Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields cause DNA strand breaks in normal cells

Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on animal cancer and DNA damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the carcinogenic effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) by analyzing animal and comet assay studies. We have performed a global meta-analysis on all the animal studies on the relation between ELF-MF and cancer incidence and separate meta-analyses on the incidence of cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, brain cancer and DNA damage assessed with the comet assay. Of the 5145 references identified, 71 studies have been included in our systematic review and 22 studies in our meta-analyses. Our global meta-analysis indicated that ELF-MF exposure had no significant impact on the incidence of cancers in rodents (19 studies, OR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.91-1.32). However, our separate meta-analyses showed that ELF-MF increased the odds of developing leukemia in mice (4 studies, OR = 4.45; 95% CI 1.90-10.38) but not in rats. Our systematic review also suggests that ELF-MF can damage DNA in certain cell types like brain cells. Nevertheless, a meta-analysis on three comet assay studies indicated that ELF-MF did not increase DNA damage in neuroblastoma cells (SMD = -0.08; 95% CI -0.18-0.01). Overall, our results suggest that exposure to ELF-MF does not represent a major hazard for mammals and the carcinogenic effects of these magnetic fields could be limited to leukemia.

Piezoelectric materials for anti-infective bioapplications

Bacterial infection severely limits the effectiveness of biomaterials for tissue repair, posing a major challenge to modern medicine. Despite advances in novel antibiotics and their application in treatment, challenges remain in clinical practice. To address this issue, biomaterials are engineered to achieve desirable anti-infective performance and compatibility via adjusting their surface physicochemical properties. Recently, numerous studies on piezoelectric materials have been performed for anti-infective and regenerative therapies, but a comprehensive review is still lacking. This article provides a brief overview of the different types of piezoelectric materials and their characteristics. Building on this understanding, this review highlights the antibacterial mechanisms including orchestrating electric field and optimizing piezoelectric catalysis, which promote infective tissue regeneration, as well as discusses the anti-infective bioapplication of piezoelectric materials. Furthermore, this review concludes with perspectives into the challenges and future research directions of piezoelectric biomaterials.

Metformin represses the carcinogenesis potentially induced by 50 Hz magnetic fields in aged mouse fibroblasts via inhibition of NF-kB

Aging is a risk factor for various human disorders, including cancer. Current literature advocates that the primary principles of aging depend on the endogenous stress-induced DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species 50 Hz low-frequency magnetic field was suggested to induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability. NF-kB, activated by DNA damage, is upregulated in age-related cancers and inhibition of NF-kB results in aging-related delayed pathologies. Metformin (Met), an NF-kB inhibitor, significantly reduces both NF-kB activation and expression in aging and cancer. This in vitro study, therefore, was set out to assess the effects of 5mT MF in 50 Hz frequency and Met treatment on the viability and proliferation of aged mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and expression of RELA/p65, matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and E-cadherin (CDH1) genes. The trypan blue exclusion assay was used to determine cell viability and the BrdU incorporation assay to determine cell proliferation. The MMP-2/9 protein analysis was carried out by immunocytochemistry, NF-kB activity by ELISA and the expressions of targeted genes by qRT-PCR methods. Four doses of Met (500 uM, 1 mM, 2 mM and 10 mM) suppressed both the proliferation and viability of fibroblasts exposed to the MF in a dose-dependent pattern, and the peak inhibition was recorded at the 10 mM dose. Met reduced the expression of NF-kB, and MMP2/9, elevated CDH1 expression and suppressed NF-kB activity. These findings suggest that Met treatment suppresses the carcinogenic potential of 50 Hz MFs in aged mouse fibroblasts, possibly through modulation of NF-kB activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition modulation.

The Cellular Response Is Determined by a Combination of Different ELF-EMF Exposure Parameters: A Scope Review

Since the establishment of regulations for exposure to extremely low-frequency (0-300) Hz electromagnetic fields, scientific opinion has prioritised the hypothesis that the most important parameter determining cellular behaviour has been intensity, ignoring the other exposure parameters (frequency, time, mode, waveform). This has been reflected in the methodologies of the in vitro articles published and the reviews in which they are included. A scope review was carried out, grouping a total of 79 articles that met the proposed inclusion criteria and studying the effects of the different experiments on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and the cell cycle. These results have been divided and classified by frequency, intensity, exposure time and exposure mode (continuous/intermittent). The results obtained for each of the processes according to the exposure parameter used are shown graphically to highlight the importance of a good methodology in experimental development and the search for mechanisms of action that explain the experimental results, considering not only the criterion of intensity. The consequence of this is a more than necessary revision of current exposure protection regulations for the general population based on the reductionist criterion of intensity.

Environmental Effect of High-voltage Towers on the Cerebellum and Cognitive Impairments in the Monkey

Introduction

Today, high-voltage (HV) lines create a pernicious environment for humans living or working in the vicinity and even under these lines. The male rhesus monkey is used to investigate the effects of fields produced by HV towers. This study examines the function and level of impact in rhesus monkeys' brains from the cerebellum's cognitive, biological, and structural perspective.

Methods

Two monkeys have been used, one as a control and the second as a test. The monkey under test was subjected to a simulated HV electrical field of 3 kV/m, 4 hours a day, for 1 month. Behavioral tests were performed using a device designed and built for this purpose. Concentration analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH) and inspection of glucocorticoid receptor gene's (GR) expression were performed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Changes in cerebellar anatomy were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All tests were performed before and after the study period and compared with the control monkey.

