Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

X-ray-induced apoptosis of BEL-7402 cell line enhanced by extremely low frequency electromagnetic field in vitro med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30 (2): 163-165

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To test whether an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field could enhance the apoptotic effect of X-ray radiotherapy on liver cancer cells in vitro.

Background/further details

The healing effect of radiotherapy in cancer treatment relies on the radiosensitivity of target cancer cells. Finding a non invasive method to sensitize liver cancer cells to low doses of X-ray irradiation is of great importance.
Two groups were first exposed to 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Gy of X-ray and then two times to electromagnetic fields and sham exposure.
In a second experiment (only 2 Gy), it was tested whether more electromagnetic field exposures (6x vs. 2x) could contribute to higher apoptosis rates.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 100 Hz
Exposure duration: up to six times 30 min with a 12 h interval

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 100 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration up to six times 30 min with a 12 h interval
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup 15 cm x 20 cm solenoid; 5 cm x 5 cm flasks with cells placed inside the solenoid
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.7 mT mean - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Two periods of electromagnetic field exposures following X-ray irradiation significantly increased the apoptosis rates of cells compared to those subjected to X-ray irradiation alone, with highest effects at doses of 4 and 6 Gy.
Six periods of electromagnetic field exposure significantly increased the apoptosis rate compared to fewer exposures (two times) when combined with 2 Gy X-ray irradiation.
Repetitive electromagnetic field exposure may increase the apoptotic effects when combined with low doses of X-ray.

Study character:

Study funded by

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