Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

50-Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields enhance cell proliferation and DNA damage: possible involvement of a redox mechanism med./bio.

Published in: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Cell Research 2005; 1743 (1-2): 120-129

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and DNA damage in normal cells (embryonic human lung fibroblasts, WI-38), neoplastic cells (human promyelocytic leukemia cells, HL-60), and immortalized cells (rat fibroblasts, Rat-1).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 3 to 72 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration 3 to 72 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup solenoid field generator inside an incubator, cell cultures placed inside and outside the solenoid
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 500 µT - - - -
magnetic flux density 750 µT - - - -
magnetic flux density 1 mT - - - -

Reference articles

  • Grassi C et al. (2004): Effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and their role in modulation of neuroendocrine cell proliferation and death

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data show that 24-72 h exposure to 0.5-1 mT extremely low frequency electromagnetic field increased cell proliferation and DNA damage in all cell types. The effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on DNA damage and cell proliferation were prevented by pretreatment of cells with an antioxidant (alpha-tocopherol; to avoid the formation of peroxides), suggesting that redox reactions were involved. Exposed cells also exhibited modifications of NF-kappa B-related proteins, a process usually attributed to redox reactions. The data suggest that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields influence proliferation and DNA damage through the action of reactive oxygen species.

Study character:

Study funded by

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