Effects of 50 Hz extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure on proliferative activity in cancer cells: an in vitro study.

Abstract

In recent years, academia has sought the therapeutic applicability of periodic low-intensity electromagnetic field exposure (< 1 h/d) for biomedical applications. We have designed and developed a monoaxial Helmholtz coil chamber for non-invasive magnetic field exposure for therapeutic application, i.e. cancer therapy. In the current study, we observed 50 Hz extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field ELF-PEMF (1-3 mT) exposure effects on cell proliferation and morphology of cancer cell lines under in vitro conditions. We witnessed significant changes in cell proliferation and morphology of A549 cells for exposure durations of < 1 h/d. We also noticed a notable change in the actin cytoskeleton and shrinking of cell nuclei in A549 cells compared to the control groups. However, HepG2 and MCF-7 cells were notably unaffected by the current experimental conditions. The experimental evidence indicated that 50 Hz ELF-PEMF exposure of less than 1 h/d can significantly alter cell proliferation and induce morphological changes in A549 cells. This innovative, targeted, non-invasive method can be a popular therapeutic choice for patients with advanced stages of cancer. Moreover, exposure protocols will be much more helpful for clinicians depending on the patient's conditions, type of cancer cells, and exposure conditions, i.e. field intensities and duration.