Continuous exposure to 60 Hz extremely low frequency magnetic field at 10-14 mT promotes various human cell proliferation by activating extracellular-signal-regulated kinase

Authors: Goh J, Suh D, Um DY, Chae SA, Park GS, Song K

Year: 2025 Jan 28

Category: Cell Biology

Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151414

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39903967/

Abstract

Overview

This study examined the effects of 60 Hz extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) at intensities of 10-16 mT on various mammalian cells, including:

  • Human cervical carcinoma
  • Rat neuroblastoma
  • Liver cancer stem cells
  • Immortalized normal hepatic cells
  • Normal fibroblasts

Findings

  • Using an ELF-MF-generating device with stable magnetic flux density (avoiding thermal effects), cells were exposed to 10 and 16 mT for 72 hours.
  • Exposed cell types showed approximately 20% or greater increase in proliferation at 14 mT versus sham controls, but no further increase at 16 mT.
  • Activation of the MEK-ERK pathway and NF-κB (but not Akt) was seen alongside a slight S phase population increase in proliferating cells.
  • Intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were unchanged, and the proliferation effect persisted when oxidative phosphorylation was interrupted.
  • No changes were found in intracellular calcium, and the proliferation effect was maintained with a calcium chelator present.

Conclusion

These results indicate that 60 Hz ELF-MF at 10-14 mT promotes cell proliferation by activating ERK1/2, independent of intracellular ROS and calcium levels. This confirms an important biological response to ELF-MF exposure—a link to health risk due to the promotion of cell proliferation. Understanding these effects has critical implications for EMF safety and regulation.

ELF-MF 60 Hz cell proliferation ERK pathway human cells magnetic fields health risk
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