Cellular Response to ELF-MF and Heat: Evidence for a Common Involvement of Heat Shock Proteins?

Abstract

Overview

Investigations reveal that magnetic fields at extremely low frequencies (ELF-MF) serve as potential stressors below conventional excitation thresholds of nerve and muscle cells, as set by exposure guidelines. This study reviews the activation of cellular stress responses and specifically the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) under the influence of ELF-MF.

Findings

• Cells exhibit a stress response activation pathway under both heat exposure and ELF-MF exposure.
• ELF-MF and heat can function as co-stressors, potentially inducing thermotolerance in cell cultures and organisms.
• There might be a synergistic response where increased HSP expression is observed when ELF-MF exposure is combined with specific defined stressors.

Conclusion

The review suggests similarities in the effects of ELF-MF and heat exposure, though no definitive mode of action can be established. Further controlled experiments are necessary to understand the mechanisms by which ELF-MF and heat affect HSP expression and cellular responses.