Redox imbalance drives magnetic property and function changes in mice.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Physiology

Background:

• Magnetic properties influence biological responses, but understanding in living organisms is limited.
• Redox homeostasis, involving electron transfer, is key to paramagnetism and affected by magnetic fields.
• Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) plays a crucial role in maintaining redox balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of NRF2 in regulating magnetic properties of living organisms.
• To explore the connection between redox homeostasis, iron metabolism, and magnetic susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Utilized NRF2-deficient (NRF2-/-) mice and compared them to wild-type controls.
• Analyzed systemic redox state, magnetic susceptibility, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and iron concentrations (Fe2+, Fe3+).
• Assessed liver and spleen function and integrity.

Main Results:

• NRF2-/- mice showed significantly altered redox states and increased magnetic susceptibility, especially in the liver and spleen.
• Elevated levels of paramagnetic ROS and concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were observed in NRF2-/- mice.
• Disrupted redox balance led to oxidative stress, iron deposition, and impaired liver and spleen function.

Conclusions:

• NRF2 deficiency disrupts redox homeostasis, leading to increased magnetic susceptibility due to elevated ROS and iron.
• Iron metabolism and ROS are critical factors influencing magnetic susceptibility changes in biological systems.
• Findings provide insights into magnetic bioeffects and organ-specific magnetic field sensitivity.