A 60-Hz sinusoidal magnetic field induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells through reactive oxygen species.
Koh EK, Ryu BK, Jeong DY, Bang IS, Nam MH, Chae KS · 2008
View Original AbstractPower-frequency magnetic fields killed prostate cancer cells through oxidative stress, suggesting EMF effects vary dramatically by cell type.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed prostate cancer cells to 60-Hz magnetic fields (the frequency of household electricity) and found the fields killed cancer cells by increasing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species. This suggests power-line frequency magnetic fields might potentially be developed as cancer treatments.
Why This Matters
This study presents a fascinating paradox in EMF research. While most research focuses on potential harmful effects of power-frequency magnetic fields, these Korean researchers found that 60-Hz fields actually killed prostate cancer cells through oxidative stress mechanisms. The science demonstrates that the same reactive oxygen species pathway often cited as a concern for healthy tissue exposure may actually be beneficial when targeting cancer cells. What this means for you is that EMF effects are highly context-dependent. The reality is that biological responses to electromagnetic fields can vary dramatically based on cell type, exposure conditions, and cellular health status. This research adds important nuance to our understanding that EMF effects aren't universally harmful or beneficial, but depend on the specific biological system being exposed.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 60-Hz
Study Details
To explore the effects of power frequency magnetic fields (MF) on cell growth in prostate cancer, DU145, PC3, and LNCaP cells were examined in vitro.
The cells were exposed to various intensities and durations of 60-Hz sinusoidal MF in combination wi...
MF exposure induced significant cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in an intensity- and time-depen...
These results demonstrate 60-Hz sinusoidal MF-activated cell growth inhibition of prostate cancer in vitro. Apoptosis together with cell cycle arrest were the dominant causes of the MF-elicited cell growth inhibition, mediated by MF-induced ROS. These results suggest that a possibility of using 60-Hz MF in radiation therapy of prostate cancer could usefully be investigated.
Show BibTeX
@article{ek_2008_a_60hz_sinusoidal_magnetic_1591,
author = {Koh EK and Ryu BK and Jeong DY and Bang IS and Nam MH and Chae KS},
title = {A 60-Hz sinusoidal magnetic field induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells through reactive oxygen species.},
year = {2008},
doi = {10.1080/09553000802460206},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09553000802460206},
}