Results

Cognitive tests showed a significant reduction for the monkey exposed to the HV electrical field in the first week after imposition compared with the same time before. Also, the expression of the GR gene decreased, and the concentration of ACTH hormone in plasma increased. Surveying the level of cerebral MRI images did not show any difference, but hemorrhage was evident in a part of the cerebellum.

Conclusion

The tested monkey's cognitive, biological, and MRI results showed a decrease in visual learning and memory indices.

EMEMI: An interference-free mini-incubator with integrated electric and magnetic field exposure for real-time microscopic imaging of field effects

Uninterrupted microscopic observation and real-time imaging of cell behavior during exposure to the stimulus, for example, electric and/or magnetic fields, especially for periods of several days, has been a challenge in experimental bioelectromagnetics due to a lack of proper gas/temperature conditions outside the incubator. Conventional mini-incubators might suffer from stray fields produced by heating elements. We report an in vitro electric and magnetic fields (EMF) exposure system embedded inside a novel under-the-microscope mini-CO2 -incubator with a unique design to avoid electromagnetic interference from the heating and circulation functions while ensuring the requisite temperature. A unique, reconfigurable array of electrodes and/or coils excited by calculated current distributions among array elements is designed to provide excellent field uniformity and controllable linear or circular polarization (even at very low frequencies) of the EMF within the cell culture. Using standard biochemical assays, long-term cell viability has been verified and compared with a conventional incubator. Cell orientation/migration in three-dimensional culture made of collagen-hydrogels has been successfully observed in vitro, in long-term, and in real-time under the influence of DC electric fields with the device.

Investigation of extremely low-frequency (1 Hz-400 kHz) pollution frequently encountered in social life: a case study of a shopping mall

It is important to periodically measure, analyze, and map electromagnetic radiation levels due to potential risks. This study aims to draw attention to new electromagnetic pollution caused by radio frequencies and extremely low frequencies. For this reason, electric field and magnetic field measurements were carried out in the 1-Hz-400-kHz frequency band in a shopping mall, where electronic devices cause low-frequency electromagnetic radiation intensively. The measurements were performed with the EHP-50F device for 24 h a day for a week. The measurements were made at 10 points in the shopping mall, and the measurement results were evaluated over five different sectors: electronics, clothing and accessories (male-female), personal care and cosmetics, supermarket, and the playland for children. Magnetic maps of each sector were produced. In addition, the specific absorption rates (SAR) of male and female customers in these workplaces were determined. This is the first study carried out to find SAR caused by low-frequency radiation. Although the safe limit value of SAR for the whole body is 0.08 W/kg, the SAR values calculated in the playland and electronics sectors were obtained to be 0.763 and 0.39 W/kg, respectively. Results clearly demonstrate how especially small children are exposed to danger in the long term.

Innovative antibacterial electrospun nanofibers mats depending on piezoelectric generation

This paper introduces a new approach of testing piezoelectric nanofibers as antibacterial mat. In this work, both Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and PVDF embedded with thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibers are synthesized as nanofibers mat via electrospinning technique. Then, such mat is analyzed as piezoelectric material to generate electric voltage under different mechanical excitations. Furthermore, morphological and chemical characteristics have been operated to prove the existence of beta sheets piezoelectricity of the synthesized nanofibers mats. Then, the synthesized nanofibers surfaces have been cyclically stretched and exposed to bacteria specimen. It has been noticed that the generated voltage and the corresponding localized electric field positively affect the growth of bacteria and reduces the formation of K. penomenue samples bacteria colonies. In addition, the effect of both stretching frequency and pulses numbers have been studied on the bacteria count, growth kinetics, and protein leakage. Our contribution here is to introduce an innovative way of the direct impact of the generated electric field from piezoelectric nanofibers on the reduction of bacteria growth, without depending on traditional anti-bacterial nanoparticles. This work can open a new trend of the usability of piezoelectric nanofibers through masks, filters, and wound curing mats within anti-bacterial biological applications.

An overview of the biological effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields combined with ionizing radiation

By growing the electrical power networks and electronic devices, electromagnetic fields (EMF) have become an inseparable part of the modern world. Considering the inevitable exposure to a various range of EMFs, especially at extremely low frequencies (ELF-EMF), investigating the biological effects of ELF-EMFs on biological systems became a global issue. The possible adverse consequences of these exposures were studied, along with their potential therapeutic capabilities. Also, their biological impacts in combination with other chemical and physical agents, specifically ionizing radiation (IR), as a co-carcinogen or as adjuvant therapy in combination with radiotherapy were explored. Here, we review the results of several in-vitro and in-vivo studies and discuss some proposed possible mechanisms of ELF-EMFs' actions in combination with IR. The results of these experiments could be fruitful to develop more precise safety standards for environmental ELF-EMFs exposures. Furthermore, it could evaluate the therapeutic capacities of ELF-EMFs alone or as an improver of radiotherapy.

Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Induce mTOR and Hsa_Circ_100338 Expression Changes in Gastric Cancer and Normal Fibroblast Cell Lines

OBJECTIVE

Extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure, as a targeted tumor therapy, presents several potential advantages. In this research, we investigated effects of different ELF-MF intensities on cell viability and expression levels of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hsa_circ_100338 in the normal fibroblast (Hu02) and human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, cell lines of AGS and Hu02, were cultured under the exposure of ELFMF with magnetic flux densities (MFDs) of 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 millitesla (mT) for 18 hours. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazoyl-2- yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cell viability. Relative expression of mTOR and hsa_circ_100338 RNAs was estimated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique.

