Activation of Signaling Cascades by Weak Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Authors: Kapri-Pardes E, Hanoch T, Maik-Rachline G, Murbach M, Bounds PL, Kuster N, Seger R

Year: 2017 Oct 16

Category: Cell Physiology and Biochemistry

Journal: Cell Physiol Biochem

DOI: 10.1159/000481977

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29035881

Abstract

Abstract Summary

Background/Aims

  • Exploration of how extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) affect cellular signaling pathways, particularly those related to proliferative control.
  • Focus on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), critical for regulating stimulated cellular processes, and the sensitivity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) to external cues.
  • Objective: Determine whether ELF-MF can activate ERK1/2 and other signaling cascades, serving as a readout for cellular responses.

Methods

  • Application of ELF-MF at various strengths and durations on eight different cell types.
  • Phosphorylation assessment of MAPKs and Akt via western blotting techniques.

Findings

  • Increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation was observed in response to ELF-MF, indicating cellular responsiveness to ELF-MF.
  • Notable detections of response with ELF-MF strengths as low as 0.15 µT, and maximal effects at around 10 µT.
  • Inhibition of this ERK1/2 phosphorylation by flavoprotein inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium suggests a mechanism of action similar to microwave radiation responses, potentially through NADP oxidase.

Conclusion

  • Cells exhibit sensitivity to lower than expected levels of ELF-MF.
  • The magnitude of ERK1/2 activation seems insufficient for significant impacts on proliferation or transformation into oncogenic states, not supporting ELF-MF as a prominent driver of cancer or childhood leukemia risks.
ELF-MF ERK1/2 MAPK phosphorylation cell signaling electromagnetic fields health risks
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