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Tota M, Jonderko L, Witek J, Novickij V, Kulbacka J. Cellular and Molecular Effects of Magnetic Fields. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8973. [PMID: 39201657 PMCID: PMC11354277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, magnetic fields (MFs) have received major attention due to their potential therapeutic applications and biological effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the cellular and molecular impacts of MFs, with a focus on both in vitro and in vivo studies. We investigate the mechanisms by which MFs influence cell behavior, including modifications in gene expression, protein synthesis, and cellular signaling pathways. The interaction of MFs with cellular components such as ion channels, membranes, and the cytoskeleton is analyzed, along with their effects on cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Molecular insights are offered into how MFs modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which are pivotal in various pathological conditions. Furthermore, we explore the therapeutic potential of MFs in regenerative medicine, cancer treatment, and neurodegenerative diseases. By synthesizing current findings, this article aims to elucidate the complex bioeffects of MFs, thereby facilitating their optimized application in medical and biotechnological fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Student Research Group № K148, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Laura Jonderko
- Student Research Group № K148, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (L.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Julia Witek
- Student Research Group № K148, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (L.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-03227 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių 5, LT-08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių 5, LT-08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland
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2
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Gurhan H, Barnes F. Impact of weak radiofrequency and static magnetic fields on key signaling molecules, intracellular pH, membrane potential, and cell growth in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14223. [PMID: 37648766 PMCID: PMC10469173 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41167-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There are substantial concerns that extended exposures to weak radiofrequency (RF) fields can lead to adverse health effects. In this study, HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells were simultaneously exposed to a static magnetic flux density between 10 [Formula: see text] and 300 [Formula: see text] and RF magnetic fields with amplitudes ranging from 1 nT to 1.5 μT in the frequency range from 1.8 to 7.2 MHz for four days. Cell growth rates, intracellular pH, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, membrane potential and mitochondrial calcium were measured. Results were dependent on carrier frequency and the magnitude of the RF magnetic field, modulation frequencies and the background static magnetic field (SMF). Iron sulphur (Fe-S) clusters are essential for the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). We believe the observed changes are associated with hyperfine couplings between the chemically active electrons and nuclear spins. Controlling external magnetic fields may have important clinical implications on aging, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakki Gurhan
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 425 UCB #1B55, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Frank Barnes
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 425 UCB #1B55, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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3
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Gurhan H, Bajtoš M, Barnes F. Weak Radiofrequency Field Effects on Chemical Parameters That Characterize Oxidative Stress in Human Fibrosarcoma and Fibroblast Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1112. [PMID: 37509147 PMCID: PMC10377549 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, evidence has surfaced that weak radiofrequency (RF) fields can influence biological systems. This work aims to improve our understanding of how externally applied weak RF fields alter concentrations of chemical parameters that characterize oxidative stress. We conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effects of applying weak RF magnetic fields within the 3-5 MHz region on mitochondrial respiration in both human fibrosarcoma and fibroblast cells over a period of four days. Our experimental data show that RF fields between 3 and 5 MHz were able to change the modulation of mitochondrial signaling by changing the cell growth, mitochondrial mass, and oxidative stress. Exposure to RF fields at 4.2 MHz significantly increased the mitochondrial mass and oxidative stress in fibrosarcoma cells. There are substantial concerns that extended exposure to weak RF fields can lead to health effects. The ability to control these parameters by external magnetic fields may have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakki Gurhan
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr 425 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Marek Bajtoš
- Department of Electromagnetic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Žilina, Slovakia
| | - Frank Barnes
