Effects of ELF pulsed electromagnetic fields on glioblastoma cells

Authors: Zeinab Akbarnejad, Hossein Eskandary, Cristian Vergallo, Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-Mahani, Luciana Dini, Fatemeh Darvishzadeh-Mahani, Ahmadi Meysam

Year: 2016

Category: Cancer Research, Biophysics

DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2016.1251452

URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15368378.2016.1251452

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMFs) on the Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) cell line U87 under various experimental conditions. This in vitro research points out the significant impact that specific frequencies and amplitudes of ELF-PEMFs can have on a hard-to-treat form of brain cancer.

Findings

  • Elf-PEMFs exposure varied across five groups, differing in frequency and amplitude, resulting in notable changes in cell cycle dynamics, cell viability, and apoptotic activities.
  • Specific frequencies and amplitudes either promoted or inhibited cell proliferation and influenced cell viability and gene expression related to cell cycle and apoptosis.
  • Findings indicated that different parameters of ELF-PEMF exposure could either support or hinder cancer cell proliferation, highlighting implications for the design of therapeutic approaches and caution in the use of medical devices emitting magnetic fields.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the study underscores a complex interaction between ELF-PEMF parameters and cancer cell behavior, suggesting a potential for refinements in therapeutic applications and safety considerations in the use of electromagnetic fields in cancer treatment.

← Back to Stats