Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on in-vitro cellular cultures HeLa and CHO

Abstract

This paper presents the cellular proliferation effects of the exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on in-vitro cellular cultures HeLa and CHO. Through the magnetic stimulation system (MSS) the cells were exposed to magnetic fields with sinusoidal waveform at 50 Hz; initially for 40 minutes at intensities of 0.4 mT, 1.4 mT, 2.13 mT, 2.49 mT and 2.53 mT in parallel and perpendicular directions to the culture plates. Subsequently, the repetitive electromagnetic field (rEMF) was applied to 2.49 mT in parallel direction (for 40 minutes every twelve hours during 4 days) with which the highest cellular proliferation rate was obtained at 66.6 %. The results show a greater effect on proliferation in radiated cell lines, particularly in the application of rEMF a greater effect of ELF-EMF was observed in the proliferation rate of HeLa cells than in CHO cells, in contrast to the respective control cells. These results supported by other studies serve as a reference in the search for alternatives for the treatment of cervical cancer and the maintenance and preservation of cell lines.

Power frequency magnetic field promotes a more malignant phenotype in neuroblastoma cells via redox-related mechanisms

“…In 2002, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ELF-MF as possible carcinogens for humans 2 . Like many other non-ionizing radiations, ELF-MF do not have enough energy to directly damage DNA, however they are suspected to play an important role in co-carcinogenesis, as well as in the progression of tumorigenesis 3 – 6 . Later stages of malignancies are linked to both metabolic rewiring and enhanced detoxification capacity, which are believed to provide critical proliferative or survival advantage 7 – 9 .…”

“…Some of us have previously shown that the exposure to an ELF magnetic field triggers a strong proliferative response in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, and this is linked to the expression of novel proteins associated with a more malignant phenotype 10 . Since some ELF fields favor malignant cells proliferation, some authors have suggested that particular precaution is required for the use of ELF-MF-generating devices on cancer patients in medical, residential or industrial environments 6 , 11 . More recently, we have shown that a power frequency (50 Hz, 1 mT) ELF magnetic field de-differentiates further SH-SY5Y cells, and switches their metabolism to the highly efficient mitochondrial respiration, which better meets the energy demands of rapid cell growth and frequent divisions 12 .…”

The role of magnetic field in the biopharmaceutical production: Current perspectives

“…Results showed that only 400 mT ELF-MF increased NOR-1 mRNA levels up to 6 h of the exposure, afterwards decreasing to control levels. As well as Restrepo et al [ 16 ] investigated 50 Hz, 40 min ELF-EMF effect on CHO cells, changing the magnetic flux density from 0.4, 1.4, 2.13, 1.49 and 2.53 mT. Results in all variations showed increased cell proliferation rate.…”

“…Less frequently other terms, which explicitly state the time dependency of MF, are used. These are: repetitive [ 16 ] or high frequency electromagnetic field [ 17 ], continuous and discontinuous electromagnetic field [ 18 ], sinusoidal [ 19 ], static low level MF [ 20 ] etc. In general, magnetic field is called static (SMF) if its intensity or direction over time does not change [ 15 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Redox-Responsive Pathways Linked to Cancer Drug Resistance: Insights from Co-Exposure-Based In Vitro Studies

“…Sixteen years ago, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer officially established that ELF-MF may represent a possible carcinogenic hazard for humans ( 19 ). Specifically, ELF-MF are suspected to play a significant role in co-carcinogenesis, as well as in the progression of tumorigenesis ( 20 – 24 ), during which malignant cells are believed to acquire crucial survival capacity or proliferative advantage ( 25 – 27 ). In particular, later stages of malignancies are often linked to both metabolic reprogramming, enhanced detoxification capacity, and high-DNA damage repairing activities, which, in turn, may result in drug resistance and poor clinical outcome ( 9 , 25 – 27 ).…”