Gene expression profiles in white blood cells of volunteers exposed to a 50 Hz electromagnetic field

Magnetic modulation of lysosomes for cancer therapy

Lysosomes play a central role in biochemical signal transduction and oxidative stress in cells. Inducing lysosome membrane penetration (LMP) to cause lysosomal-dependent cell death (LCD) in tumor cells is an effective strategy for cancer therapy. Chemical drugs can destroy the stability of lysosomes by neutralizing protons within the lysosomes or enhancing the fragility of the lysosomal membranes. However, there remain several unsolved problems of traditional drugs in LMP induction due to insufficient lysosomal targeting, fast metabolism, and toxicity in normal cells. With the development of nanotechnology, magnetic nanoparticles have been demonstrated to target lysosomes naturally, providing a versatile tool for lysosomal modulation. Combined with excellent tissue penetration and spatiotemporal manipulability of magnetic fields, magnetic modulation of lysosomes progresses rapidly in inducing LMP and LCD for cancer therapy. This review comprehensively discussed the strategies of magnetic modulation of lysosomes for cancer therapy. The intrinsic mechanisms of LMP-induced LCD were first introduced. Then, the modulation of lysosomes by diverse physical outputs of magnetic fields was emphatically discussed. Looking forward, this review will shed the light on the prospect of magnetic modulation of lysosomes, inspiring future research of magnetic modulation strategy in cancer therapy. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.

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

Non-ionizing radiation as possible carcinogen

The advent of wireless technologies has revolutionized the way we communicate. The steady upsurge in the use of mobile phone all over the world in the last two decades, while triggered economic growth, has caused substantial damage to the environment, both directly and indirectly. The electromagnetic radiation generated from mobile phones, radio-based stations, and phone towers, high-voltage power lines have been reported which leads to the variety of health scares such as the risk of cancer in human beings and adverse effects in animals, birds, etc. Though the usage of such radiation emitting from mobile phones has risen steeply, there is a lack of proper knowledge about the associated risks. The review provides the latest research evidence based both on in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and possible gaps in our knowledge. Moreover, the present review also summarizes available literature in this subject, reports and studies which will help to form guidelines for its exposure limits to the public.Abbreviations: Continuous Wave: CW; Code Division Multiple Access: CDMA; Global System for Mobile Communications: GSM; Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell: PBMC; Radiofrequency: RF; Radiofrequency radiation: RFR; Universal Mobile Telecommunications System: UMTS; Wideband Code Division Multiple Access: WCDMA; Specific Absorption Rate: SAR; National Toxicology Program: NTP; amplitude-modulated or amplitude-modulation: AM; Electromagnetic frequencies: EMF; confidence interval: CI; Gigahertz: GHz; odds ratio: OR; incidence ratio: IR; reactive oxygen species: ROS; specific absorption rate: SAR; International Agency of Research on Cancer: IARC; single-strand breaks: SSB; double-strand breaks: DSB (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene): DMBA; Hour: h; international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection: ICNIRP; extremely low frequency: ELFl; microtesla: mT; Gigahertz: GHz; hertz: Hz; decibel: dB; kilometer: Km; Watt per square meter: W/m²; Hour: h; positron emission tomography: PET.

Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics

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.

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field as a Stress Factor-Really Detrimental?-Insight into Literature from the Last Decade

Biological effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and its consequences on human health have become the subject of important and recurrent public debate. ELF-MF evokes cell/organism responses that are characteristic to a general stress reaction, thus it can be regarded as a stress factor. Exposure to ELF-MF "turns on" different intracellular mechanisms into both directions: compensatory or deleterious ones. ELF-MF can provoke morphological and physiological changes in stress-related systems, mainly nervous, hormonal, and immunological ones. This review summarizes the ELF-MF-mediated changes at various levels of the organism organization. Special attention is placed on the review of literature from the last decade. Most studies on ELF-MF effects concentrate on its negative influence, e.g., impairment of behavior towards depressive and anxiety disorders; however, in the last decade there was an increase in the number of research studies showing stimulating impact of ELF-MF on neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation. In the face of numerous studies on the ELF-MF action, it is necessary to systematize the knowledge for a better understanding of the phenomenon, in order to reduce the risk associated with the exposure to this factor and to recognize the possibility of using it as a therapeutic agent.

