%K Extremely low frequency magnetic feld; Breast cancer; Cell viability; MDA-MB-231; MCF-7; MCF-10A
%J Molecular Biology Reports
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Raffaella Lazzarini
%A Maria Fiorella Tartaglione
%A Francesco Piva
%A Veronica Ciarapica
%A Elena Marinelli Busilacchi
%A Antonella Poloni
%A Matteo Valentino
%A Lory Santarelli
%A Massimo Bracci
%T A 50 Hz magnetic field influences the viability of breast cancer cells 96 h after exposure
%D 2023
%L uneatlantico4691
%R doi:10.1007/s11033-022-08069-7
%X Background
The exposure of breast cancer to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) results in various biological responses. Some studies have suggested a possible cancer-enhancing effect, while others showed a possible therapeutic role. This study investigated the effects of in vitro exposure to 50 Hz ELF-MF for up to 24 h on the viability and cellular response of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A breast cell line.

Methods and results
The breast cell lines were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-MF at flux densities of 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT and were examined 96 h after the beginning of ELF-MF exposure. The duration of 50 Hz ELF-MF exposure influenced the cell viability and proliferation of both the tumor and nontumorigenic breast cell lines. In particular, short-term exposure (4–8 h, 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT) led to an increase in viability in breast cancer cells, while long and high exposure (24 h, 1.0 mT) led to a decrease in viability and proliferation in all cell lines. Cancer and normal breast cells exhibited different responses to ELF-MF. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were altered after ELF-MF exposure, suggesting that the mitochondria are a probable target of ELF-MF in breast cells.

Conclusions
The viability of breast cells in vitro is influenced by ELF-MF exposure at magnetic flux densities compatible with the limits for the general population and for workplace exposures. The effects are apparent after 96 h and are related to the ELF-MF exposure time.