Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus in BCBL-1 cells med./bio.

By: Pica F, Serafino A, Divizia M, Donia D, Fraschetti M, Sinibaldi-Salimei P, Giganti MG, Volpi A
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2006; 27 (3): 226-232
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure is able to influence KSHV (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) latency and replication, and/or KSHV-infected cell growth in vitro.

Background/further details

In vitro studies indicate that several KSHV genes have oncogenic properties, but co-factors are possibly needed for Kaposi's sarcoma development and progression.
To induce the KSHV lytic cycle, exponentially growing cells were treated with 20 ng/ml TPA.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 24, 48, or 72 hours

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 24, 48, or 72 hours
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber The sample holder consisted of two concentric containers with the inter-space filled with temperature controlled water at 37°C. The cells were placed in a 25 cc Corning flask with 4.8 x 5.2 cm base sides.
Additional info The magnetic flux was perpendicular to the sample. The field was homogeneous to within ±2.5% of the value at the center of the cylindrical exposure volume (11 x 17 cm).
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT effective value measured - -
Measurement and calculation details

The magnetic field was measured with a Hall probe that was calibrated using an APS 550 fluxgate magnetometer.

Reference articles

  • Lisi A et al. (2000): Three dimensional (3D) analysis of the morphological changes induced by 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on human lymphoblastoid cells (Raji)

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure did not affect the growth and viability of BCBL-1 cells, either stimulated with TPA or not.
The total amount of KSHV DNA detected in electromagnetic field exposed cultures (not stimulated with TPA) did not differ from that of the unexposed controls. However, in the presence of TPA stimulation, total KSHV DNA content was higher in electromagnetic field exposed cell cultures than in control cell cultures at 72 h exposure, but not earlier. That is, extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure synergizes with TPA in the stimulation of KSHV DNA synthesis.
Viral DNA increase significantly correlated with increased mean fluorescence intensity/cell for the lytic antigen gp K8.1A/B, but not with percentage of gp K8.1A/B-positive cells or of cells containing virions. Viral progeny produced under electromagnetic field exposure consisted mainly of defective viral particles.

Study character:

Study funded by

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