Proteomic Analysis of the Effect of ELF-EMF With Different Intensities in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Line

Abstract

Overview

Research has consistently demonstrated that human exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) is an environmental factor due to everyday proximity to power lines and electronic devices. The full scope of biological effects attributable to ELF-EMF is under active study with varying findings. This study specifically investigates the effects on cell morphology and protein expression induced by ELF-EMF at different intensities.

Methodology

• The study employed the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line.
• Cells were exposed to 0.5 and 1 mT 50 Hz ELF-EMF for three hours.
• Proteomics techniques were utilized to ascertain alterations in protein expression.
• Bioinformatics and statistical tools were applied in the analysis of the proteomes.

Findings

The exposure to ELF-EMF resulted in visible changes in cell morphology and a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation rates. Both intensity and dose-dependency of ELF-EMF exposure were crucial, with intensity having a more significant impact on altering protein expression in cells.

Conclusion

The study affirms that higher intensities of ELF-EMF exposure correlate with greater alterations in both the cellular morphology and protein expression of SH-SY5Y cells. This tempts speculation regarding potential health implications of prolonged exposure to ELF-EMF, specifically in relation to cell functionality and growth properties.