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Brain & Nervous System

50-Hz magnetic field impairs the expression of iron-related genes in the in vitro SOD1G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

No Effects Found

Consales C, Panatta M, Butera A, Filomeni G, Merla C, Carrì MT, Marino C, Benassi B · 2018

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Power frequency magnetic fields disrupted iron metabolism genes in ALS-susceptible cells, suggesting genetic vulnerability may amplify EMF health risks.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed lab-grown nerve cells with ALS-related genetic mutations to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for up to 72 hours. They found that while the magnetic field didn't kill cells or increase oxidative stress, it disrupted iron metabolism genes specifically in cells with the SOD1G93A mutation linked to familial ALS. This suggests that power frequency magnetic fields may interfere with cellular iron regulation in genetically susceptible individuals.

Exposure Information

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

The study examined exposure from: 50 Hz Duration: 72 h

Study Details

We characterized the response to the extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) in an in vitro model of familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (fALS), carrying two mutant variants of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene.

SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, stably over-expressing the wild type, the G93A or the H46R mutant...

We report that 50-Hz MF exposure induces: (i) no change in proliferation and viability; (ii) no modu...

50-Hz MF affects iron homeostasis in the in vitro SOD1G93A ALS model.

Cite This Study
Consales C, Panatta M, Butera A, Filomeni G, Merla C, Carrì MT, Marino C, Benassi B (2018). 50-Hz magnetic field impairs the expression of iron-related genes in the in vitro SOD1G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Int J Radiat Biol. 2018b Dec 4:1-28. doi: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1552378.
Show BibTeX
@article{c_2018_50hz_magnetic_field_impairs_2838,
  author = {Consales C and Panatta M and Butera A and Filomeni G and Merla C and Carrì MT and Marino C and Benassi B},
  title = {50-Hz magnetic field impairs the expression of iron-related genes in the in vitro SOD1G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1080/09553002.2019.1552378},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09553002.2019.1552378},
}
DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1552378

Cited By (14 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 2018 study found that 50 Hz magnetic fields (power line frequency) disrupted iron metabolism genes in lab-grown nerve cells with ALS-related mutations. The fields didn't kill cells but interfered with iron regulation specifically in genetically susceptible cells over 72 hours of exposure.
Research shows 50 Hz magnetic fields affect iron homeostasis in nerve cells with SOD1G93A mutations linked to familial ALS. The study found disrupted expression of iron-related genes IRP1, MFRN1 and TfR1, suggesting power line frequencies may interfere with cellular iron regulation.
A laboratory study suggests 50 Hz magnetic fields may not be entirely safe for individuals with certain ALS genetic mutations. While the fields didn't increase cell death, they specifically disrupted iron metabolism in SOD1G93A mutant nerve cells after 72 hours.
Research exposed ALS-mutant nerve cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields for up to 72 hours. The study found that power frequency fields disrupted iron-related gene expression in SOD1G93A cells without affecting cell viability or causing oxidative stress during this timeframe.
A 2018 study found that 50 Hz magnetic fields (common household electrical frequency) disrupted iron metabolism genes in nerve cells with familial ALS mutations. The research showed altered expression of iron transport proteins while cells remained viable and showed no oxidative damage.