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr 425 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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Zadeh-Haghighi H, Simon C. Magnetic field effects in biology from the perspective of the radical pair mechanism. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220325. [PMID: 35919980 PMCID: PMC9346374 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of studies have found that weak magnetic fields can significantly influence various biological systems. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these phenomena remain elusive. Remarkably, the magnetic energies implicated in these effects are much smaller than thermal energies. Here, we review these observations, and we suggest an explanation based on the radical pair mechanism, which involves the quantum dynamics of the electron and nuclear spins of transient radical molecules. While the radical pair mechanism has been studied in detail in the context of avian magnetoreception, the studies reviewed here show that magnetosensitivity is widespread throughout biology. We review magnetic field effects on various physiological functions, discussing static, hypomagnetic and oscillating magnetic fields, as well as isotope effects. We then review the radical pair mechanism as a potential unifying model for the described magnetic field effects, and we discuss plausible candidate molecules for the radical pairs. We review recent studies proposing that the radical pair mechanism provides explanations for isotope effects in xenon anaesthesia and lithium treatment of hyperactivity, magnetic field effects on the circadian clock, and hypomagnetic field effects on neurogenesis and microtubule assembly. We conclude by discussing future lines of investigation in this exciting new area of quantum biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
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5
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An Open Question: Is Non-Ionizing Radiation a Tool for Controlling Apoptosis-Induced Proliferation? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011159. [PMID: 34681819 PMCID: PMC8537877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-ionizing radiation is commonly used in the clinical setting, despite its known ability to trigger oxidative stress and apoptosis, which can lead to damage and cell death. Although induction of cell death is typically considered harmful, apoptosis can also be beneficial in the right context. For example, cell death can serve as the signal for new tissue growth, such as in apoptosis-induced proliferation. Recent data has shown that exposure to non-ionizing radiation (such as weak static magnetic fields, weak radiofrequency magnetic fields, and weak electromagnetic fields) is able to modulate proliferation, both in cell culture and in living organisms (for example during tissue regeneration). This occurs via in vivo changes in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are canonical activators of apoptosis. This review will describe the literature that highlights the tantalizing possibility that non-ionizing radiation could be used to manipulate apoptosis-induced proliferation to either promote growth (for regenerative medicine) or inhibit it (for cancer therapies). However, as uncontrolled growth can lead to tumorigenesis, much more research into this exciting and developing area is needed in order to realize its promise.
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Hinrikus H, Lass J, Bachmann M. Threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field effect on human brain. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:1505-1515. [PMID: 34402382 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1969055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to estimate the threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) effects on human brain based on analyses of published research results. To clarify the threshold of the RF EMF effects, two approaches have been applied: (1) the analyses of restrictions in sensitivity for different steps of the physical model of low-level RF EMF mechanism and (2) the analyses of experimental data to clarify the dependence of the RF EMF effect on exposure level based on the results of published original neurophysiological and behavioral human studies for 15 years 2007-2021. CONCLUSIONS The analyses of the physical model of nonthermal mechanisms of RF EMF effect leads to conclusion that no principal threshold of the effect can be determined. According to the review of experimental data, the rate of detected RF EMF effects is 76.7% in resting EEG studies, 41.7% in sleep EEG and 38.5% in behavioral studies. The changes in EEG probably appear earlier than alterations in behavior become evident. The lowest level of RF EMF at which the effect in EEG was detected is 2.45 V/m (SAR = 0.003 W/kg). There is a preliminary indication that the dependence of the effect on the level of exposure follows rather field strength than SAR alterations. However, no sufficient data are available for clarifying linearity-nonlinearity of the dependence of effect on the level of RF EMF. The finding that only part of people are sensitive to RF EMF exposure can be related to immunity to radiation or hypersensitivity. The changes in EEG caused by RF EMF appeared similar in the majority of analyzed studies and similar to these in depression. The possible causal relationship between RF EMF effect and depression among young people is highly important problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Castello P, Jimenez P, Martino CF. The Role