Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field and Cisplatin on mRNA Levels of Some DNA Repair Genes

Authors: Sanie-Jahromi F, Saadat 2, Saadat M.

Year: 2016 Oct 6

Category: Genetics and Oncology

Journal: Life Sci

DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.10.006

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27721000

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the impact of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) on gene expression specifically looking at the mRNA levels of DNA repair genes when co-treated with cisplatin (CDDP).

Experimental Setup

  • Aims: To investigate the effects of 50-Hz electromagnetic fields (<300Hz) alone and in combination with cisplatin on the mRNA expressions relating to DNA repair.
  • Methods: Utilized differing intensities and patterns of EMF exposure and examined mRNA levels through quantitative real-time PCR in two different cell lines, MCF-7 and SH-SY5Y.

Findings

  • Exposure to EMF generally resulted in down-regulation of mRNA levels of DNA repair genes in MCF-7 cells.
  • An increase in GADD45A mRNA levels in cells co-treated with CDDP + EMF was noted, suggesting a nuanced response of gene expression.
  • Significant elevation in IC50 of CDDP with EMF co-treatment indicates possible changes in drug sensitivity due to EMF exposure.

Conclusion

The study presents evidence that concurrent treatment with EMF and CDDP enhances the down-regulation of crucial genes in the non-homologous end-joining DNA repair pathway. This suggests that EMF could influence the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents by modifying gene expression related to DNA repair mechanisms.

ELF EMF DNA repair gene expression cisplatin mRNA levels
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