Effects of 50Hz magnetic field exposure on supero

Authors: AnnChristine Mannerling Myrtill Simkó Kjell Hansson Mild MatsOlof Mattsson

Publish Date: 2010/06/26

Volume: 49, Issue: 4, Pages: 731-741

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Abstract

Epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between exposure to lowlevel extremely lowfrequency ELF magnetic fields MF and certain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases Experimental studies have not provided any mechanism for such effects although at flux density levels significantly higher than the ones encountered in epidemiological studies radical homoeostasis and levels of stress response proteins can be affected Here we report on the influence of MF exposure 50Hz sine wave 1 h 0025–010 mT vertical or horizontal MF exposure direction on different cellular parameters proliferation cell cycle distribution superoxide radical anion and HSP70 protein levels in the human leukaemia cell line K562 The positive control heat treatment 42°C 1 h did not affect either cell proliferation or superoxide radical anion production but caused accumulation of cells in the G2 phase and increased the stress protein HSP70 MF exposure 010 mT 1 h did not affect either cell cycle kinetics or proliferation Both vertical and horizontal MF exposures for 1 h caused significantly and transiently increased HSP70 levels twofold at several flux densities compared to sham controls and also compared to heat treatment This exposure also increased 30–40 the levels of the superoxide radical anion comparable to the positive control PMA Addition of free radical scavengers melatonin or 110phenantroline inhibited the MFinduced increase in HSP70 In conclusion an early response to ELF MF in K562 cells seems to be an increased amount of oxygen radicals leading to HSP70 induction Furthermore the results suggest that there is a flux density threshold where 50Hz MF exerts its effects on K562 cells at or below 0025 mT and also that it is the MF and not the induced electric field which is the active parameter

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