The influence of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFs) on MCF-7 cancer cells

Abstract

Background: The role of ion channels and ion concentrations in cell cycle events is noted in recent years. Investigation of the role of ion channels during different cell cycle phases tend to discover a relationship between the potential of cell membrane and cell proliferation ability. A variable electric field is produced due to changes in cell membrane potential that plays role in cell division. In this study, inducing external fields with similar intensity and frequency proportion to those fields in cell membrane, the effects of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFs) on viability and proliferation ability of MCF-7 cancer cells was evaluated. Methods: Electromagnetic fields with three different intensities and frequencies were produced using an alternative wave generator and an amplifier. MCF-7 cells were exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for 24, 48 and 72 hour. Along with each treated cell group, a control group was considered. The influence of electromagnetic fields on cells viability and proliferation was examined using MTT 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay. Findings: The relative frequency of cell growth inhibition for constant frequency of 125 kHz, for intensities of 1.00, 1.75 and 2.50 microtesla and exposure time of 24 hours was 2.40, 6.04 and 9.28 percent, respectively. For the exposure time of 48 hours and the same frequency and intensities, the relative frequency was 5.61, 8.66 and 11.95 percent, respectively. Under the same conditions and for the exposure time of 72 hours, the relative frequency was 11.15, 23.26 and 31.82 percent, respectively. For constant intensity of 2.5 microtesla and frequencies of 175 and 225 kHz, the relative frequency of cell growth inhibition for 24 hours was 6.58 and 6.79 percent, respectively. Conclusion: The relative frequency of cell proliferation rate reduced with increase of exposure time as well as intensity of electromagnetic fields. However, it does not notably change with increasing frequency. According to finding of this study, it can be concluded that electromagnetic fields with frequency and intensity in this range can disturb the division cycle of MCF-7 cells. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.