The effects of electromagnetic fields on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Abstract

A great deal of evidence has confirmed that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can affect the central nervous system. In this study, cultured neonatal human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells were exposed to pulsed EMF of 1 mT intensity and 50 Hz frequency 8 h daily for 3 days. In addition to cell proliferation and cell death assays, immunocytochemistry for RPE65, PAX6, nestin, and cytokeratin 8/18 proteins were performed. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for NES, PAX6, RPE65, and ACTA2 gene expression. Exposed hRPE cells did not demonstrate significant change in terms of cytomorphology, cell proliferation, or cell death. Protein expression of PAX6 was decreased in treated cells compared to controls and remained unchanged for RPE65, cytokeratin 8/18, and nestin. Gene expressions of NES, RPE65, and PAX6 were decreased in treated cells as compared to controls. Gene expression of ACTA2 did not significantly change. In conclusion, viability of cultivated neonatal hRPE cells did not change after short exposure to a safe dose of pulsed EMF albeit that both gene and protein expressions of retinal progenitor cell markers were reduced. Whether longer exposure durations that are being constantly produced by widely-used electronic devices may induce significant changes in these cells, needs further investigation. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:585-594, 2018.

Oxidative Stress Status and Its Relationship to Skin Aging

“…Evidence has confirmed that electromagnetic frequency impacts the central nervous system, and the degree of electromagnetic hypersensitivity symptoms varies among humans. It is postulated that the overall OSS of an individual may contribute to the ability to manage reactive oxygen species precipitated by electromagnetic frequency exposure (Nasrabadi et al, 2018).…”

Correlation between ELF–PEMF exposure and Human RPE Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and Gene Expression

“…[24][25][26] Many investigations have demonstrated the effects of ELF-PEMFs on the apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenic and metastatic properties of different cells. [27][28][29] This study aimed to determine the ELF-PEMF effects on the angiogenic factors in human RPE (hRPE) cells in different exposure times.…”

Effects of quercetin on microRNAs: A mechanistic review

“…Nowadays, many investigations have focused to modify the miRNA functions in cancer cells to achieve therapeutic approaches. In this regard, it was demonstrated that natural compounds like polyphenols, curcumin, resveratrol, silibinin, and quercetin can suppress oncogenes or stimulate tumor suppressor genes by altering miRNA expressions …”

“…In this regard, it was demonstrated that natural compounds like polyphenols, curcumin, resveratrol, silibinin, and quercetin can suppress oncogenes or stimulate tumor suppressor genes by altering miRNA expressions. [12][13][14][15][16][17] Quercetin is a polyphenol compound and the most abundant flavonoid in various fruits, flowers, and medicinal herbs. Quercetin beneficial effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities are well documented.…”