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High-Intensity Pulse Magnetic Fields Affect Redox Homeostasis and Survival Rate of Escherichia coli According to
Pengbo Wang1, Limeng Du2, Yunchong Li1
1Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
Abstract:
The biological effects of magnetic fields (MFs) have been studied and applied in medicine over the past four decades. However, the influence of high-intensity pulse magnetic fields (HI-PMFs), theorized to exert even stronger biological effects, is rarely reported. Herein, a study was conducted to investigate the biological effects of 2.5 T HI-PMF on the model organism Escherichia coli and its corresponding physiological alterations. After being treated by HI-PMF, a notable increase was observed in its intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio, coupled with an improved cell survival rate. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes related to glucose metabolism. Subsequent experiments confirmed that if the initial intracellular glucose level was relatively high and markedly decreased after being treated with HI-PMF, the cell density would significantly rise, owing to the alleviated inhibition of cell division. On the contrary, a lower initial intracellular glucose level led to cell death under HI-PMF. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was proved to be the main cause attributed to the above phenomena. Therefore, our study suggests that HI-PMF treatment promotes ROS production, enhances cellular glucose metabolism, and consequently influences cell division and survival rate according to the initial level of intracellular glucose.
Insights
High-intensity pulse magnetic fields (HI-PMFs) enhance E. coli survival and glucose metabolism by increasing NADH/NAD+ ratio. Survival depends on initial glucose levels, with HI-PMF promoting growth when glucose is high and causing death when low.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Biological effects of magnetic fields (MFs) are well-documented.
- High-intensity pulse magnetic fields (HI-PMFs) effects are understudied.
- Investigating HI-PMF impact on Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore biological effects of 2.5 T HI-PMF on E. coli.
- To understand physiological alterations induced by HI-PMF.
- To elucidate the role of intracellular glucose and ROS.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of E. coli to 2.5 T HI-PMF.
- Measurement of intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio.
- Transcriptome analysis for gene expression.
- Assessment of cell survival, density, and glucose metabolism.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection.
Main Results:
- HI-PMF treatment increased intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio and cell survival.
- Upregulation of glucose metabolism genes observed.
- High initial glucose led to increased cell density post-HI-PMF.
- Low initial glucose resulted in cell death under HI-PMF.
- ROS production identified as a key factor.
Conclusions:
- HI-PMF enhances E. coli glucose metabolism and influences cell division/survival.
- The effect of HI-PMF is glucose-dependent.
- ROS production is a critical mediator of HI-PMF's biological effects.