of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on the Radical Pair Mechanism. Bioelectromagnetics 2021; 42:491-500. [PMID: 34224591 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in therapeutics has been one of the main fields of activity in the bioelectromagnetics arena. Nevertheless, progress in this area has been hindered by the lack of consensus on a biophysical mechanism of interaction that can satisfactorily explain how low-level, non-thermal electromagnetic fields would be able to sufficiently affect chemistry as to elicit biological effects in living organisms. This specifically applies in cases where the induced electric fields are too small to generate a biological response of any consequence. A growing body of experimental observations that would explain the nature of these effects speaks strongly about the involvement of a theory known as the radical pair mechanism (RPM). This mechanism explains how a pair of reactive oxygen species with distinct chemical fate can be influenced by a low-level external magnetic field through Zeeman and hyperfine interactions. So far, a study of the effects of complex spatiotemporal signals within the context of the RPM has not been performed. Here, we present a computational investigation of such effects by utilizing a generic PEMF test signal and RPM models of different complexity. Surprisingly, our results show how substantially different chemical results can be obtained within ranges that depend on the specific orientation of the PEMF test signal with respect to the background static magnetic field, its waveform, and both of their amplitudes. These results provide a basis for explaining the distinctive biological relevance of PEMF signals on radical pair chemical reactions. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Castello
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Jimenez
- Centro Atómico Bariloche, CONICET, CNEA, S. C. de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Carlos F Martino
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland
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8
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Pooam M, Jourdan N, El Esawi M, Sherrard RM, Ahmad M. HEK293 cell response to static magnetic fields via the radical pair mechanism may explain therapeutic effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243038. [PMID: 33270696 PMCID: PMC7714230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) stimulation has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 50 years including in the treatment of memory loss, depression, alleviation of pain, bone and wound healing, and treatment of certain cancers. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms mediating these effects have remained poorly understood. In particular, because magnetic field pulses will induce electric currents in the stimulated tissue, it is unclear whether the observed effects are due to the magnetic or electric component of the stimulation. Recently, it has been shown that PEMFs stimulate the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in human cell cultures by a mechanism that requires cryptochrome, a putative magnetosensor. Here we show by qPCR analysis of ROS-regulated gene expression that simply removing cell cultures from the Earth’s geomagnetic field by placing them in a Low-Level Field condition induces similar effects on ROS signaling as does exposure of cells to PEMF. This effect can be explained by the so-called Radical Pair mechanism, which provides a quantum physical means by which the rates and product yields (e.g. ROS) of biochemical redox reactions may be modulated by magnetic fields. Since transient cancelling of the Earth’s magnetic field can in principle be achieved by PEMF exposure, we propose that the therapeutic effects of PEMFs may be explained by the ensuing modulation of ROS synthesis. Our results could lead to significant improvements in the design and therapeutic applications of PEMF devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marootpong Pooam
- Sorbonne Université – CNRS, UMR8256 - IBPS, Paris, France
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | | | - Mohamed El Esawi
- Sorbonne Université – CNRS, UMR8256 - IBPS, Paris, France
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Margaret Ahmad
- Sorbonne Université – CNRS, UMR8256 - IBPS, Paris, France
- Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Pilot study on the therapeutic potential of radiofrequency magnetic fields: growth inhibition of implanted tumours in mice. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1060-1062. [PMID: 32684625 PMCID: PMC7524722 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated possible therapeutic effects of radiofrequency or hypomagnetic fields on the growth rate of two types of implanted tumours. To this end, mice with implanted fibrosarcoma and pancreatic tumours were exposed continuously to a 2 µT, 10 MHz radiofrequency magnetic field (MF) perpendicular to a 45 µT static MF or to a hypomagnetic (~0.4–1 µT) field. The reasoning for a 10 MHz treatment was based on a current theoretical explanation for MF effects, which predicts a resonance phenomenon in this frequency range. Radiofrequency MFs reduced consistently the growth rate of two implanted tumour types (by ~30% in both cases). Also, hypomagnetic field hindered tumour growth in both tumour types, but the observation was not statistically significant with fibrosarcoma tumours. In conclusion, although experiments included a limited number of animals, the results indicate that MFs may offer a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer.