The effect of electromagnetic field on decreasing and increasing of the growth and proliferation rate of dermal fibroblast cell

Maintaining the health of dermal fibroblast cells and controlling their growth and proliferation would directly affect the health of skin tissues. The present study encompassed three control and three experimental specimens, which were different in terms of the duration of exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) and intensity. With a decrease in intensity from 2 to 1 mT during 24, 48, and 72 h after exposing the cells to EMF, the frequency of the sample fibroblast cells increased by 60.3%, 144.9%, and 90.1%, respectively. With an increase in intensity from 3 to 4 mT during 48 and 72 h of exposure to EMF, the frequencies of the sample fibroblast cells decreased by 6.8% and 86.7%, respectively. It seems to be possible to achieve the most desirable condition to help the restoration of wounds and skin lesions through decreasing the exposure intensity from 2 to 0.5 mT and increasing EMF exposure time from 24 to 72 h simultaneously and non-invasively. The most desirable approach to improve the treatment of skin cancers non-invasively is to increase the intensity from 3 to 5 mT and to enhance EMF exposure time from 48 to 72 h.

Electromagnetic Fields, Genomic Instability and Cancer: A Systems Biological View

This review discusses the use of systems biology in understanding the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, with particular focus on induction of genomic instability and cancer. We introduce basic concepts of the dynamical systems theory such as the state space and attractors and the use of these concepts in understanding the behavior of complex biological systems. We then discuss genomic instability in the framework of the dynamical systems theory, and describe the hypothesis that environmentally induced genomic instability corresponds to abnormal attractor states; large enough environmental perturbations can force the biological system to leave normal evolutionarily optimized attractors (corresponding to normal cell phenotypes) and migrate to less stable variant attractors. We discuss experimental approaches that can be coupled with theoretical systems biology such as testable predictions, derived from the theory and experimental methods, that can be used for measuring the state of the complex biological system. We also review potentially informative studies and make recommendations for further studies.

Biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields: Two sides of a coin

Controversial, sensational and often contradictory scientific reports have triggered active debates over the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in literature and mass media the last few decades. This could lead to confusion and distraction, subsequently hampering the development of a univocal conclusion on the real hazards caused by EMFs on humans. For example, there are lots of publications indicating that EMF can induce apoptosis and DNA strand-breaks in cells. On the other hand, these effects could rather be beneficial, in that they could be effectively harnessed for treatment of various disorders, including cancer. This review discusses and analyzes the results of various in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies on the effects of non-ionizing EMFs on cells and organs, including the consequences of exposure to the low and high frequencies EM spectrum. Emphasis is laid on the analysis of recent data on the role of EMF in the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, the impact of EMF on the reproductive system has been discussed, as well as the relationship between EM radiation and blood cancer. Apart from adverse effects, the therapeutic potential of EMFs for clinical use in different pathologies is also highlighted.

Effects of single and combined low frequency electromagnetic fields and simulated microgravity on gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells during chondrogenesis

INTRODUCTION

Low frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMF) and simulated microgravity (SMG) have been observed to affect chondrogenesis. A controlled bioreactor system was developed to apply LF-EMF and SMG singly or combined during chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in 3D culture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An external motor gear SMG bioreactor was combined with magnetic Helmholtz coils for EMF (5 mT; 15 Hz). Pellets of hMSCs (±TGF-β3) were cultured (P5) under SMG, LF-EMF, LF-EMF/SMG and control (1 g) conditions for 3 weeks. Sections were stained with safranin-O and collagen type II. Gene expression was evaluated by microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS

Simulated microgravity application significantly changed gene expression; specifically, COLXA1 but also COL2A1, which represents the chondrogenic potential, were reduced (p < 0.05). Low frequency electromagnetic fields application showed no gene expression changes on a microarray basis. LF-EMF/SMG application obtained significant different expression values from cultures obtained under SMG conditions with a re-increase of COL2A1, therefore rescuing the chondrogenic potential, which had been lowered by SMG.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulated microgravity lowered hypertrophy but also the chondrogenic potential of hMSCs. Combined LF-EMF/SMG provided a rescue effect of the chondrogenic potential of hMSCs although no LF-EMF effect was observed under optimal conditions. The study provides new insights into how LF-EMF and SMG affect chondrogenesis of hMSCs and how they generate interdependent effects.

