Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This study investigates the impact of an extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on human cancer cell membranes, building on previous research that suggested changes in cell membrane permeability due to magnetic fields.

Findings

• Investigation Focus: The focus was on the effect of a 60 Hz, 50 mT magnetic field on membrane potential and membrane proteins in three cultured human cancer cell lines (A549, MES-SA, and MES-SA/Dx5).
• Increased Membrane Potential: Exposure to ELF-MF resulted in increased membrane potentials in A549 and MES-SA cell lines.
• Resistance in Multi Drug-Resistant Cells: No changes were detected in the membrane potentials of multi drug-resistant MES-SA/Dx5 cells when exposed to the same conditions.
• Fluorescence Binding Changes: Membrane proteins from A549 cells showed increased affinity for DiBAC4(3) dye following 10 minutes of MF exposure, indicating a change in the structure of hydrophobic sites on the proteins.
• Exposure Duration Effects: A decrease in fluorescence was observed following 240 minutes of exposure to MF, suggesting varying effects based on duration.

Conclusion

The study confirms that 60 Hz, 50 mT magnetic fields can alter the membrane potential and protein conformation in human cancer cells, with effects variably influenced by exposure duration.