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10
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Barnes F, Greenebaum B. Setting Guidelines for Electromagnetic Exposures and Research Needs. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 41:392-397. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Barnes
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Colorado
| | - Ben Greenebaum
- Department of Physics University of Wisconsin‐Parkside Kenosha Wisconsin
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11
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Nielsen C, Solov’yov IA. MolSpin—Flexible and extensible general spin dynamics software. J Chem Phys 2019; 151:194105. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5125043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claus Nielsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Ilia A. Solov’yov
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Straße 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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12
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Rekena A, Didrihsone E, Vegere K. The role of magnetic field in the biopharmaceutical production: Current perspectives. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 22:e00334. [PMID: 31011551 PMCID: PMC6460295 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2019.e00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Current scientific evidence on the influence of magnetic field on mammalian cell lines used for industrial production of biopharmaceuticals, on human cell lines and on potential cell lines for the biopharmaceutical production is presented in this review. A novel magnetic coupling induced agitation could be the best solution to eliminate sources of contamination in stirred tank bioreactors which is especially important for mammalian cell cultures. Nevertheless, the side effect of magnetically-coupled stirring mechanism is that cells are exposed to the generated magnetic field. The influence of magnetic field on biological systems has been investigated for several decades. The research continues nowadays as well, investigating the influence of various types of magnetic field in a variety of experimental setups. In the context of bioreactors, only the lower frequencies and intensities of the magnetic field are relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Rekena
- Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre of RTU, Institute of General Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, Pulka 3, Riga, LV1007, Latvia
| | - Elina Didrihsone
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes 27, Riga, LV1006, Latvia
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, Paula Valdena 3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Kristine Vegere
- Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre of RTU, Institute of General Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, Pulka 3, Riga, LV1007, Latvia
- Water Research Laboratory, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Paula Valdena 1-205, Riga, LV1048, Latvia
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13
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Nielsen C, Hui R, Lui WY, Solov’yov IA. Towards predicting intracellular radiofrequency radiation effects. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213286. [PMID: 30870450 PMCID: PMC6417702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent experiments have reported an effect of weak radiofrequency magnetic fields in the MHz-range on the concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells. Since the energy that could possibly be deposited by the radiation is orders of magnitude smaller than the energy of molecular thermal motion, it was suggested that the effect was caused by the interaction of RF magnetic fields with transient radical pairs within the cells, affecting the ROS formation rates through the radical pair mechanism. It is, however, at present not entirely clear how to predict RF magnetic field effects at certain field frequency and intensity in nanoscale biomolecular systems. We suggest a possible recipe for interpreting the radiofrequency effects in cells by presenting a general workflow for calculation of the reactive perturbations inside a cell as a function of RF magnetic field strength and frequency. To justify the workflow, we discuss the effects of radiofrequency magnetic fields on generic spin systems to particularly illustrate how the reactive radicals could be affected by specific parameters of the experiment. We finally argue that the suggested workflow can be used to predict effects of radiofrequency magnetic fields on radical pairs in biological cells, which is specially important for wireless recharging technologies where one has to know of any harmful effects that exposure to such radiation might cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Nielsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Ron Hui
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Yee Lui
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ilia A. Solov’yov
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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14
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Makinistian L, Muehsam DJ, Bersani F, Belyaev I. Some recommendations for experimental work in magnetobiology, revisited. Bioelectromagnetics 2018; 39:556-564. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Makinistian
- Department of Physics and Instituto de Física Aplicada (INFAP); Universidad Nacional de San Luis-CONICET; San Luis Argentina
- Department of Radiobiology; Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center; Slovak Academy of Science; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - David J. Muehsam
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems; Bologna Italy
| | - Ferdinando Bersani
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems; Bologna Italy
- DIFA Department of Physics and Astronomy; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Igor Belyaev
- Department of Radiobiology; Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center; Slovak Academy of Science; Bratislava Slovakia
- Laboratory of Radiobiology; Prokhorov General Physics Institute; Russian Academy of Science; Moscow Russia
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15
