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DNA & Genetic Damage2,921 citations

Time-varying magnetic fields of 60 Hz at 7 mT induce DNA double-strand breaks and activate DNA damage checkpoints without apoptosis

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Kim J, Yoon Y, Yun S, Park GS, Lee HJ, Song K · 2012

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Exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields at 7 mT can induce DNA double-strand breaks through mechanisms independent of reactive oxygen species production.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This study investigated whether time-varying magnetic fields (60 Hz, 7 mT) cause DNA damage in human cells. The researchers found that while cell viability remained unchanged, the magnetic field exposure induced DNA double-strand breaks and activated DNA damage checkpoints without triggering apoptosis, with the damage pattern correlating to areas of strongest magnetic field strength and eddy currents.

Why This Matters

DNA double-strand breaks are considered serious forms of DNA damage that can lead to mutations if not properly repaired. The activation of damage checkpoints without cell death suggests cells attempted to repair the damage, though the long-term consequences of unrepaired breaks were not addressed in this abstract.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Kim J, Yoon Y, Yun S, Park GS, Lee HJ, Song K (2012). Time-varying magnetic fields of 60 Hz at 7 mT induce DNA double-strand breaks and activate DNA damage checkpoints without apoptosis.
Show BibTeX
@article{kim_j_yoon_y_yun_s_park_gs_lee_hj_song_k_ce4077,
  author = {Kim J and Yoon Y and Yun S and Park GS and Lee HJ and Song K},
  title = {Time-varying magnetic fields of 60 Hz at 7 mT induce DNA double-strand breaks and activate DNA damage checkpoints without apoptosis},
  year = {2012},
  doi = {10.1038/nature11119},
  
}
DOI: 10.1038/nature11119PubMed: 22180328

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