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Global Translational Medicine Electrical stimulation in therapy and biology

electrical impulses induce the opening of cellular BMT has fewer side effects and may be better suited for
components within the cell membrane, allowing large patients with chronic lymphedema, particularly when
molecules to enter the cell. This mechanism has other treatments may not be as effective or difficult to
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important implications for gene therapy, as the efficient administer. Unlike many other therapies, BMT addresses
delivery of genetic material to target cells is essential for both the physical and functional symptoms of lymphedema
treating genetic diseases. Electroporation enhances gene and has a strong potential to improve patient outcomes
transfer by increasing the uptake of DNA or RNA into and quality of life.
cells, improving therapeutic outcomes. Electroporation
also facilitates drug uptake, making it valuable for 5. Limitations and challenges
the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, antiviral ES is increasingly recognized as a significant approach
medications, and other drugs requiring targeted for modulating cellular processes, including proliferation,
administration. By modifying the intensity, duration, and differentiation, and migration. However, several
frequency of electrical pulses, the delivery process can be limitations and challenges were identified that render
made more effective, allowing for greater precision and ES impracticable in real-life practice. One of the most
control in treatment applications. 50 significant challenges is the difficulty in eliciting an
ES has also been reviewed as a complementary modality intended cellular response, as these responses vary
for use with conventional cancer treatments, including depending on cell type, cell age, and environmental
chemotherapy and radiation. ES may have potential for conditions. For example, fibroblasts, neurons, and
clinical application due to its ability to destabilize the endothelial cells may each respond differently to the same
membrane of cancer cells and trigger apoptosis. Several type of electrical input, making it difficult to predict the
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studies have noted that ES can increase the cytotoxic effects of ES across various biological contexts. Moreover,
effect of chemotherapy and radiation on tumor cells by factors such as disease states (e.g., cancer or diabetes) or
increasing membrane permeability. This sensitization of certain culture conditions can further influence cellular
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cancer cells augments the effectiveness of standard cancer responsiveness, adding to the uncertainty. Even within
therapies. ES can also positively influence the tumor the same cell type, variability in samples can complicate
microenvironment by improving blood flow to tumor sites, efforts to standardize ES procedures. This inconsistency
enhancing the transport of oxygen-rich blood and other makes it difficult to compare results across studies and
therapeutic agents required for effective cancer treatment. reduces the reproducibility of experiments. 9
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In addition, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation Another key challenge lies in the complexity of
has been used to manage cancer-related pain and enhance treatment parameters. The effectiveness of E S depends
the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing intensive on four parameters: voltage, frequency, pulse duration,
treatment regimes. These promising results indicate that and waveform. However, there is no universally optimal
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ES could serve as a valuable adjunct in comprehensive combination of these parameters. For example, extremely
cancer therapy strategies. low-frequency electrical fields in our natural environment

BMT is a relatively novel use of ES, which has shown can promote cell division in specific cell types, while
potential in treating lymphedema, a condition in which an high-frequency ES may be more effective in guiding
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abnormal buildup of lymphatic fluid in the limbs causes differentiation or improving cell functions. Despite
pain, swelling, and limitation of movement. BMT is based the growing body of evidence, identifying a universally
on the application of low-intensity ES to the affected area, applicable stimulation regimen remains elusive, which
aiming to enhance the lymphatic system’s function by complicates the development of standardized clinical
stimulating muscle contractions and activating lymphatic protocols. In addition, non-optimal electrical factors
capillary beds. The process promotes lymphatic stability such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, or inflammation, as
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and accelerates the removal of excess fluid from the described by Meng et al., can have a detrimental effect
tissues, thereby reducing swelling and improving mobility. on the cellular level. This variability in cellular responses
Research has found that BMT can greatly enhance edema reinforces the notion that ES, while promising, requires
management compared to manual lymphatic drainage and meticulous parameter tuning in clinical settings, where
compressions. Compared to conventional approaches, precise outcomes are critical to patient safety and
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BMT is less labor-intensive and offers more sustained therapeutic success.
control of lymphedema. Its adaptability for home-based Furthermore, the following technical difficulties are
care provides patients with a convenient therapy that observed as risks associated with ES and possible implications
reduces reliance on manual procedures. Furthermore, of its future use. While the short-term benefits of ES, such
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Volume 4 Issue 3 (2025) 29 doi: 10.36922/gtm.7774