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Sherrard RM, Morellini N, Jourdan N, El-Esawi M, Arthaut LD, Niessner C, Rouyer F, Klarsfeld A, Doulazmi M, Witczak J, d’Harlingue A, Mariani J, Mclure I, Martino CF, Ahmad M. Low-intensity electromagnetic fields induce human cryptochrome to modulate intracellular reactive oxygen species. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006229. [PMID: 30278045 PMCID: PMC6168118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which increasingly pollute our environment, have consequences for human health about which there is continuing ignorance and debate. Whereas there is considerable ongoing concern about their harmful effects, magnetic fields are at the same time being applied as therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology. This paradox cannot be resolved until the cellular mechanisms underlying such effects are identified. Here, we show by biochemical and imaging experiments that exposure of mammalian cells to weak pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) stimulates rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a potentially toxic metabolite with multiple roles in stress response and cellular ageing. Following exposure to PEMF, cell growth is slowed, and ROS-responsive genes are induced. These effects require the presence of cryptochrome, a putative magnetosensor that synthesizes ROS. We conclude that modulation of intracellular ROS via cryptochromes represents a general response to weak EMFs, which can account for either therapeutic or pathological effects depending on exposure. Clinically, our findings provide a rationale to optimize low field magnetic stimulation for novel therapeutic applications while warning against the possibility of harmful synergistic effects with environmental agents that further increase intracellular ROS. Repetitive low-intensity magnetic stimulation has been used in the treatment of disease for over 50 years. Associated benefits have included alleviation of depression, memory loss, and symptoms of Parkinson disease, as well as accelerated bone and wound healing and the treatment of certain cancers, independently of surgery or drugs. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that repetitive magnetic field exposure in human cells stimulates production of biological stress response chemicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). At moderate doses, we find that reactive oxygen actively stimulates cellular repair and stress response pathways, which might account for the observed therapeutic effects to repetitive magnetic stimulation. We further show that this response requires the function of a well-characterized, evolutionarily conserved flavoprotein receptor known as cryptochrome, which has been implicated in magnetic sensing in organisms ranging from plants to flies, including migratory birds. We conclude that exposure to weak magnetic fields induces the production of ROS in human cells and that this process requires the presence of the cryptochrome receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Sherrard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Team Repairing Neural Networks, Paris, France
| | - Natalie Morellini
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Team Repairing Neural Networks, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Jourdan
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Photobiology Team, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed El-Esawi
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Photobiology Team, Paris, France
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Louis-David Arthaut
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Photobiology Team, Paris, France
| | - Christine Niessner
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität Munich, Theresienstraße, Munich, Germany
| | - Francois Rouyer
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Andre Klarsfeld
- Brain Plasticity Unit, UMR 8249 (ESPCI Paris/CNRS), PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Doulazmi
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Team Repairing Neural Networks, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Witczak
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Photobiology Team, Paris, France
| | - Alain d’Harlingue
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Photobiology Team, Paris, France
| | - Jean Mariani
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Team Repairing Neural Networks, Paris, France
| | - Ian Mclure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
| | - Carlos F. Martino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
| | - Margaret Ahmad
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS Unit Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Photobiology Team, Paris, France
- Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Vila J, Turner MC, Gracia-Lavedan E, Figuerola J, Bowman JD, Kincl L, Richardson L, Benke G, Hours M, Krewski D, McLean D, Parent ME, Sadetzki S, Schlaefer K, Schlehofer B, Schüz J, Siemiatycki J, van Tongeren M, Cardis E. Occupational exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields and brain tumor risk in the INTEROCC study: An individualized assessment approach. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 119:353-365. [PMID: 29996112 PMCID: PMC8851381 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B), although the epidemiological evidence for the association between occupational exposure to RF-EMF and cancer was judged to be inadequate, due in part to limitations in exposure assessment. This study examines the relation between occupational RF and intermediate frequency (IF) EMF exposure and brain tumor (glioma and meningioma) risk in the INTEROCC multinational population-based case-control study (with nearly 4000 cases and over 5000 controls), using a novel exposure assessment approach. METHODS Individual indices of cumulative exposure to RF and IF-EMF (overall and in specific exposure time windows) were assigned to study participants using a source-exposure matrix and detailed interview data on work with or nearby EMF sources. Conditional logistic regression was used to investigate associations with glioma and meningioma risk. RESULTS Overall, around 10% of study participants were exposed to RF while only 1% were exposed to IF-EMF. There was no clear evidence for a positive association between RF or IF-EMF and the brain tumors studied, with most results showing either no association or odds ratios (ORs) below 1.0. The largest adjusted ORs were obtained for cumulative exposure to RF magnetic fields (as A/m-years) in the highest exposed category (≥90th percentile) for the most recent exposure time window (1-4 years before the diagnosis or reference date) for both glioma, OR = 1.62 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86, 3.01) and meningioma (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.65, 3.55). CONCLUSION Despite the improved exposure assessment approach used in this study, no clear associations were identified. However, the results obtained for recent exposure to RF electric and magnetic fields are suggestive of a potential role in brain tumor promotion/progression and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Vila
