Lack of effects on key cellular parameters of MRC-5 human lung fibroblasts exposed to 370 mT static magnetic field

Abstract

The last decades have seen increased interest toward possible adverse effects arising from exposure to intense static magnetic fields. This concern is mainly due to the wider and wider applications of such fields in industry and clinical practice; among them, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilities are the main sources of exposure to static magnetic fields for both general public (patients) and workers. In recent investigations, exposures to static magnetic fields have been demonstrated to elicit, in different cell models, both permanent and transient modifications in cellular endpoints critical for the carcinogenesis process. The World Health Organization has therefore recommended in vitro investigations as important research need, to be carried out under strictly controlled exposure conditions. Here we report on the absence of effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species levels and DNA integrity in MRC-5 human foetal lung fibroblasts exposed to 370 mT magnetic induction level, under different exposure regimens. Exposures have been performed by using an experimental apparatus designed and realized for operating with the static magnetic field generated by permanent magnets, and confined in a magnetic circuit, to allow cell cultures exposure in absence of confounding factors like heating or electric field components.

Effects of Constant Magnetic Field to the Proliferation Rate of Human Fibroblasts Grown onto Different Substrates: Tissue Culture Polystyrene, Polyacrylamide Hydrogel and Ferrogels γ-Fe2O3 Magnetic Nanoparticles

“…In some studies, the increase of ROS levels in cells after exposure to the magnetic field was detected, which can cause oxidative damage on cell structures and impair metabolic processes [20]. Alternatively, other researchers reported on the absence of effects on reactive forms of oxygen levels in cells exposed to magnetic field [34]. It should be noted, that the ROS effect on cells may not only be harmful, but at moderate concentrations can also positively regulate cells functions [35].…”

Magnetic Fields and Reactive Oxygen Species

“…Although most studies found that SMFs elevated cellular ROS levels, there are also a few evidences reported different results. For example, intermittent SMF (induction level of 370 mT, on/off cycles of 1 h/day, for four consecutive days) exposure did not affect intracellular ROS level in human foetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) [ 40 ]. Since direct ex vivo measurements of ROS were difficult not only because of limited amount of cochlea specimens, but also the extremely short lifetime of ROS, so LPO levels could be used as indicators for oxidative stress.…”

The impact of the co‐exposure of melanoma cells to chlorogenic acid and a moderate‐strength static magnetic field

“…Similar findings were observed in neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y) (Vergallo et al., 2014) and in monocyte tumor cells (U937) (De Nicola et al., 2006). However, such changes were not observed in a pancreatic cancer cell line (AsPC‐1) or in lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5) (Martino & Castello, 2011; Romeo et al., 2016). Importantly, in their study, Hajipour Verdom et al (2018) showed that the efficacy of a cancer cure can be increased by stimulating ROS generation using a static magnetic field.…”