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Absence of genotoxicity in human blood cells exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields as assessed by comet assay, chromosome aberration, micronucleus, and sister chromatid exchange analyses
Author(s) -
Stronati L.,
Testa A.,
Villani P.,
Marino C.,
Lovisolo G.A.,
Conti D.,
Russo F.,
Fresegna A.M.,
Cordelli Eugenia
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.10141
Subject(s) - genotoxicity , sister chromatid exchange , comet assay , micronucleus test , micronucleus , chromosome aberration , sister chromatids , dna damage , toxicology , ionizing radiation , genetics , biology , binucleated cells , microbiology and biotechnology , chromosome , chemistry , medicine , dna , physics , toxicity , irradiation , gene , nuclear physics
Abstract In the past, epidemiological studies indicated a possible correlation between the exposure to ELF fields and cancer. Public concern over possible hazards associated with exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELFMFs) stimulated an increased scientific research effort. More recent research and laboratory studies, however, have not been able to definitively confirm the correlation suggested by epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields in human blood cells exposed in vitro, using several methodological approaches for the detection of genotoxicity. Whole blood samples obtained from five donors were exposed for 2 h to 50 Hz, 1 mT uniform magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz coil system. Comet assay, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), chromosome aberrations (CA), and micronucleus (MN) tests were used to assess DNA damage, one hallmark of malignant cell transformation. The effects of a combined exposure with X‐rays were also evaluated. Results obtained do not show any significant difference between ELFMFs exposed and unexposed samples. Moreover, no synergistic effect with ionizing radiation has been observed. A slight but significant decrease of cell proliferation was evident in ELFMFs treated samples and samples subjected to the combined exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 25:41–48, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.