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Michelle C Turner
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Esther Gracia-Lavedan
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joseph D Bowman
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), OH, USA
| | - Laurel Kincl
- Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lesley Richardson
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Geza Benke
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Martine Hours
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon1 Claude Bernard, IFSTTAR, Unité Mixte de Recherche Épidémiologique et de Surveillance Transports Travail Environnement, Lyon, France
| | - Daniel Krewski
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | | | - Siegal Sadetzki
- Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Joachim Schüz
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Section of Environment and Radiation, Lyon, France
| | - Jack Siemiatycki
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Hong G, Pachter R, Ritz T. Coupling Drosophila melanogaster Cryptochrome Light Activation and Oxidation of the Kvβ Subunit Hyperkinetic NADPH Cofactor. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:6503-6510. [PMID: 29847128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b03493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Motivated by the observations on the involvement of light-induced processes in the Drosophila melanogaster cryptochrome (DmCry) in regulation of the neuronal firing rate, which is achieved by a redox-state change of its voltage-dependent K+ channel Kvβ subunit hyperkinetic (Hk) reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) cofactor, we propose in this work two hypothetical pathways that may potentially enable such coupling. In the first pathway, triggered by blue-light-induced formation of a radical pair [FAD•-TRP•+] in DmCry, the hole (TRP•+) may hop to Hk, for example, through a tryptophan chain and oxidize NADPH, possibly leading to inhibition of the N-terminus inactivation in the K+ channel. In a second possible pathway, DmCry's FAD•- is reoxidized by molecular oxygen, producing H2O2, which then diffuses to Hk and oxidizes NADPH. In this work, by applying a combination of quantum and empirical-based methods for free-energy calculations, we find that the oxidation of NADPH by TRP•+ or H2O2 and the reoxidation of FAD•- by O2 are thermodynamically feasible. Our results may have an implication in identifying a magnetic sensing signal transduction pathway, specifically upon Drosophila's Hk NADPH cofactor oxidation, with a subsequent inhibition of the K+ channel N-terminus inactivation gate, permitting K+ flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongyi Hong
- Air Force Research Laboratory , Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Dayton , Ohio 45433-7702 , United States
| | - Ruth Pachter
- Air Force Research Laboratory , Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Dayton , Ohio 45433-7702 , United States
| | - Thorsten Ritz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy , University of California , Irvine , California 92697-4575 , United States
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Barnes F, Greenebaum B. Role of radical pairs and feedback in weak radio frequency field effects on biological systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 163:165-170. [PMID: 29438901 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF) have been shown to modify the concentrations of the radical O2-, H2O2 and cancer cell growth rates at exposure levels below those that cause significant heating. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are both signaling molecules and species that can do damage, depending on timing, location and concentrations. We briefly look at some mechanisms by which electromagnetic fields can modify the concentrations of ROS and some of the feedback and repair processes that lead to variable biological effects. Of particular interest are the role of radical pairs and their spins, which have received considerable attention recently, and the role of feedback in biological systems, to which less attention has been paid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Barnes
- ECEE Department, University of Colorado, Campus Box 425, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
| | - Ben Greenebaum
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, WI, United States
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Barnes F, Kandala S. Effects of time delays on biological feedback systems and electromagnetic field exposures. Bioelectromagnetics 2018; 39:249-252. [PMID: 29457641 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Fu JP, Mo WC, Liu Y, Bartlett PF, He RQ. Elimination of the geomagnetic field stimulates the proliferation of mouse neural progenitor and stem cells. Protein Cell 2016; 7:624-37. [PMID: 27484904 PMCID: PMC5003790 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-016-0300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Living organisms are exposed to the geomagnetic field (GMF) throughout their lifespan. Elimination of the GMF, resulting in a hypogeomagnetic field (HMF), leads to central nervous system dysfunction and abnormal development in animals. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying these effects have not been identified so far. Here, we show that exposure to an HMF (<200 nT), produced by a magnetic field shielding chamber, promotes the proliferation of neural progenitor/stem cells (NPCs/NSCs) from C57BL/6 mice. Following seven-day HMF-exposure, the primary neurospheres (NSs) were significantly larger in size, and twice more NPCs/NSCs were harvested from neonatal NSs, when compared to the GMF controls. The self-renewal capacity and multipotency of the NSs were maintained, as HMF-exposed NSs were positive for NSC markers (Nestin and Sox2), and could differentiate into neurons and astrocyte/glial cells and be passaged continuously. In addition, adult mice exposed to the HMF for one month were observed to have a greater number of proliferative cells in the subventricular zone. These findings indicate that continuous HMF-exposure increases the proliferation of NPCs/NSCs, in vitro and in vivo. HMF-disturbed NPCs/NSCs production probably affects brain development and function, which provides a novel clue for elucidating the cellular mechanisms of the bio-HMF response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Peng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei-Chuan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Perry F Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rong-Qiao He
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,Alzheimer's Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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