Anti-proliferative effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on preneoplastic lesions formation in the rat liver

Abstract

BackgroundRecently, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been studied with great interest due to their possible effects on human health. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 4.5 mT - 120 Hz ELF-EMF on the development of preneoplastic lesions in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis.MethodsMale Fischer-344 rats were subjected to the modified resistant hepatocyte model and were exposed to 4.5 mT - 120 Hz ELF-EMF. The effects of the ELF-EMF on hepatocarcinogenesis, apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle progression were evaluated by histochemical, TUNEL assay, caspase 3 levels, immunohistochemical and western blot analyses.ResultsThe application of the ELF-EMF resulted in a decrease of more than 50% of the number and the area of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive preneoplastic lesions (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively) and glutathione S-transferase placental expression (P = 0.01). The number of TUNEL-positive cells and the cleaved caspase 3 levels were unaffected; however, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67, and cyclin D1 expression decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.03), as compared to the sham-exposure group.ConclusionThe application of 4.5 mT - 120 Hz ELF-EMF inhibits preneoplastic lesions chemically induced in the rat liver through the reduction of cell proliferation, without altering the apoptosis process.

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

“…5). Other researches also confirmed that EL-EMF cannot promote caspase activation and cannot trigger the apoptosis pathway (Akdag et al 2010) (Jiménez-García et al 2010). Pirozzoli et al (2003) finding confirmed our results.…”

“…These effects may be enhanced when EL-EMFs and cisplatin are applied in combination and in this way also intensify the effects of cisplatin to cell death induction. It was reported that EL-EMF was associated with a reduction of cell proliferation and this suggests that ELF-EMF protects hepatocytes from the increased proliferation induced by treatment with carcinogene (Jiménez-García et al 2010). This effect of EL-EMF in combination with cisplatin may affect viability rate.…”

Beneficial Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation in Cancer

“…The results showed a decrease of more than 50% of the number and the area of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive preneoplastic lesions, glutathione S-transferase placental expression, as well as a significant decrease of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67, and cyclin D1 expression. These findings showed inhibition of preneoplastic lesions, through antiproliferative activity of ELF-EMF (Jimenez-Garcia et al, 2010).…”

P-selectin expression in a colon tumor model exposed by sinusoidal electromagnetic fields

“…While several studies suggested that EMF exposure induces immune cell activation and DNA damage (10,11), the findings of other studies indicated that the effects of EMF inhibit preneoplastic lesions, resulting in the reduction of cell proliferation (3). A number of studies focused on the potential effects of EMF at cancer treatment (12,13).…”

“…Findings of previous studies have demonstrated variations in cell proliferation and apoptosis subsequent to exposure to ELF fields (2,3), while such changes have not been identified in other studies (4). Thus, a careful examination of the literature in this field suggests that more studies examining the role of ELF fields in cancer should be conducted.…”