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Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane
Published on: February 8, 2020
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) induced alterations in gene expression and cytokine secretion
Aleksandra Cios1, Martyna Ciepielak2, Krystyna Lieto3
1Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Microwave Safety).
Background:
The study aimed to investigate the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by assessing alterations in gene expression and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines.
Material And Methods:
Three ccRCC cell lines (786-O, 769-P, and CAKI-1) and a healthy HEK293 cell line were subjected to ELF-EMF exposure (frequency 50 Hz, magnetic field strength 4.5 mT) for 30 min daily for 5 days. The study examined the expression of ADAM28, NCAM1, and VEGFC genes, along with the secretion of 30 cytokines and chemokines.
Results:
Notably, primary tumor-derived cell lines, but not those from metastatic sites, exhibited ADAM28 gene expression, which increased following ELF-EMF exposure. A statistically significant reduction in VEGFC gene expression was observed in 769-P cells after ELF-EMF exposure. Additionally, NCAM1 gene expression was upregulated in HEK293, 769-P, and 786-O cells, representing normal embryonic kidney cells and primary tumor cells, but not in CAKI-1 cells, which model metastatic sites. After EMF exposure, there was a statistically significant decrease in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) concentration in the cell culture supernatants of HEK293 and CAKI-1 cell lines, with no other significant changes in the secretion of tested cytokines.
Conclusions:
Given the study's findings and available research, caution is warranted when drawing conclusions about the potential inhibitory effect of ELF-EMF on ccRCC progression. Standardization of experimental models is imperative when assessing the effects of EMF in a human context. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):133-141.
Insights
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) influenced gene expression in kidney cancer cells. Some genes showed increased or decreased expression, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) levels decreased, but caution is advised for clinical implications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Cell biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a significant health concern.
- Understanding environmental factors influencing ccRCC is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on ccRCC.
- To assess ELF-EMF effects on gene expression and cytokine/chemokine secretion in ccRCC cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three ccRCC cell lines (786-O, 769-P, CAKI-1) and a healthy HEK293 cell line.
- Exposed cells to ELF-EMF (50 Hz, 4.5 mT) for 30 minutes daily over 5 days.
- Analyzed expression of ADAM28, NCAM1, VEGFC genes and 30 cytokines/chemokines.
Main Results:
- ADAM28 expression increased in primary tumor cell lines post-ELF-EMF exposure.
- VEGFC expression significantly decreased in 769-P cells; NCAM1 expression upregulated in HEK293, 769-P, and 786-O cells.
- Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) levels significantly decreased in HEK293 and CAKI-1 cell lines after ELF-EMF exposure.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest ELF-EMF can alter gene expression and cytokine profiles in ccRCC models.
- Caution is needed when extrapolating these results to clinical ccRCC progression.
- Standardization of experimental models is essential for human-context EMF effect assessments.

