and further investigates the proposed mechanism of apoptotic induction.


METHODS
The thigh of two Large White pigs was treated with HIFEM for 30 minutes. Fat punch biopsies were collected from the application area before, immediately after, and 8 hours post-treatment. Control samples were taken from the abdomen immediately after and 8 hours post-treatment. Samples were analyzed for pro-apoptotic DNA markers (BAX, BCL-2, TXNIP, MMP9, TNF-α), the levels of free fatty acids (FFA), and the pH levels of the adipose tissue.


RESULTS
The levels of FFA in the treated adipose tissue increased on average by 127.1% immediately post-treatment and by 134.1% 8 hours post-treatment, indicating a rapid breakdown of lipids. The average recorded adipose pH changed from 7.30 ± 0.12 at baseline to 6.60 ± 0.07 immediately post-treatment (P = .001) and to 7.19 ± 0.12 8 hours post-treatment. The levels of BAX, TXNIP, MMP9, and TNF-α increased post-treatment while BCL-2 decreased. Control samples showed constant levels of pH and pro-apoptotic markers. The FFAs in the control samples were increased by 41.6%-51.4%.


CONCLUSION
The changes in the levels of the pro-apoptotic markers conformed to the previously reported elevated fat apoptosis post-HIFEM treatments. These effects were accompanied by an increase in FFA levels, and by reduced pH levels, due to the increased acidity in the adipose tissue. Further research is required to explore the potential of nonthermal induction of apoptosis.
['Halaas|Yael|Y|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6550-9316', 'Bernardy|Jan|J|']
D017667:Adipocytes D000818:Animals D017209:Apoptosis D000073880:Body Contouring D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration D055909:Magnetic Field Therapy D023421:Models, Animal D050507:Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal D034421:Sus scrofa
apoptosis ER stress fat disruption high-intensity focused electromagnetic field technology non-thermal