RESULTS

Viability of the normal cells was significantly increased at MFDs of 0.5, 1 and 2 mT, while viability of the tumor cells was significantly decreased at MFD of 0.25 and increased at MFD of 2 mT. Expression level of mTOR was significantly increased at the all applied MFDs in the normal cells, while it was significantly decreased at MFDs of 0.25 and 0.5mT in the tumor cells. MFDs of 1 and 2 mT in tumor cells inversely led to the increase in mTOR expression. hsa_circ_100338 was downregulated in MFD of 0.25 mT and then it was increased parallel to the increase of MFD in the normal and tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study indicated that ELF-MF at MFDs of 0.25 and 0.5 mT can lead to decrease in the both mTOR and hsa_circ_100338 expression levels. Given the role of mTOR in cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, in addition to the potential role of hsa_circ_100338 in metastasis, expression inhibition of these two genes could be a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

Electromagnetic Fields Change the Expression of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) and Cathepsin L2 (CTSL2) Genes in Adenocarcinoma Gastric (AGS) Cell Line

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers in the world. Environmental factors including chemicals, sunlight, and electromagnetic fields can induce changes in gene expression. Though the resizing mechanism of its effect has not been fully recognized, free radicals are seen as the possible mechanism involved. Although low-frequency electromagnetic fields are not considered a carcinogenic factor, some studies have shown disruption in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and gene expression in different cell categories. Objectives: This study was intendant to examine the effects of low-frequency electromagnetic flux densities of 0.2 and 2 mT on the expression of cathepsin L2 (CTSL2) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) genes in adenocarcinoma gastric (AGS) cell lines. Methods: The AGS cell line was cultured in Hamas12 and was exposed to electromagnetic fields continuously and discontinuously for 18 hours. Moreover, Cell viability was assessed by the MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)) assay. The change in the expression of genes was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Low-frequency electromagnetic fields increased gene expression compared to the control group. The changes in the expression are directly associated with the electromagnetic field strength. Expression levels of CTSL2 were increased under the exposure of electromagnetic fields and this increase was significant when discontinuous exposure was applied (33.26 ± 7.4 fold change for 0.2mT and 64.4 ± 7.7 for 2mT, p- value

Endogenous Ca2+ release was involved in 50-Hz MF-induced proliferation via Akt-SK1 signal cascade in human amniotic epithelial cells

The mechanism underlying the biological effects caused by an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is still unclear. Previously, we found that L-type calcium channel and sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) were involved in 50-Hz MF exposure-induced cell proliferation. In the present study, the role of intracellular Ca²⁺ and signal molecules related to SK1 in cell proliferation induced by 50-Hz MF was investigated in human amniotic epithelial (FL) cells. Results showed that the intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator, BAPTA, could completely inhibit 50-Hz MF-induced cell proliferation, whereas NIF, the inhibitor of L-type calcium channel, only partly blocked it. When cells were cultured in calcium-free medium, MF exposure also increased intracellular Ca²⁺, activated SK1 and promoted cell proliferation although all of those increasing levels were lower than those in complete medium. Moreover, MF-activated SK1 could be completely inhibited by BAPTA, and MF-induced cell proliferation was abolished by SKI II, the specific inhibitor of SK1. Additionally, a 50-Hz MF exposure did not affect the activation of ERK and PKCα under the condition of calcium-free medium, but activated the Akt, which could be precluded entirely by BAPTA, but not be inhibited by NIF. Treatment of FL cells with LY294002, the inhibitor of Akt, could delete the MF-induced SK1 activation under the condition of calcium-free medium. Based on the data from the present experiment, it is concluded that endogenous Ca²⁺ release was involved in 50-Hz MF-induced cell proliferation via Akt-SK1 signal cascade.

Magnetic field effects on the magnetic properties, germination, chlorophyll fluorescence, and nutrient content of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The magnetic field (MF) interacts with biological systems and has the potential to increase germination, plant growth and productivity. Although it is known as a low cost and promising approach, the mechanism that increases growth is not fully understood yet. In this study, the effect of different MF strengths (20, 42, 125, and 250 mT) was investigated on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In addition to phenological parameters, possible cell damage, electron transport rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, magnetic character and elemental status of tissues were determined. Results showed that lower strengths (≤125 mT) of MF treatment improve germination. Confocal microscopy analyzes revealed MF-induced cell membrane damage in roots that could alter the elemental content of tissues. Elemental analyzes found that the content of macroelements (Ca, Mg, P, and K) are gradually reduced with increasing MF forces; in opposite the microelement contents (Fe, B, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mo) are increased in roots. Diamagnetism is the dominant magnetic character in all root and leaf samples. However, the roots became surprisingly superparamagnetic in 250 mT application. It seems that MF treatment at higher strength (250 mT in this study) could influence the orientation of magnetic moments. These findings suggest that MF application: i) can alter the magnetic character of plants, ii) enhances the germination, photosynthetic machinery, and growth, and iii) affects the nutrient uptake and abundance in tissues, depending on the MF strength. This comprehensive study can help in understanding the interaction of magnetic field with plants.

Electrical Stimulation and Cellular Behaviors in Electric Field in Biomedical Research

Research on the cellular response to electrical stimulation (ES) and its mechanisms focusing on potential clinic applications has been quietly intensified recently. However, the unconventional nature of this methodology has fertilized a great variety of techniques that make the interpretation and comparison of experimental outcomes complicated. This work reviews more than a hundred publications identified mostly from Medline, categorizes the techniques, and comments on their merits and weaknesses. Electrode-based ES, conductive substrate-mediated ES, and noninvasive stimulation are the three principal categories used in biomedical research and clinic. ES has been found to enhance cell proliferation, growth, migration, and stem cell differentiation, showing an important potential in manipulating cellular activities in both normal and pathological conditions. However, inappropriate parameters or setup can have negative effects. The complexity of the delivered electric signals depends on how they are generated and in what form. It is also difficult to equate one set of parameters with another. Mechanistic studies are rare and badly needed. Even so, ES in combination with advanced materials and nanotechnology is developing a strong footing in biomedical research and regenerative medicine.

