Abstract
The current results for extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on DNA damage are still debated. A sensitive indicator and systematic research are needed to assess the effects of ELF-MF. In this study, we used γH2AX as an early and sensitive molecular marker to evaluate the DNA damage effects of ELF-MF in vitro. Human amnion epithelial cells (FLs), human skin fibroblast cells (HSFs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-MF at 0.4, 1, and 2 mT for 15 min, 1 h, and 24 h, respectively. After exposure, cells were subjected to γH2AX immunofluorescence and western blot. The results showed no significant difference in the average number of foci per cell, the percentage of γH2AX foci-positive cells, or the expression of γH2AX between the sham and 50 Hz ELF-MF exposure groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 50 Hz ELF-MF did not induce DNA damage in FLs, HSFs, or HUVECs, which was independent of the intensity or duration of the exposure.
Highlights
Extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields that are generated from power lines and various consumer devices have attracted public attention for the last few decades regarding their possible adverse effects on human health
After treatment with 1 μM 4NQO for 0.5 and 1 h, there was substantial γH2AX foci formation in the nuclei in all these cells. These data indicated that extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) exposure did not increase FL, human skin fibroblast cells (HSFs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) γH2AX foci formation and that ELF-MF did not induce DNA damage in these three cell types
There were increased expression levels of γH2AX in the positive control groups that were treated with 1 μM 4NQO for 0.5 and 1 h. These data indicated that ELF-MF exposure did not increase FL, HSF, and HUVEC γH2AX foci expression and that ELF-MF did not induce DNA damage in these three cell types
Summary
Extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields that are generated from power lines and various consumer devices have attracted public attention for the last few decades regarding their possible adverse effects on human health. Researchers found that 50/60 Hz ELF-MF at different levels could exert biological effects, such as DNA damage and apoptosis, through p38 activation and other pathways, and it might decrease cell viability and disturb the oxidative balance [6,7,8,9,10]. It could affect the action of other substances, such as altering cellular responses to menadione-induced DNA damage [7] and reducing the effects of oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by cisplatin [6]. Parental occupational ELF-MF exposure is a possible carcinogenic factor, other studies have recently indicated that there is no relationship between parental occupational ELF-MF
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