Activity of matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 in electromagnetic field-exposed THP-1 cells
Patruno A, Pesce M, Marrone A, Speranza L, Grilli A, De Lutiis MA, Felaco M, Reale M · 2012
View Original AbstractPower frequency magnetic fields disrupt immune cell repair mechanisms through oxidative stress pathways at exposure levels found near electrical equipment.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed immune cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for 24 hours and found significant disruption of cellular repair mechanisms. The EMF exposure caused oxidative stress and altered the activity of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which help regulate tissue repair and inflammation. These changes could potentially affect how the immune system responds to threats and repairs tissue damage.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a concerning mechanism by which power frequency magnetic fields can disrupt fundamental cellular processes. The 1 milliTesla exposure level used here is relatively high compared to typical household exposures (which range from 0.01 to 0.2 mT), but it's within the range you might encounter very close to electrical appliances or power lines. What makes this research particularly significant is that it identifies a specific biological pathway through which EMF exposure affects immune cell function. The disruption of MMP regulation could have far-reaching implications for wound healing, inflammation control, and tissue maintenance. The science demonstrates that even non-thermal EMF exposures can trigger cascading biochemical changes that affect cellular health and immune function.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 1 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 24 h
Exposure Context
This study used 1 mG for magnetic fields:
- 50Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 10Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
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 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.
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},
}