Human‑made electromagnetic fields: Ion forced‑oscillation and voltage‑gated ion channel dysfunction, oxidative stress and DNA damage (Review)

Exposure of animals/biological samples to human‑made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), especially in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band, and the microwave/radio frequency (RF) band which is always combined with ELF, may lead to DNA damage. DNA damage is connected with cell death, infertility and other pathologies, including cancer. ELF exposure from high‑voltage power lines and complex RF exposure from wireless communication antennas/devices are linked to increased cancer risk. Almost all human‑made RF EMFs include ELF components in the form of modulation, pulsing and random variability. Thus, in addition to polarization and coherence, the existence of ELFs is a common feature of almost all human‑made EMFs. The present study reviews the DNA damage and related effects induced by human‑made EMFs. The ion forced‑oscillation mechanism for irregular gating of voltage‑gated ion channels on cell membranes by polarized/coherent EMFs is extensively described. Dysfunction of ion channels disrupts intracellular ionic concentrations, which determine the cell's electrochemical balance and homeostasis. The present study shows how this can result in DNA damage through reactive oxygen species/free radical overproduction. Thus, a complete picture is provided of how human‑made EMF exposure may indeed lead to DNA damage and related pathologies, including cancer. Moreover, it is suggested that the non‑thermal biological effects attributed to RF EMFs are actually due to their ELF components.

The Dynamic(s) of Adipose Stem Cell System, Their Survival, and Cessation under the Influence of Electromagnetic Fields

Context

The electromagnetic field (EMF) is one of the external biophysical factors that can influence stem cells' structure and functionality. Depending on its frequency and magnetic flux density, EMF can have both a positive and negative effect on stem cell biology.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to define EMF conditions that support beneficial physiological processes and those that lead to pathophysiological phenomena. Understanding the changes and processes occurring in stem cells after exposure to EMFs of different parameters can be an important factor to be applied in stem cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry methods, the influence of EMF on adipose-derived stem cells proliferation, cell cycle, viability, and death were examined. EMF parameters were set in accordance with the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) theory that influences Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions influx. Results were statistically developed using the ANOVA and effect size (Cohen's d) analyses.

Results

In this study, the continuous exposure of adipose-derived stem cells to EMF (ICR parameters: 76.6 Hz; 20 μT) causes a statistically significant increase in cell death through the enhancement of apoptotic, necrotic, and autophagic cell numbers. Apart from increased cell deaths after EMF exposure, increased proliferation after 24 h of EMF exposure has been also observed.

Conclusions

Results presented in this study show that EMF influences stem cell dynamics resulting in a significantly increased cell death, thus altering the stem cell fate. It is important to further establish EMF conditions that support ASCs functioning and beneficial physiological processes for future regenerative medical purposes.

Up-regulation of miR-144 and miR-375 in the human gastric cancer cell line following the exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields

PURPOSE

Recently, therapeutic effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) as complementary and alternative medicine, used in the oncology field to control disease symptoms. Micro RNAs (miRs) are responsible for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in the cell. This study aimed to evaluate the expression changes of miR-144 and miR-375 in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) under the exposure of ELF-EMF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AGS cells were exposed to magnetic flux densities of 0.2 and 2 mT for 18 h, continuously and discontinuously (1.5 h on/1.5 h off). Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Changes of miR-144 expression levels in AGS cells immediately after exposure and 18 and 36 h after the exposure cut-off was calculated by QRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The cell viability of AGS cells was decreased under the exposure of 0.2 and 2 mT EMFs when compared to the control. Up-regulation of miR-144 and miR-375 were observed in AGS cells under the exposure of magnetic fields.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that the miR levels were significantly decreased 18 and 36 h after finishing the exposure, but not reached the normal range. The results of this investigation indicated that weak and moderate intermittent 50 Hz ELF-EMFs can induce changes in miRNA expression.

Quality assessment of DNA and hemoglobin by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field

Previous studies have shown the effect of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields on the hematopoietic system. However, molecular modification and biological toxicity are not known yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of occupational exposure to ELF magnetic field on the hemoglobin and DNA alteration using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Twenty nine individuals were selected among those working as the controller in a powerhouse in order to be studied as the population exposed to ELF magnetic field. Control group comprised of 29 administrative employees voluntarily participated who were matched with the exposed subjects in terms of sex, age, work experiences, smoking habit, and socioeconomic status. DNA and hemoglobin were extracted from blood samples and then were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed the level of magnetic field exposure was between 0.38 to 50 μT in the exposed subjects while the level of magnetic field exposure was between 0.19 and 20 μT for the unexposed people. Hemoglobin level was equal to 15.67 ± 1.42 g/dL for exposed subjects which is significantly lower than that of the unexposed people (p = 0.0001). There was a significant alteration in CH content and COO structure of the hemoglobin structure. Moreover, DNA showed significant changes by functional group of organic base. This change in the structure of DNA and hemoglobin can lead to the creation of risks in human health. In conclusion, FTIR method could reveal the quality of DNA and hemoglobin structure in subjects after exposure to ELF magnetic field.

