Lack of effects on key cellular parameters of MRC-5 human lung fibroblasts exposed to 370 mT static magnetic field

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 6; no. 1; p. 19398
• Main Authors: Romeo, Stefania, Sannino, Anna, Scarfì, Maria Rosaria, Massa, Rita, d’Angelo, Raffaele, Zeni, Olga
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 14-01-2016; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 45/70; 49/31; 631/80; 692/1537; 82/29; 96/63; Carcinogenesis; Cell culture; Cell Line; Cell Survival - radiation effects; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; DNA Damage - radiation effects; Electromagnetic Fields - adverse effects; Fibroblasts; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Fibroblasts - radiation effects; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Magnetic fields; Magnetic Fields - adverse effects; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; multidisciplinary; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Occupational Exposure; Reactive oxygen species; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Science; Side effects; Time Factors
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/srep19398

The last decades have seen increased interest toward possible adverse effects arising from exposure to intense static magnetic fields. This concern is mainly due to the wider and wider applications of such fields in industry and clinical practice; among them, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilities are the main sources of exposure to static magnetic fields for both general public (patients) and workers. In recent investigations, exposures to static magnetic fields have been demonstrated to elicit, in different cell models, both permanent and transient modifications in cellular endpoints critical for the carcinogenesis process. The World Health Organization has therefore recommended
in vitro
investigations as important research need, to be carried out under strictly controlled exposure conditions. Here we report on the absence of effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species levels and DNA integrity in MRC-5 human foetal lung fibroblasts exposed to 370 mT magnetic induction level, under different exposure regimens. Exposures have been performed by using an experimental apparatus designed and realized for operating with the static magnetic field generated by permanent magnets and confined in a magnetic circuit, to allow cell cultures exposure in absence of confounding factors like heating or electric field components.