%0 Journal Article
%T A 50 Hz magnetic field influences the viability of breast cancer cells 96 h after exposure.
%A Elexpuru-Zabaleta M
%A Lazzarini R
%A Tartaglione MF
%A Piva F
%A Ciarapica V
%A Marinelli Busilacchi E
%A Poloni A
%A Valentino M
%A Santarelli L
%A Bracci M
%J Mol Biol Rep
%V 50
%N 2
%D Feb 2023
%M 36378418
%F 2.742
%R 10.1007/s11033-022-08069-7
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.