Alterations of bacterial dielectric characteristics due to pulsed magnetic field exposure

The effect of exposure to 0·1 Hz–0·1 kHz pulsed magnetic fields on models of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cells was investigated. The possible alterations in the electrical characteristics of dead and alive bacteria cells were monitored by using dielectric spectroscopy. The dielectric dispersions of cells were obtained over the range 42 Hz–8 MHz by measuring their dielectric permittivity and conductivity. The acquired results indicated exposure enhancement and inhibition effects on both bacterial models in different frequency windows. The spectroscopy results for all bacterial cells indicated two sizeable dispersions in low- and high-frequency ranges (so-called α- and β-dispersions) due to different polarization mechanisms. Remarkable variations in the dielectric relaxations were observed due to exposure as a result of possible alterations in the counterion clouds and ionic membrane permeability, plasma and cell wall charge residues. In conclusion, both bacterial models demonstrated considerable response to exposure, resulting in a significant electrochange in the cell membrane/wall structure. Moreover, by performing dielectric spectroscopy, it is possible to distinguish between normal and abnormal cells. It is worth mentioning that the observed results can be achieved when using resonance frequencies outside the range used in the study.

The effect of vitamin E and C on comet assay indices and apoptosis in power plant workers: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields have been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and this has raised some concern about its health effects on employees extensively exposed to these fields at thermal power plants. In this study, the effect of using vitamin E and C supplements have been examined on employees working at a thermal power plant. In this randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 81 employees from different parts of the thermal power plant were enrolled between July and November 2017, and divided into four groups: Group 1 received vitamin E (400 units/day), Group 2: vitamin C (1000 mg/day), Group 3: vitamin E + C and Group 4: no intervention. DNA damage was measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes using comet assay and apoptosis, using flow cytometry. Based on the results, tail intensity and tail length in the vitamin E group, and all comet assay indices in the vitamin E + C and vitamin C groups (except DNA damage index) significantly decreased after the intervention, while the comet assay indices did not change significantly in the control group. None of the flow cytometry indices including early apoptosis, late apoptosis and necrosis changed after intervention in either group. The use of antioxidant vitamins such as E and C, can increase the activity of the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system, and protect DNA from damage caused by exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. But, taking these vitamins has no effect on apoptosis. It seems that consumption of vitamin E affected all investigated comet assay indices and can be probably considered as the best intervention.

The Response of Osteoblasts and Bone to Sinusoidal Electromagnetic Fields: Insights from the Literature

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been proposed as a tool to ameliorate bone formation and healing. Despite their promising results, however, they have failed to enter routine clinical protocols to treat bone conditions where higher bone mass has to be achieved. This is no doubt also due to a fundamental lack of knowledge and understanding on their effects and the optimal settings for attaining the desired therapeutic effects. This review analysed the available in vitro and in vivo studies that assessed the effects of sinusoidal EMFs (SEMFs) on bone and bone cells, comparing the results and investigating possible mechanisms of action by which SEMFs interact with tissues and cells. The effects of SEMFs on bone have not been as thoroughly investigated as pulsed EMFs; however, abundant evidence shows that SEMFs affect the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells, acting on multiple cellular mechanisms. SEMFs have also proven to increase bone mass in rodents under normal conditions and in osteoporotic animals.

Exposure to mobile phone radiations at 2350 MHz incites cyto- and genotoxic effects in root meristems of Allium cepa

BACKGROUND

The exponential increase of electromagnetic field radiations (EMF-r) in the natural environment has raked up the controversies regarding their biological effects. Concern regarding the putative capacity of EMF-r to affect living beings has been growing due to the ongoing elevation in the use of high frequency EMF-r in communication systems, e.g. Mobile phones.

METHODS

In the present study, we tried to examine the cyto- and genotoxic potential of mobile phone EMF-r at 2350 MHz using onions (Allium cepa L.). Fresh adventitious onion roots were exposed to continuous EMF-r at 2350 MHz for different time periods (1 h, 2 h and 4 h). The evaluation of cytotoxicity was done in terms of mitotic index (MI), phase index and chromosomal aberrations. Genotoxicity was investigated employing comet assay in terms of changes in % HDNA (head DNA) and % TDNA (tail DNA), TM (tail moment) and OTM (olive tail moment). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and mean values were separated using post hoc Tukey's test.

RESULTS

The results manifested a significant increase of MI and chromosomal aberrations (%) upon 4 h, and ≥ 2 h of exposure, respectively, as compared to the control. No specific changes in phase index in response to EMF-r exposure were observed. The % HDNA and % TDNA values exhibited significant changes in contrast to that of control upon 2 h and 4 h of exposure, respectively. However, TM and OTM did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results infer that continuous exposures of radiofrequency EMF-r (2350 MHz) for long durations have a potential of inciting cyto- and genotoxic effects in onion root meristems.

The role of magnetic field in the biopharmaceutical production: Current perspectives

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.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 50 Hz 1 mT electromagnetic field on larval rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Baltic clam (Limecola balthica) and common ragworm (Hediste diversicolor)

