The proliferation rates of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells can be accelerated or inhibited by weak static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields

Authors: Marek B, Nhat D, de Mingo Isabel L, Jason K, Hakki G, Ladislav J, Barnes F

Year: 2025

Category: Cell Biology

Journal: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1535155

URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1535155

Abstract

Introduction

Weak static and low-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) have been hypothesized to influence biological systems through mechanisms involving nuclear spin coupling. This study investigates how such fields modulate the proliferation of HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

Methods

  • HT-1080 cells were exposed in vitro for 4 days to weak MFs with a 10 μT amplitude and frequencies between 12 Hz and 33 Hz, superimposed on a 45 μT static background field.
  • Changes in cell growth, mitochondrial superoxide (O2-), calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations, and membrane potential were measured.

Results

  • MFs could either increase or decrease fibrosarcoma cell growth in a frequency- and amplitude-dependent manner.
  • Inversions in growth rates were observed near 16.5 Hz, where a 0.5 Hz shift or amplitude changes as small as 250 nT reversed effects relative to controls.
  • Reversing the static field direction also inverted growth outcomes.
  • Changes in membrane potential, Ca2+, and mitochondrial superoxide levels supported a role for bioenergetic modulation.

Discussion

These findings suggest that weak MFs affect cell proliferation through spin-dependent chemical reaction rate changes. The pronounced sensitivity of fibrosarcoma cells compared to normal fibroblasts points to potential therapeutic applications via selective MF-based modulation.

electromagnetic fields cell proliferation HT-1080 fibrosarcoma static magnetic field low frequency magnetic fields bioenergetics
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