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0.2 T magnetic field inhibits angiogenesis in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane
Marco Ruggiero1, Donald P Bottaro, Gianfranco Liguri
1Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy. biolmol@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Inhibition of angiogenesis is a major target in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Although the effects of static magnetic fields on cancer development and cell growth have been investigated, effects on angiogenesis have received no attention so far. In this study we report the effects on angiogenesis of exposure to 0.2 T static magnetic field. Angiogenesis was analyzed using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. Exposure to 0.2 T static magnetic field was achieved by placing the eggs for 3 hr in the isocentre of the magnet of a sectorial magnetic resonance tomograph used in clinical practice. In sham exposed specimens treated with phosphate buffered saline (negative control), no significant vascular reaction was detectable; 3 hr exposure to 0.2 T static magnetic field did not affect the basal pattern of vascularization or chick embryo viability. Prostaglandin E1 and fetal calf serum elicited a strong angiogenic response in sham exposed eggs. This angiogenic response was significantly inhibited by 3 hr exposure to 0.2 T static magnetic field. These findings point to possible use of static magnetic field in inhibiting angiogenesis; this effect could be exploited for treatment of cancer and other diseases where excessive angiogenesis is involved.
Insights
Exposure to a 0.2 T static magnetic field significantly inhibited angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This finding suggests static magnetic fields may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for diseases involving excessive blood vessel growth, such as cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Physiology
Background:
- Inhibition of angiogenesis is crucial for treating cancers and other diseases.
- Previous research explored static magnetic fields' effects on cancer cell growth, but not angiogenesis.
- The impact of static magnetic fields on blood vessel formation remains largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 0.2 Tesla (T) static magnetic field on angiogenesis.
- To determine if static magnetic fields can inhibit the process of blood vessel formation.
Main Methods:
- The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to analyze angiogenesis.
- Eggs were exposed to a 0.2 T static magnetic field for 3 hours.
- Angiogenic responses were induced using Prostaglandin E1 and fetal calf serum.
Main Results:
- Exposure to a 0.2 T static magnetic field did not affect basal vascularization or embryo viability.
- The angiogenic response induced by Prostaglandin E1 and fetal calf serum was significantly inhibited by the 0.2 T static magnetic field exposure.
- Sham-exposed specimens showed no significant vascular reaction.
Conclusions:
- A 0.2 T static magnetic field demonstrates an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis.
- Static magnetic fields may represent a novel therapeutic approach for conditions characterized by excessive angiogenesis.
- Further research could explore the clinical application of static magnetic fields in cancer treatment and other angiogenic diseases.
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