The aim of this research was to assess genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses in aquatic animals exposed to 50 Hz 1 m T electromagnetic field (EMF). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at early stages of development were exposed to EMF for 40 days, whereas marine benthic invertebrates - the common ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the Baltic clam Limecola balthica - for 12 days. To define genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses in selected animals, assays of nuclear abnormalities in peripheral blood erythrocytes of O. mykiss, coelomocytes of H. diversicolor and gill cells of L. balthica were performed. Induction of formation of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB), nuclear buds on filament cells (NBf) and cells with blebbed nuclei (BL) were assessed as genotoxicity endpoints, and 8-shaped nuclei, fragmented (Fr), apoptotic (Ap) and binucleated (BN) cells as cytotoxicity endpoints. Exposure to EMF affected all studied species but with varying degrees. The strongest responses to EMF treatment were elicited in L. balthica, in which six out of the total eight analyzed geno- and cytotoxicity endpoints were significantly elevated. Significantly induced frequencies of MN were detected in O. mykiss and H. diversicolor cells, NBf and BL only in gill cells of L. balthica, and NB in analyzed tissues of all the test species. As cytotoxicity endpoints, a significant elevation in frequencies of cells with 8-shaped nuclei was found in O. mykiss and L. balthica, while Ap and BN was observed only in L. balthica. EMF exposure did not induce any significant cytotoxic activity in H. diversicolor coelomocytes. The present study is the first to reveal the genotoxic and cytotoxic activity of 1 m T EMF in aquatic animals, and, consequently, the first one to report the adverse effect of this factor on common marine invertebrates and early life stages of fish.

The Impact of the Low Frequency of the Electromagnetic Field on Human

Recently, there has been attention and controversial debate topic about the effect of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human beings. The catalyst for public awareness initiated from the first epidemiological study in 1979 that reported an association between residential EMFs exposure and the incidence of childhood leukemia. For over 40 years, many epidemiological and laboratory investigations were conducted to identify the possible biological effects of low-frequency EMF. Several studies conducted at frequencies 50/60 Hz, which related to generating of electricity from electrical appliances. Experimental studies on low-frequency EMF have provided conflicting data under specific "in vivo" and "in vitro" environments. Some original papers have reported the damaging effect on DNA molecule in EMF-exposed cells. Other studies have suggested no such damage in EMF-exposed cells. Also, the conclusions from other studies were inconclusive. These conflicting findings may attribute to the differences in the apparatus used to generate electromagnetic fields, experimental design, exposure time, genetic endpoints, and biological materials such as cell lines and animal species, strain, and age. As DNA damage is frequently a prerequisite for cancer disease, this review provided an experimental body of evidence on the effect of EMF on genetic material.

Aloe arborescens juice prevents EMF-induced oxidative stress and thus protects from pathophysiology in the male reproductive system in vitro

More and more studies suggest that prolonged exposure to EMF may cause adverse biological effects and point directly to a significantly negative correlation between EMF and human health, especially men fertility. In our previous study, we reported that this could be related to the EMF-induced reactive oxygen species formation, followed by DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. In this study, we decided to expand our research by the search for substances which would prevent EMF-induced damage in spermatogenic cells. Such an agent seems to be Aloe arborescens Mill. juice, which was shown to possess a wide range of protective properties. The administration of aloe extract helps among others to prevent the formation of free radicals by various biochemical pathways. Therefore, the main aim of our study was to provide a significant knowledge concerning the mechanism involved in the multi-pathway cytoprotective response of aloe juice against EMF. The study was carried out in an in vitro mouse spermatogenesis pathway cell lines (GC-1 spg and GC-2 spd). Our results suggest that the aloe juice has many positive effects, especially for the cellular antioxidant systems by reducing the intracellular reactive oxygen species pool induced by EMF. In consequence, aloe juice prevents DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and therefore the viability and metabolic activity of both cell line tested are preserved. In conclusion, our study provides new insight into the underlying mechanisms through which aloe juice prevents spermatogenic cells from cytotoxic and genotoxic events.

Effects of electromagnetic field, cisplatin and morphine on cytotoxicity and expression levels of DNA repair genes

Morphine (Mor) is widely used as an analgesic drug in cancers and in combination with chemotherapy is known to have DNA damaging effects on non-targeted cell. This study surveyed the effect of Mor in combination with 50-Hz electromagnetic field (EMF) and co-treatment of cisplatin in combination with Mor and EMF on the expression of genes involved in DNA repair pathways. MCF-7 and SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 5.0 µM Mor and then exposed to 50-Hz 0.50 mT EMF in the intermittent pattern of 15 min field-on/15 min field-off. Gene expression, cisplatin and bleomycin cytotoxicity were measured using real-time PCR and MTT assay. Mor treated cells showed significant down-regulation of the examined genes, while in "Mor + EMF" treatments the genes were not significantly changed. IC₅₀ of cisplatin was significantly elevated in both cell lines when co-treated with "Mor + EMF" compared with Mor treated cells. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) related genes were significantly decreased in co-treatment of cisplatin and "Mor + EMF" which led to bleomycin higher cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y not in MCF-7. Our data is promising for providing a cell line-specific sensitization by combination of cisplatin and "Mor + EMF" treatment with local administration of double strand breaking agents.

Results of lifespan exposure to continuous and intermittent extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFEMF) administered alone to Sprague Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Up to now, experimental studies on rodents have failed to provide definitive confirmation of the carcinogenicity of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFEMF). Two recent studies performed in our laboratory on Sprague-Dawley rats reported a statistically significant increase in malignant tumors of different sites (mammary gland, C-cells carcinoma, hemolymphoreticular neoplasia, and malignant heart Schwannoma) when ELFEMF exposure was associated with exposure to formaldehyde (50 mg/l) or acute low dose of γ-radiation (0.1 Gy) (Soffritti et al., 2016a) (Soffritti et al., 2016b). The same doses of known carcinogenic agents (50 mg/l formaldehyde, or acute 0.1 Gy γ-radiation), when administered alone, previously failed to induce any statistically significant increase in the incidence of total and specific malignant tumors in rats of the same colony.

