Medical/biological study (experimental study)

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 med./bio.

By: Stronati L, Testa A, Villani P, Marino C, Lovisolo GA, Conti D, Russo F, Fresegna AM, Cordelli E

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2004; 25 (1): 41-48

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To evaluate the effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields in human blood cells exposed in vitro. The effects of a combined exposure with X-rays were also investigated.

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h	magnetic flux density: 1 mT (75 V/m)

General information

The following exposure condition were performed: sham control, positive control (1 Gy), ELF exposed and ELF exposed followed by 1 Gy exposure.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 2 h

Exposure setup

Exposure source	Helmholtz coils
Chamber	Incubator 37°C, 5% CO₂

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	1 mT	-	measured	-	75 V/m

Additional parameter details

Geomagnetic field was 40 µT.

Exposed system:

blood samples

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage (alkaline comet assay (tail moment: tail length x fraction of DNA in the tail; % tail DNA); cytogenetic assay, sister chromatid exchange and chromosome aberration (metaphase analysis); micronucleus test (frequency of micronuclei; Giemsa stain))
cell viability/cell division/proliferation: nuclear division index; proliferation index (proportion of cells that undergoes 1, 2, 3, or more divisions; metaphase analysis)

Investigated system:

DNA/RNA
intact cell/cell culture

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Data obtained do not show any significant difference between extremely low frequency magnetic fields exposed and unexposed samples. Moreover, no synergistic effect with ionizing radiation has been revealed. A slight but significant decrease of cell proliferation was evident in extremely low frequency magnetic fields treated cell samples and cell samples subjected to the combined exposure.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mar (Ministry of Environment and Territory), Italy

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