Valid Exposure Protocols Needed in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Genotoxic Research

Abstract

Several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated if a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination can cause DNA damage in human blood cells. However, the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure that the cells received in the MR scanner was not sufficiently described. The first studies looking into this could be regarded as hypothesis‐generating studies. However, for further exploration into the role of MRI exposure on DNA integrity, the exposure itself cannot be ignored. The lack of sufficient method descriptions makes the early experiments difficult, if not impossible, to repeat. The golden rule in all experimental work is that a study should be repeatable by someone with the right knowledge and equipment, and this is simply not the case with many of the recent studies on MRI and genotoxicity. Here we discuss what is lacking in previous studies, and how we think the next generation of in vitro and in vivo studies on MRI and genotoxicity should be performed. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance environment: an update on regulation, exposure assessment techniques, health risk evaluation, and surveillance

“…In a very recent paper, Wilen and co-workers commented on the exposure conditions of in vivo and in vitro studies addressing the genotoxic effects of MRI exposure in human blood cells that vary greatly and often are not sufficiently described. They also highlighted the importance of having a detailed description of the MRI exposure to make the experiments repeatable in different laboratories [126].…”

“…Comprehensive reviews on the possible genetic damage due to MRI exposure have been published which accurately comment on the published in vitro and in vivo studies above cited with the main focus on biological outcome [122][123][124] and on MRI exposure related aspects [125,126]. In these review papers, the strength and methodological limitations of the studies are highlighted together with the research need to have good quality studies, including the epidemiological studies addressing the potential health risk for MRI workers.…”

Measurements of the switched gradient magnetic field in MRI: A closer look at some unintuitive spatial characteristics

“…Correct assessment of gradient field characteristics is especially important in situations where the field strength and rate of change at a specific location matter. For example, in experimental research when a petri dish is placed inside an MRI scanner for exposure, a small difference in location may amount to a significant change in the exposure conditions [14].…”