OBJECTIVES

A lifespan whole-body exposure study was conducted to evaluate the possible carcinogenic effects of ELFEMF exposure administered alone to Sprague-Dawley rats, as part of the integrated project of the Ramazzini Institute (RI) for studying the effects on health of ELFEMF alone or in combination with other known carcinogens.

METHODS

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed 19 h/day to continuous sinusoidal-50 Hz magnetic fields (S-50 Hz MF) at flux densities of 0 (control group), 2, 20, 100 or 1000µT, and to intermittent (30 min on/30 min off) S-50 Hz MF at 1000 µT, from prenatal life until natural death.

RESULTS

Survival and body weight trends in all groups of rats exposed to ELFEMF were comparable to those found in sex-matched controls. The incidence and number of malignant and benign tumors was similar in all groups. Magnetic field exposure did not significantly increase the incidence of neoplasias in any organ, including those sites that have been identified as possible targets in epidemiological studies (leukemia, breast cancer, and brain cancer).

CONCLUSIONS

Life-span exposures to continuous and intermittent sinusoidal-50 Hz ELFEMFs, when administered alone, did not represent a significant risk factor for neoplastic development in our experimental rat model. In light of our previous results on the carcinogenic effects of ELFEMF in combination with formaldehyde and γ-radiation, further experiments are necessary to elucidate the possible role of ELFEMF as cancer enhancer in presence of other chemical and physical carcinogens.

Role of basal stress hormones and amygdala dimensions in stress coping strategies of male rhesus monkeys in response to a hazard-reward conflict

OBJECTIVES

In the present study the effect of stress on monkeys that had learned to retrieve food from a five-chamber receptacle, as well as the relationship between their behavior and the serum cortisol and epinephrine levels and relative size of the amygdala was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six male rhesus monkeys were individually given access to the food reward orderly. They could easily retrieve the rewards from all chambers except for the chamber 4, which a brief, mild electric shock (3 V) was delivered to them upon touching the chamber's interior. The coping behaviors were video-recorded and analyzed offline. Baseline serum cortisol and epinephrine levels were measured before the experiments using monkey enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. One week after the behavioral experiment, the monkeys' brains were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging under general anesthesia. The cross-sectional area of the left amygdala in sagittal plane relative to the area of the whole brain in the same slice was evaluated by the planimetric method using ImageJ software.

RESULTS

Exposure to the distressing condition caused different behavioral responses. Monkeys with higher baseline levels of serum cortisol and epinephrine and larger amygdala behaved more violently in the face of stress, indicating adopting emotion-focused stress-coping strategies. Conversely, those with low plasma epinephrine, moderate cortisol, and smaller amygdala showed perseverative behavior, indicating a problem-focused coping style.

CONCLUSION

In dealing with the same stress, different responses might be observed from nonhuman primates according to their cortisol and epinephrine levels as well as their amygdala dimensions.

ELF-MF exposure affects the robustness of epigenetic programming during granulopoiesis

Extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) have been classified as "possibly carcinogenic" to humans on the grounds of an epidemiological association of ELF-MF exposure with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia. Yet, underlying mechanisms have remained obscure. Genome instability seems an unlikely reason as the energy transmitted by ELF-MF is too low to damage DNA and induce cancer-promoting mutations. ELF-MF, however, may perturb the epigenetic code of genomes, which is well-known to be sensitive to environmental conditions and generally deranged in cancers, including leukaemia. We examined the potential of ELF-MF to influence key epigenetic modifications in leukaemic Jurkat cells and in human CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells undergoing in vitro differentiation into the neutrophilic lineage. During granulopoiesis, sensitive genome-wide profiling of multiple replicate experiments did not reveal any statistically significant, ELF-MF-dependent alterations in the patterns of active (H3K4me2) and repressive (H3K27me3) histone marks nor in DNA methylation. However, ELF-MF exposure showed consistent effects on the reproducibility of these histone and DNA modification profiles (replicate variability), which appear to be of a stochastic nature but show preferences for the genomic context. The data indicate that ELF-MF exposure stabilizes active chromatin, particularly during the transition from a repressive to an active state during cell differentiation.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E Protected B95-8 and Balb/c-3T3 Cells from Apoptosis Induced by Intermittent 50Hz ELF-EMF Radiation

BACKGROUND

The extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF), mainly emitted by electric transmission lines and household electronic appliances, is becoming a worldwide health risk. It is imperative to investigate the biological impacts of ELF-EMF and to identify products that are resistant to the radiation from 50 Hz ELF-EMF. In this study, we investigated the biological impacts of apoptosis caused by 50 Hz Power line ELF-EMF and the protective effects of Vit C and Vit E.

METHODS

We conducted this study in Beijing, China in 2013. B_95-8 and Balb/c-3T3 cells were divided into a sham group, an expo group and 3 expo groups in which the cells were preincubated with various concentrations of Vit C and Vit E. Then, all of the cells were exposed to 50 Hz Power line ELF-EMF and examined for apoptosis. The cells were collected for apoptosis detection after exposure.

RESULTS

The percent of cells that undergoing apoptosis and preincubated with various concentrations of Vit C and Vit E were significantly lower than in the Expo group.

CONCLUSION

Vit C and Vit E exert significant protective effects from 50 Hz ELF-EMF radiation. The optimal protective concentrations of Vit C and Vit E are 10 μmol/L and 25 μmol/L, respectively. The protective effect of vitamins was more apparent for Balb/c-3T3 cells than B_95-8 cells.

