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Maffei ME. Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1339. [PMID: 35163262 PMCID: PMC8835851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some other studies indicate no relationship. In this review, after an introduction on the MF definition and a description of natural/anthropogenic sources, the epidemiology of residential/domestic and occupational exposure to MFs and cancer is reviewed, with reference to leukemia, brain, and breast cancer. The in vivo and in vitro effects of MFs on cancer are reviewed considering both human and animal cells, with particular reference to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MF application on cancer diagnostic and therapy (theranostic) are also reviewed by describing the use of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications for the detection of several cancers. Finally, the use of magnetic nanoparticles is described in terms of treatment of cancer by nanomedical applications for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs, nanosurgery by magnetomechanic methods, and selective killing of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia. The supplementary tables provide quantitative data and methodologies in epidemiological and cell biology studies. Although scientists do not generally agree that there is a cause-effect relationship between exposure to MF and cancer, MFs might not be the direct cause of cancer but may contribute to produce ROS and generate oxidative stress, which could trigger or enhance the expression of oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E Maffei
- Department Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
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Kennaway DJ. A critical review of melatonin assays: Past and present. J Pineal Res 2019; 67:e12572. [PMID: 30919486 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There has been increased interest in the measurement of melatonin in plasma and saliva recently either as a marker of circadian phase or to understand the physiological role of melatonin. For both situations, there is a need for a specific assay for melatonin that is sensitive enough to detect low concentrations (<2 pg/mL). Since the mid-1970s, there have been many assays developed to measure melatonin in blood and saliva. Radioimmunoassays and ELISA have predominated because of their relative simplicity and high throughput. In this review, I show that the early radioimmunoassays while providing valuable information about nocturnal melatonin levels in humans, generally produced inaccurate basal (daytime) levels. Mass spectrometry assays, however, have provided us with the target values that immunoassays need to achieve, that is, daytime plasma melatonin levels <1 pg/mL. There are now many contemporary commercial assays available utilising both RIA and ELISA technologies, but not all achieve the standards set by the mass spectrometry assays. The performance of these assays is reviewed. I conclude with recommendations on issues researchers need to consider when conducting melatonin studies, including the importance of time of day of collection, validation of assays, the potential causes of poor assay specificity at low levels, the advantages/disadvantages of using saliva vs plasma and extraction assays vs direct assays, kit manufacturers responsibilities and the reporting requirements when publishing melatonin studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kennaway
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Kennaway
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Research Building, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Redlarski G, Lewczuk B, Żak A, Koncicki A, Krawczuk M, Piechocki J, Jakubiuk K, Tojza P, Jaworski J, Ambroziak D, Skarbek Ł, Gradolewski D. The influence of electromagnetic pollution on living organisms: historical trends and forecasting changes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:234098. [PMID: 25811025 PMCID: PMC4355556 DOI: 10.1155/2015/234098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Current technologies have become a source of omnipresent electromagnetic pollution from generated electromagnetic fields and resulting electromagnetic radiation. In many cases this pollution is much stronger than any natural sources of electromagnetic fields or radiation. The harm caused by this pollution is still open to question since there is no clear and definitive evidence of its negative influence on humans. This is despite the fact that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields were classified as potentially carcinogenic. For these reasons, in recent decades a significant growth can be observed in scientific research in order to understand the influence of electromagnetic radiation on living organisms. However, for this type of research the appropriate selection of relevant model organisms is of great importance. It should be noted here that the great majority of scientific research papers published in this field concerned various tests performed on mammals, practically neglecting lower organisms. In that context the objective of this paper is to systematise our knowledge in this area, in which the influence of electromagnetic radiation on lower organisms was investigated, including bacteria, E. coli and B. subtilis, nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, land snail, Helix pomatia, common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and clawed frog, Xenopus laevis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Redlarski
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Electronics, and Control Engineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 11, 10-736 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Bogdan Lewczuk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Żak
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Andrzej Koncicki
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marek Krawczuk
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Janusz Piechocki
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Electronics, and Control Engineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 11, 10-736 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Jakubiuk
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Piotr Tojza
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Jaworski
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dominik Ambroziak
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Łukasz Skarbek
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dawid Gradolewski
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Własna Strzecha Street 18A, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
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Influence of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on the circadian system: current stage of knowledge. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:169459. [PMID: 25136557 PMCID: PMC4130204 DOI: 10.1155/2014/169459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the side effects of each electrical device work is the electromagnetic field generated near its workplace. All organisms, including humans, are exposed daily to the influence of different types of this field, characterized by various physical parameters. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the effects of an electromagnetic field on the physiological and pathological processes occurring in cells, tissues, and organs. Numerous epidemiological and experimental data suggest that the extremely low frequency magnetic field generated by electrical transmission lines and electrically powered devices and the high frequencies electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices have a potentially negative impact on the circadian system. On the other hand, several studies have found no influence of these fields on chronobiological parameters. According to the current state of knowledge, some previously proposed hypotheses, including one concerning the key role of melatonin secretion disruption in pathogenesis of electromagnetic field induced diseases, need to be revised. This paper reviews the data on the effect of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on melatonin and cortisol rhythms—two major markers of the circadian system as well as on sleep. It also provides the basic information about the nature, classification, parameters, and sources of these fields.
