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Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Assessment of Open Probability of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in the Setting of Coenzyme Q Excess
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Assessment of Open Probability of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in the Setting of Coenzyme Q Excess

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Exposure to a 50-Hz magnetic field induced mitochondrial permeability transition through the ROS/GSK-3β signaling

Baihuan Feng1, Liping Qiu1, Chunmei Ye1

  • 1a Bioelectromagnetics Key Laboratory , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , China ;

International Journal of Radiation Biology
|February 7, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Exposure to a 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) transiently increases mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dephosphorylating GSK-3β. This pathway is crucial for MF-induced cellular effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) plays a critical role in cellular apoptosis and bioenergetics.
  • Understanding the impact of electromagnetic fields on cellular processes is vital for assessing potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological effects of a 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) on mitochondrial permeability.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and specific signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Human amniotic epithelial cells were exposed to a 50-Hz MF (0.4 mT) for varying durations.
  • Assessed mitochondrial permeability, membrane potential (ΔΨm), cytochrome c (Cyt-c) release, ROS levels, and GSK-3β phosphorylation.
  • Utilized ROS scavengers and GSK-3β inhibitors to probe the signaling pathway.

Main Results:

  • A 60-min exposure to 0.4 mT MF induced transient MPT and Cyt-c release without altering ΔΨm.
  • MF exposure increased intracellular ROS levels and led to GSK-3β dephosphorylation at Ser(9).
  • MF-induced MPT was attenuated by ROS scavengers and GSK-3β inhibitors, with NAC preventing GSK-3β dephosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • The study identifies a novel ROS/GSK-3β signaling pathway mediating MF-induced mitochondrial permeability.
  • These findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms by which electromagnetic fields may exert biological effects.
Keywords:
GSK-3βMagnetic fieldmitochondrial permeability transitionreactive oxygen species

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