Semi-quantitative proteomics of mammalian cells upon short-term exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

The potential effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), such as those emitted by power-lines (in extremely low frequency range), mobile cellular systems and wireless networking devices (in radio frequency range) on human health have been intensively researched and debated. However, how exposure to these EMFs may lead to biological changes underlying possible health effects is still unclear. To reveal EMF-induced molecular changes, unbiased experiments (without a priori focusing on specific biological processes) with sensitive readouts are required. We present the first proteome-wide semi-quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of human fibroblasts, osteosarcomas and mouse embryonic stem cells exposed to three types of non-ionizing EMFs (ELF 50 Hz, UMTS 2.1 GHz and WiFi 5.8 GHz). We performed controlled in vitro EMF exposures of metabolically labeled mammalian cells followed by reliable statistical analyses of differential protein- and pathway-level regulations using an array of established bioinformatics methods. Our results indicate that less than 1% of the quantitated human or mouse proteome responds to the EMFs by small changes in protein abundance. Further network-based analysis of the differentially regulated proteins did not detect significantly perturbed cellular processes or pathways in human and mouse cells in response to ELF, UMTS or WiFi exposure. In conclusion, our extensive bioinformatics analyses of semi-quantitative mass spectrometry data do not support the notion that the short-time exposures to non-ionizing EMFs have a consistent biologically significant bearing on mammalian cells in culture.

Short-term Exposure to 50-Hz Electromagnetic Field and Alterations in NQO1 and NQO2 Expression in MCF-7 Cells

AIM:

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) have some genotoxic effects and it may alter the mRNA levels of antioxidant genes. The NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and NQO2 are ubiquitously expressed. Considering that there is no published data on the effect(s) of ELF-EMF (50-Hz) exposure and expression levels of NQO1 and NQO2 in the human MCF-7 cells, the present study was carried out.

METHODS:

The ELF-EMF (0.25 and 0.50 mT) exposure patterns were: 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off, 15 min field-on/15 min field-off, and 30 min field-on continuously. In all exposure conditions, total exposure time were 30 minutes. The RNA extraction was done at two times; immediately post exposure and two hours post exposure. The effect of ELF-EMF on gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR.

RESULTS:

The NQO1 mRNA level (at 0h) decreased in the cells exposed to 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off condition at 0.25 mT EMF when compared with the unexposed cells. The NQO2 mRNA level (at 0h and 2h) increased in the cells exposed to 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off condition at 0.50 mT EMF when compared with the unexposed cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alterations in the NQO1 and NQO2 mRNA levels seem at the “5 min field-on/5 min field-off” condition.

Experimental model for ELF-EMF exposure: Concern for human health

Low frequency (LF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are abundantly present in modern society and in the last 20 years the interest about the possible effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs on human health has increased progressively. Epidemiological studies, designed to verify whether EMF exposure may be a potential risk factor for health, have led to controversial results. The possible association between EMFs and an increased incidence of childhood leukemia, brain tumors or neurodegenerative diseases was not fully elucidated. On the other hand, EMFs are widely used, in neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, orthopedics and dermatology, both in diagnosis and in therapy. In vitro studies may help to evaluate the mechanism by which LF-EMFs affect biological systems. In vitro model of wound healing used keratinocytes (HaCaT), neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) as a model for analysis of differentiation, metabolism and functions related to neurodegenerative processes, and monocytic cell line (THP-1) was used as a model for inflammation and cytokines production, while leukemic cell line (K562) was used as a model for hematopoietic differentiation. MCP-1, a chemokine that regulates the migration and infiltration of memory T cells, natural killer (NK), monocytes and epithelial cells, has been demonstrated to be induced and involved in various diseases. Since, varying the parameters of EMFs different effects may be observed, we have studied MCP-1 expression in HaCaT, SH-SY5Y, THP-1 and K562 exposed to a sinusoidal EMF at 50 Hz frequency with a flux density of 1 mT (rms). Our preliminary results showed that EMF-exposure differently modifies the expression of MCP-1 in different cell types. Thus, the MCP-1 expression needs to be better determined, with additional studies, with different parameters and times of exposure to ELF-EMF.

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Automated Blood Cell Measurements

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phones and/or laptops interfere with blood cell counts of hematology analyzers. Random blood samples were analyzed on an Aperture Impedance hematology analyzer. The analysis was performed in four ways: (A) without the presence of any mobile phone or portable computer in use, (B) with mobile phones in use (B1: one mobile, B4: four mobiles), (C) with portable computers (laptops) in use (C1: one laptop, C3: three laptops), and (D) with four mobile phones and three laptops in use simultaneously. The results obtained demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in neutrophil, erythrocyte, and platelet count and an increase in lymphocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, and red blood cell distribution width, notably in the B4 group. Despite this statistical significance, in clinical practice, only the red blood cell reduction could be taken into account, as the mean difference between the A and B4 group was 60,000 cells/µL. In group D, the analyzer gave odd results after 11 measurements and finally stopped working. The combined and multiple use of mobile phones and computers affects the function of hematology analyzers, leading to false results. Consequently, the use of such electronic devices must be avoided.