Impact of low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on defensin and CRP concentrations in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy and in healthy subjects.

Aim: The aim was to assess whether magnetic field influences defensin and CRP concentrations in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and in healthy subjects.

Methods: 61 diabetic patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: study group-32 patients exposed to low-frequency magnetic field; and control group-29 patients with sham exposure. Additionally, 20 healthy subjects exposed to low-frequency magnetic field. Exposures were performed during 3 weeks, 5 days in a week. Defensin and CRP concentrations were measured at baseline, after 3 weeks and at the end of the study.

Results: There were no significant changes in defensin concentration in patients with diabetes in both the real and sham exposure group. We observed increased concentration of defensin in healthy subjects in week 5 vs. baseline value (P<0.02).

Conclusions: Magnetic field has no impact on defensin concentration in diabetic patients but has positive influence on this parameter in healthy subjects.