Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

The study explores the complex biological impacts of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), specifically investigating how these fields influence cell proliferation in human amniotic epithelial cells.

Findings

• Intracellular Ca²⁺ and sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) play critical roles in the proliferation process induced by 50-Hz MF exposure.
• Use of BAPTA (a Ca²⁺ chelator) completely inhibits this induced proliferation, while NIF (an L-type calcium channel inhibitor) only partially inhibits it.
• Even in calcium-free conditions, MF exposure can still activate SK1 and increase intracellular Ca²⁺, although to a lesser extent compared to normal conditions.
• Key signaling molecules like Akt are involved, where inhibition of Akt negates the effects of MF on SK1 activation.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that endogenous Ca²⁺ release is crucial for the proliferation spurred by 50-Hz MF, primarily through the Akt-SK1 signaling pathway. These findings underline potential health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields, especially at specific frequencies.