Systemic delivery and activation of the TRAIL gene in lungs, with magnetic nanoparticles of chitosan controlled by an external magnetic field

Recently, functional therapies targeting a specific organ without affecting normal tissues have been designed. The use of magnetic force to reach this goal is studied in this work. Previously, we demonstrated that nanocarriers based on magnetic nanoparticles could be directed and retained in the lungs, with their gene expression under the control of a promoter activated by a magnetic field. Magnetic nanoparticles containing the TRAIL gene and chitosan were constructed using the ionic gelation method as a nanosystem for magnetofection and were characterized by microscopy, ζ-potential, and retention analysis. Magnetofection in the mouse melanoma cell line B16F10 in vitro induced TRAIL-protein expression and was associated with morphological changes indicative of apoptosis. Systemic administration of the nanosystem in the tail vein of mice with melanoma B16F10 at the lungs produced a very significant increase in apoptosis in tumoral cells that correlated with the number of melanoma tumor foci observed in the lungs. The high levels of apoptosis detected in the lungs were partially related to mouse survival. The data presented demonstrate that the magnetofection nanosystem described here efficiently induces apoptosis and growth inhibition of melanoma B16F10 in the lungs. This new approach for systemic delivery and activation of a gene based in a nanocomplex offers a potential application in magnetic gene delivery for cancer.

Short- and long-term exposure to alternating magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affects rat pituitary ACTH cells: Stereological study

The aim of the present study was to determine does extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF, 50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affect pituitary adrenocorticotroph (ACTH) cells in adult animals. We performed two series of experiments: (1) short-term exposure of 3-month-old rats to ELF-MF for 1 and 7 days, and (2) long-term exposure of rats to ELF-MF from their conception to 3 months of age. Stereological study was performed on immunolabeled pituitary ACTH cells. The total number and volume of ACTH cells, the volume of their nuclei and pituitary volume were measured. ELF-MF exposure for 1 day significantly decreased total number and volume of ACTH cells, the volume of their nuclei, as well as pituitary volume. ELF-MF exposure for 7 days significantly reduced only the volume of ACTH cells. Life-long exposure to ELF-MF induced decrease in the volume of ACTH cells and pituitary volume. We can conclude that the applied ELF-MF has a strong influence on morphometrical parameters of the pituitary ACTH cells and could be considered as a stressogenic factor.

Exposure to a 50-Hz magnetic field induced mitochondrial permeability transition through the ROS/GSK-3β signaling pathway

PURPOSE

To investigate the biological effects of a 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) on mitochondrial permeability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human amniotic epithelial cells were exposed to MF (50 Hz, 0.4 mT) for different durations. Mitochondrial permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cytochrome c (Cyt-c) release and the related mechanisms were explored.

RESULTS

Exposure to the MF at 0.4 mT for 60 min transiently induced mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and Cyt-c release, although there was no significant effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Other than decreasing the total Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) level, MF exposure did not significantly affect the levels of Bax and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in mitochondria. In addition, cells exposed to the MF showed increased intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) levels and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) dephosphorylation at 9 serine residue (Ser(9)). Moreover, the MF-induced MPT was attenuated by ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC) or GSK-3β inhibitor, and NAC pretreatment prevented GSK-3β dephosphorylation (Ser(9)) caused by MF exposure.

CONCLUSION

MPT induced by MF exposure was mediated through the ROS/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field sensitizes cisplatin-resistant human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells via P53 activation

In the following study, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EL-EMF) radiation was used to restore sensitivity in the cisplatin-resistant A2780 ovarian cancer cells. For this purpose A2780 cells were treated with different doses of cisplatin and EL-EMF (50 Hz, 200 gauss, and 2 h) alone. Cytotoxicity was the measurement using MTT assay. After calculating IC50 for cisplatin (90 µg/ml) a lower concentration from IC50 (30 and 60 µg/ml) was used to be combined with EL-EMF. We compare the effects of each cisplatin, EL-EMF and combination groups using acridine orange-propidium iodide (AO/PI) and DAPI staining, caspase 3/9 activation assay and Annexin/PI assay. We also assessed changes in P53 and Matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMPs) gene expression with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results indicated an EL-EMF-dependent proliferative decrease which was found <10 %, and occurred independently of cisplatin. The decreased proliferation rate for 30 and 60 µg/ml cisplatin was about 20 and 40 %, respectively, while for synergistic groups 30 and 60 µg/ml cisplatin with 2 h EL-EMF exposer, showed 47 and 71 % decrease in viability in rats. DAPI staining indicated that chromatin break down significantly increased in synergistic groups. Acridine orange staining also confirmed MTT assay results. Caspase activity significantly increased in the combined groups. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that in synergistic groups of cisplatin and EL-EMF, expression of P53 was increased but the expression level of MPP-2 gene decreased. Results from this study showed that changes generated by the non-invasive EL-EMF can make resistant cells sensitive to cisplatin.

Electromagnetic fields as structure-function zeitgebers in biological systems: environmental orchestrations of morphogenesis and consciousness

Within a cell system structure dictates function. Any interaction between cells, or a cell and its environment, has the potential to have long term implications on the function of a given cell and emerging cell aggregates. The structure and function of cells are continuously subjected to modification by electrical and chemical stimuli. However, biological systems are also subjected to an ever-present influence: the electromagnetic (EM) environment. Biological systems have the potential to be influenced by subtle energies which are exchanged at atomic and subatomic scales as EM phenomena. These energy exchanges have the potential to manifest at higher orders of discourse and affect the output (behavior) of a biological system. Here we describe theoretical and experimental evidence of EM influence on cells and the integration of whole systems. Even weak interactions between EM energies and biological systems display the potential to affect a developing system. We suggest the growing literature of EM effects on biological systems has significant implications to the cell and its functional aggregates.