Methods of treating disorders by altering ion flux across cell membranes with electric fields
AssigneeHajuku Institute for Health Science Co., LTD.
InventorsAkikuni Hara, Hiroyuki Hara, Naoyoshi Suzuki, Shinji Harakawa, Nobuo Uenaka, David E. Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to methods and devices for treating disorders with electric current or electric field therapy. The invention uses applied electric current or current induced by an external electric field to manipulate movement of ions across cell membranes and to alter ionic concentrations. The invention is useful, for example, for treating hyperproliferative and cardiovascular disorders and for ameliorating the effects of stress.
Claims127
A method of treating or preventing a disorder that causes or is caused by an abnormal concentration of ions in cells of an organism or of a portion thereof, comprising restoring a normal concentration of ions to the cells, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.001 mA/m2 to about 15 mA/m2 over the membranes of the cells.
A method of treating a proliferative cell disorder comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or a portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.1 mA/m2 to about 2 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating electrolyte imbalance comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.4 mA/m2 to about 6.0 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating disorders associated with serum calcium concentrations comprising altering the flux of calcium ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.3 mA/m2 to about 0.6 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of reducing levels of ACTH or cortisol, comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.03 mA/m2 to about 12 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating stress comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.03 mA/m2 to about 12 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating arthritis comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.02 mA/m2 to about 0.4 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating excessive body weight comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes applying to the organism or portion an external electric field that generates a mean induced current density of about 0.02 mA/m2 to about 1.5 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of determining optimum parameters of external electric field exposure for the treatment of a disorder, comprising:
- (i) identifying a desired biological response to elicit in a living organism;
- (ii) selecting or measuring a mean induced current density over membranes of cells in the organism or in a tissue sample or culture derived from the organism;
- (iii) selecting or measuring an external electric field that generates the selected or measured induced current density at a particular distance from the organism, sample or culture;
- (iv) selecting or measuring a continuous period of time to generate the selected or measured induced current density over the membranes;
- (v) applying the selected or measured electric field to the organism, sample or culture to generate the selected or measured induced current density over the cell membranes for the selected or measured continuous period of time;
- (vi) determining the extent to which the desired biological response occurs;
- (vii) optionally repeating any of steps (ii) through (vi);
- and
- (viii) identifying the values for the selected or measured induced current density, for the selected or measured external electric field, or for the selected or measured continuous period of time that optimally elicit the desired biological response.
A method of treating a proliferative cell disorder comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes contacting the organism or portion with an electric current that generates a mean applied current density of about 10 mA/m2 to about 100 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating stress-related disorders or symptoms comprising altering the flux of ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes contacting the organism or portion with an electric current that generates a mean applied current density of about 60 mA/m2 to about 600 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of treating a disorder associated with serum calcium concentration comprising altering the flux of calcium ions across cell membranes of an organism or portion thereof, which includes contacting the organism or portion with an electric current that generates a mean applied current density of about 60 mA/m2 to about 2,000 mA/m2 over the cell membranes.
A method of determining optimum parameters of electric current exposure for the treatment of a disorder, comprising:
- (i) identifying a desired biological response to elicit in a living organism or portion thereof;
- (ii) selecting or measuring a mean applied current density over the membranes of cells in the organism or in a tissue sample or culture derived therefrom, wherein the mean applied current density is about 10 mA/m2 to about 2,000 mA/m2;
- (iii) selecting or measuring an electric current that will generate the selected or measured applied current density;
- (iv) selecting or measuring a continuous period of time to generate the selected or measured applied current density;
- (v) applying the selected or measured electric current to generate the selected or measured applied current density for the selected or measured continuous period of time;
- (vi) determining the extent to which the desired biological response occurs;
- (vii) repeating any of steps (ii) through (vi) to generate a dose-response curve as a function of the selected or measured electric current, the selected or measured applied current density, or the selected or measured continuous period of time;
- and
- (viii) identifying the values for the selected or measured electric current, for the selected or measured applied current density, or for the selected or measured continuous period of time that optimally elicit the desired biological response.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.