Anticancer Effects of Moderate Static Magnetic Field on Cancer Cells In Vitro

Abstract

Background: Expansion of the use of magnetic fields in metals, mining, transport, research, and medicine industries has led to a discussion about the effects of magnetic fields and whether their strength is negligible. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of magnetic field on the viability and proliferation rate of HeLa cells. Materials and Methods: We studied the effects of magnetic field on the viability, proliferation rate and membrane lipid peroxidation of cells, thus, HeLa cells (cancer cells) and human fibroblast cells (normal cells) were used. Initially, the cells were cultured in DMEM and to determine the impact of the magnetic field, the cells were treated with magnetic field at 4 specific intensity levels (0, 7, 14 and 21 mT) and 2 exposure times (24 h and 48 h). The viability percentage and inhibition of cell proliferation were calculated by MTT assay and Trypan blue staining, respectively. Results: Lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane was examined by malondialdehyde (MDA) method. As the intensity and exposure time of the static magnetic field (SMF) increased, the viability percentage and proliferation rate decreased and the lipid peroxidation levels increased in the Hela cells. Conclusion: In this study, we have shown the anticancer effects of static magnetic field and propose a suitable intensity range that can be effective for the treatment of cancer.

The Apoptotic Effect of Caffeic or Chlorogenic Acid on the C32 Cells That Have Simultaneously Been Exposed to a Static Magnetic Field

“…Few studies have shown the possibilities of its use in the treatment of cancer. Zafari et al [ 11 ] investigated the effect of a moderate-strength SMF on the proliferative activity of human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cell line). They also suggested that the exposure of HeLa cells to an SMF might induce the lipid peroxidation process due to the observed increase in the malondialdehyde concentration.…”

“…Many studies have concerned the influence of an SMF (static magnetic field) on the various biological processes that are important in the pathogenesis and treatment of different diseases. It has been reported that a moderate or strong intensity SMF can inhibit cancer cell growth [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In turn, the studies of Chen et al [ 12 ] suggested its synergistic antitumor effect together with a naturally derived compound, capsaicin, on liver cancer cells (HepG2).…”

Biological Impact of γ-Fe2O3 Magnetic Nanoparticles Obtained by Laser Target Evaporation: Focus on Magnetic Biosensor Applications

“…The results of the studies of the magnetic field effect from other researchers are controversial. In some works, the exposure of the cells to constant magnetic field reduced their proliferation rate [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Other research declared the acceleration of cell proliferation and even reduction of the toxic effect of MNPs [ 43 , 53 ] or absence of the effect of the applied field [ 54 ].…”

Static Magnetic Field reduces cisplatin resistance via increasing apoptosis pathways and genotoxicity in cancer cell lines

“…On the one hand, several studies have demonstrated the possibly deleterious effects of such an exposure, while on the other hand, there have been other studies reporting piquant implications regarding the clinical utility of MFs, which may in the long run yield a whole new modality against medical conditions such as cancer in future (9,10). Besides, there is intriguing evidence pointing to the anti-cancer effects of MFs (11)(12)(13). Indeed, by altering the distribution of membrane receptors and transmembrane ion uxes, and increasing ROS and P53 levels, among others, MFs have far-reaching effects on cancer cells and their viability (9,14,15).…”