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Activity of matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 in electromagnetic field-exposed THP-1 cells

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Patruno A, Pesce M, Marrone A, Speranza L, Grilli A, De Lutiis MA, Felaco M, Reale M · 2012

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Exposing THP-1 cells to a 50 Hz, 1 mT EMF for 24 hours was associated with reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and increased nitrogen intermediates, suggesting a pathway linking MMPs and their inhibitor TIMP-1.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed THP-1 cells to a 50 Hz, 1 mT electromagnetic field for 24 hours, with or without LPS, to study effects on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor TIMP-1. Exposure was associated with a reduction of antioxidant enzyme activity and an enhancement of nitrogen intermediates involving the iNOS pathway. The researchers analyzed the role of nitration of TIMP-1 in increasing the activity of MMPs in EMF-exposed cells, and molecular modeling identified at least two protein sites, Y120 and Y38 and/or Y72, as plausible targets. The results may suggest a pathway connecting an imbalance of MMPs and their cognate inhibitor TIMP-1.

Why This Matters

The study examined whether reactive nitrogen species generated by EMF exposure could chemically modify TIMP-1 and thereby alter MMP activity. Molecular modeling was used to identify the most plausible sites in the active conformation of TIMP-1 where nitration could occur. The researchers stated that results may suggest a pathway connecting an imbalance of MMPs and their cognate inhibitor TIMP-1.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
1 mT
Source/Device
50 Hz
Exposure Duration
24 h

Exposure Context

This study used 1 mT for magnetic fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1 mTExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)This level is 5 times the FCC limit
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

We analyzed the effects of EMF on the activity and expression of MMPs in THP-1 cells.

Cells were exposed to a 50 Hz, 1 mT EMF for 24 h and incubated with or without LPS.

Our data indicate that THP-1 cells exposed to EMF causes a reduction of anti-oxidant enzyme activity...

These results may suggest a pathway connecting an imbalance of MMPs and their cognate inhibitor TIMP-1.

Cite This Study
Patruno A, Pesce M, Marrone A, Speranza L, Grilli A, De Lutiis MA, Felaco M, Reale M (2012). Activity of matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 in electromagnetic field-exposed THP-1 cells J Cell Physiol. 227(6):2767-2774, 2012.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_2012_activity_of_matrix_metallo_440,
  author = {Patruno A and Pesce M and Marrone A and Speranza L and Grilli A and De Lutiis MA and Felaco M and Reale M},
  title = {Activity of matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 in electromagnetic field-exposed THP-1 cells},
  year = {2012},
  doi = {10.1002/jcp.23024},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcp.23024},
}
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.23024

Cited By (42 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

THP-1 cells were exposed to a 50 Hz, 1 mT EMF for 24 hours, with or without LPS.
EMF exposure was associated with a reduction of antioxidant enzyme activity in THP-1 cells.
The researchers analyzed the role of nitration of TIMP-1 in increasing the activity of MMPs in EMF-exposed cells, identifying at least two plausible protein sites, Y120 and Y38 and/or Y72.
Reactive nitrogen species may affect TIMP-1 through oxidation of sulfhydryl groups or nitration of tyrosine residues, which are crucial for the regulation of MMP activities.
The results may suggest a pathway connecting an imbalance of MMPs and their cognate inhibitor TIMP-1.