Extra-low-frequency magnetic fields alter cancer cells through metabolic restriction

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• The biological mechanisms of extra-low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs) remain poorly understood.
• A credible interaction mechanism between MFs and biological systems is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ELF-MFs on cancer cell karyotypes.
• To elucidate the cellular and molecular pathways affected by ELF-MF exposure.

Main Methods:

• Exposing five cancer cell lines to ELF-MFs ranging from 0.025 to 5 µT.
• Analyzing karyotype changes in exposed cells after 6 days.
• Investigating the roles of adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATPS) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways.

Main Results:

• ELF-MF exposure induced chromosome loss (karyotype contractions, KCs) in all tested cancer cell lines.
• KCs were reversible upon cessation of MF exposure but could be re-induced.
• MF effects mimicked ATPS inhibition and were modulated by AMPK activators/inhibitors, suggesting MF interference with mitochondrial function.

Conclusions:

• ELF-MFs alter water structure, impeding proton flux in ATPS channels, leading to KCs.
• These findings suggest a novel mechanism for MF biological effects, with potential implications for cancer, diabetes, and aging.
• The study highlights the environmental relevance of MF exposure due to the critical roles of ATPS and AMPK in human physiology.