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Pulsed Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Induce Tumor Membrane Disruption and Altered Cell Viability
Christopher P Ashdown1, Scott C Johns2, Edward Aminov3
1VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.
Biophysical Journal
|March 7, 2020
Summary
Pulsed magnetic fields altered tumor cell membrane integrity and proliferation by interacting with the cell surface glycocalyx. These effects were specific to cancer cells, suggesting potential new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumor cells possess a unique glycocalyx rich in sulfated glycosaminoglycans and charged glycoproteins.
- The interaction between electromagnetic fields and the tumor cell glycocalyx is poorly understood.
- Harnessing these interactions could offer novel therapeutic benefits for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pulsed magnetic fields on tumor cell membrane integrity and proliferation.
- To explore the role of the cell surface glycocalyx in mediating these effects.
- To assess the specificity of magnetic field effects on tumor cells versus normal host cells.
Main Methods:
- Cultured A549 human lung cancer cells and human breast cancer cells were exposed to pulsed 20-mT magnetic fields (50/385 Hz).
- Membrane integrity was assessed using cytolytic assays measuring intracellular protease release.
- Enzymatic treatments (heparinase, sialidase) were used to probe the role of glycocalyx components.
- Cell proliferation was measured, and scanning electron microscopy visualized membrane changes.
Main Results:
- Exposure to pulsed magnetic fields induced intracellular protease release in tumor cells, indicating altered membrane integrity.
- Heparinase and sialidase treatments partially abrogated the magnetic field-induced effects, highlighting the role of sulfated glycans and sialic acid.
- Pulsed magnetic fields altered tumor cell proliferation but not that of normal lung lymphatic endothelial cells.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed membrane rippling and nanoscale pores on tumor cells after field exposure.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed magnetic fields can induce significant changes in tumor cell membrane integrity and proliferation.
- The tumor cell glycocalyx, particularly sulfated glycosaminoglycans and sialic acid, plays a crucial role in mediating these effects.
- These findings provide a mechanistic basis for exploring pulsed magnetic fields as a novel anticancer strategy.