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Touitou Y, Selmaoui B. The effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on melatonin and cortisol, two marker rhythms of the circadian system. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2013. [PMID: 23393415 PMCID: PMC3553569 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2012.14.4/ytouitou] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In the past 30 years the concern that daily exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) (1 to 300 Hz) might be harmful to human health (cancer, neurobehavioral disturbances, etc) has been the object of debate, and has become a public health concern. This has resulted in the classification of ELF-EMF into category 2B, ie, agents that are “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Since melatonin, a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been shown to possess oncostatic properties, a “melatonin hypothesis” has been raised, stating that exposure to EMF might decrease melatonin production and therefore might promote the development of breast cancer in humans. Data from the literature reviewed here are contradictory. In addition, we have demonstrated a lack of effect of ELF-EMF on melatonin secretion in humans exposed to EMF (up to 20 years' exposure) which rebuts the melatonin hypothesis. Currently, the debate concerns the effects of ELF-EMF on the risk of childhood leukemia in children chronically exposed to more than 0.4 μT. Further research is thus needed to obtain more definite answers regarding the potential deleterious effects of ELF-EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Touitou
- Chronobiology Unit, Foundation A. de Rothschild, Paris, France.
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Al-Akhras MA. Influence of 50 Hz magnetic field on sex hormones and body, uterine, and ovarian weights of adult female rats. Electromagn Biol Med 2008; 27:155-63. [PMID: 18568933 DOI: 10.1080/15368370802072125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields on sex hormones of adult female Spague-Dawley rats were investigated. Adult female rats were exposed to a 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at approximately 25 microT (rms) for 18 weeks before they returned to their normal life with unexposed counterparts. Serum level of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), progesterone, and estrogen were measured before, after, and during the exposure. Body and uterine weights were not affected by the field. A significant reduction in absolute and relative ovarian weights in exposed rats was observed when compared with sham-exposed controls (P < 0.05). The reduction in the levels of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) was significant after six weeks of exposure (P < 0.005). FSH levels were affected only on week 6 of exposure while LH remained affected during at 12 and 18 weeks (P < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant effects were found at 6 and 12 weeks after removing the field. The level of progesterone and estrogen was significantly decreased after 12 weeks of exposure (P < 0.05), while no other effects on progesterone level was observed during exposure or after removing the exposure. The level of estrogen was also significantly reduced at 12 weeks after removing the field (P < 0.05). These results suggest possible adverse effect on mammalian fertility and reproduction. The effects of ELF-MF on sex hormones were shown to be partly reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moh'd-Ali Al-Akhras
- Department of Physics, Bio-Medical Physics Laboratory, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
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Gobba F, Bravo G, Scaringi M, Roccatto L. No association between occupational exposure to ELF magnetic field and urinary 6-sulfatoximelatonin in workers. Bioelectromagnetics 2006; 27:667-73. [PMID: 16988988 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A suppression in melatonin secretion is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain the possible adverse effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF), but the results of research are inconclusive. This study investigated the effect of occupational ELF-MF exposure on 6-sulfatoximelatonin (6-OHMS). Exposure was monitored for three complete work shifts in 59 workers using personal exposure meters. Environmental exposure was also evaluated. Urinary 6-OHMS in morning samples, an indicator of night-time melatonin production, was measured. Urine was collected twice on Friday and the following Monday. Workers were classified according to ELF exposure as low exposed (<or=0.2 microT) or higher exposed (>0.2 microT): 6-OHMS did not differ between groups (P > .05) in either Friday or Monday urine samples. In addition, 6-OHMS was not related to exposure under multivariate analysis. The ratio between 6-OHMS in Monday versus Friday samples was also calculated to test the hypothesis of a possible variation in pineal function after 2 days, interruption of occupational ELF-MF exposure: again no exposure-related difference was observed. Our results do not support the hypothesis that occupational exposure to ELF-MF significantly influences melatonin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Chair of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Kumlin T, Heikkinen P, Laitinen JT, Juutilainen J. Exposure to a 50-hz magnetic field induces a circadian rhythm in 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate excretion in mice. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2005; 46:313-8. [PMID: 16210787 DOI: 10.1269/jrr.46.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The effect of magnetic field (MF) exposure on melatonin production was studied in female CD(2)F(1)(BALB/c x DBA/2) mice. The mice were exposed to a 50 Hz MF at 100 microT for 52 days and nocturnal urine was collected 1, 3, 7, 14, 16 and 23 days after the beginning of MF exposure. The animal room was illuminated for 12 h daily at 200 lux. To study the circadian rhythm of melatonin production, night and day samples of urine were collected once, at about 40 days after the beginning of MF exposure. Urinary 6-hydroxy melatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) was determined to assess melatonin production. The pineal glands were analyzed for melatonin content at the middle of the dark period. No statistically significant peak of melatonin was observed in either group. The light-regulated natural melatonin rhythm was absent in sham-exposed mice. The MF exposure caused a significant day-night difference in the 6-OHMS levels, but did not affect the total excretion of 6-OHMS during the 24-hour period. A possible interpretation of the findings is that MF exposure increases the sensitivity of the pineal gland to light in this strain normally insensitive to the circadian light variations. Further studies on interaction of light and MF exposure might help in understanding the inconsistencies of earlier research on MFs and melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Kumlin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kuopio. Kuopio, Finland.
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