HEK293 cell response to static magnetic fields via the radical pair mechanism may explain therapeutic effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields

Abstract

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) stimulation has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 50 years including in the treatment of memory loss, depression, alleviation of pain, bone and wound healing, and treatment of certain cancers. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms mediating these effects have remained poorly understood. In particular, because magnetic field pulses will induce electric currents in the stimulated tissue, it is unclear whether the observed effects are due to the magnetic or electric component of the stimulation. Recently, it has been shown that PEMFs stimulate the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in human cell cultures by a mechanism that requires cryptochrome, a putative magnetosensor. Here we show by qPCR analysis of ROS-regulated gene expression that simply removing cell cultures from the Earth’s geomagnetic field by placing them in a Low-Level Field condition induces similar effects on ROS signaling as does exposure of cells to PEMF. This effect can be explained by the so-called Radical Pair mechanism, which provides a quantum physical means by which the rates and product yields (e.g. ROS) of biochemical redox reactions may be modulated by magnetic fields. Since transient cancelling of the Earth’s magnetic field can in principle be achieved by PEMF exposure, we propose that the therapeutic effects of PEMFs may be explained by the ensuing modulation of ROS synthesis. Our results could lead to significant improvements in the design and therapeutic applications of PEMF devices.

Radical pairs may explain reactive oxygen species-mediated effects of hypomagnetic field on neurogenesis

“…Let us note that Pooam et al [18] reported that ROS production in HEK293 cells responds much more strongly to HMF than higher intensity static magnetic fields such as 500 µT . As it is evident from Fig.…”

Evidence for Free Radical Drug Ligands in class A G-protein Coupled Receptors

“…Electron flow across plasma membrane proteins from intracellular electron donors (NADH) to the extracellular face is well documented (see 27 for review), though the exact mechanism remains obscure. There is also evidence of radical pair formation involving tryptophan radicals [28][29][30] in the absence of light. Such "dark"radical pair formation could excite the electron which then hops from one aromatic amino acid to another.…”

A short review on the influence of magnetic fields on neurological diseases

“…Repetitive exposure to PEMF, however, reduced ROS levels suggesting alterations in antioxidative stress response. Scavenging of radical species diminished the PEMF effect on osteoblast function [73]. Thus, it is concluded that PEMF elicited nontoxic amounts of ROS and that reactions to ROS generated by PEMF may also result in preconditioning for these cells [81].…”

“…Changes in cellular ROS levels, induced by PEMF devices, may explain their beneficial and healing effects. Interestingly, concentrations of ROS induced by such devices are much lower than those induced by oxidative stress [72,73]. Paradoxically, ROS plays a beneficial role by stimulating antioxidant defense and repair pathways, and the therapeutic effects of PEMF have been documented in several pathologies involving defined cellular mechanisms [74].…”