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Oxidative Stress

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) prevents pro-oxidant effects of H2O2 in SK-N-BE(2) human neuroblastoma cells.

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Falone S, Marchesi N, Osera C, Fassina L, Comincini S, Amadio M, Pascale A. · 2016

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Specific pulsed electromagnetic fields at 2 milliTesla boosted cellular antioxidant defenses, showing EMF bioeffects depend critically on exposure parameters.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed drug-resistant brain cancer cells to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) at 75 Hz for brief periods over five days, then tested how well the cells handled oxidative stress. The PEMF treatment boosted the cells' antioxidant defenses and reduced harmful reactive oxygen species when challenged with hydrogen peroxide. This suggests that specific electromagnetic field exposures might actually help protect cells from oxidative damage rather than harm them.

Why This Matters

This study adds an important wrinkle to our understanding of electromagnetic field bioeffects. While most EMF research focuses on potential harm, this work demonstrates that certain frequencies and intensities can actually enhance cellular protection against oxidative stress. The 2 milliTesla magnetic field strength used here is significantly higher than typical environmental exposures from power lines or appliances, which range from 0.01 to 1 milliTesla in most residential settings. What makes this research particularly noteworthy is its focus on drug-resistant neuroblastoma cells, which are notoriously difficult to protect or treat. The finding that PEMF can boost antioxidant defenses in these resilient cancer cells suggests the mechanism may be quite robust. However, readers should understand this doesn't mean all EMF exposures are beneficial. The science demonstrates that EMF bioeffects are highly dependent on specific parameters like frequency, intensity, and duration. This controlled laboratory study used precise conditions that differ dramatically from the chaotic mix of frequencies we encounter from wireless devices and modern electronics.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
2 mG
Source/Device
75 Hz Pulsed electromagnetic field
Exposure Duration
15 min each, repeated 3 times over 5 days

Exposure Context

This study used 2 mG 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: 2 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 1,000x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 75 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 75 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The redox milieu, together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, may play a role in mediating some biological effects of extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). Some of us have recently reported that a pulsed EMF (PEMF) improves the antioxidant response of a drug-sensitive human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line to pro-oxidants. Since drug resistance may affect cell sensitivity to redox-based treatments, we wanted to verify whether drug-resistant human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE(2) cells respond to a PEMF in a similar fashion

SK-N-BE(2) cells were exposed to repeated 2 mT, 75 Hz PEMF (15 min each, repeated 3 times over 5 day...

The PEMF increased the MnSOD-based antioxidant protection and reduced the ROS production in response...

Our work might lay foundation for the development of non-invasive PEMF-based approaches aimed at elevating endogenous antioxidant properties in cellular or tissue models.

Cite This Study
Falone S, Marchesi N, Osera C, Fassina L, Comincini S, Amadio M, Pascale A. (2016). Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) prevents pro-oxidant effects of H2O2 in SK-N-BE(2) human neuroblastoma cells. Int J Radiat Biol. 92(5):281-286, 2016.
Show BibTeX
@article{s_2016_pulsed_electromagnetic_field_pemf_357,
  author = {Falone S and Marchesi N and Osera C and Fassina L and Comincini S and Amadio M and Pascale A.},
  title = {Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) prevents pro-oxidant effects of H2O2 in SK-N-BE(2) human neuroblastoma cells.},
  year = {2016},
  doi = {10.3109/09553002.2016.1150619},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09553002.2016.1150619},
}
DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2016.1150619

Cited By (34 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows that specific pulsed electromagnetic fields (75 Hz) can actually boost cellular antioxidant defenses. A 2016 study found that brief PEMF exposures helped brain cells better handle oxidative damage by increasing protective enzymes and reducing harmful reactive oxygen species.
This study suggests the opposite - controlled pulsed electromagnetic fields at 75 Hz actually protected brain cancer cells from oxidative damage. The PEMF treatment strengthened the cells' natural antioxidant systems rather than causing harm, challenging assumptions about EMF effects.
Yes, pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can boost cellular antioxidant activity. Researchers found that 75 Hz PEMF treatments increased MnSOD antioxidant enzyme levels in brain cells and helped them resist oxidative stress from hydrogen peroxide challenges.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy at 75 Hz enhanced cellular antioxidant defenses in laboratory studies. The treatment increased protective enzyme activity and reduced harmful reactive oxygen species, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for oxidative stress-related conditions.
PEMF exposure at 75 Hz strengthened cellular protection mechanisms against oxidative damage. The electromagnetic fields boosted antioxidant enzyme production and reduced reactive oxygen species formation when cells were challenged with oxidative stress, demonstrating protective rather than harmful effects.