Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

Original Paper

Free Access

Antagonistic Effects of a 50 Hz Magnetic Field and Melatonin in the Proliferation and Differentiation of Hepatocarcinoma Cells

Cid M.A. · Úbeda A. · Hernández-Bule M.L. · Martínez M.A. · Trillo M.A.

Author affiliations

Dept. Investigación–BEM, Hospital Ramón y Cajal-IRYCIS, Madrid

Corresponding Author

María Antonia Cid

(New address) Universidad Europea de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas

Calle Tajo, S/N Villaviciosa de Odón, 280670 Madrid (Spain)

Tel. +34 917293475; +34 912115393, Fax +34 913368171, E-Mail mariancid@yahoo.es

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Cell Physiol Biochem 2012;30:1502-1516

Abstract

Background/Aims: Epidemiological and experimental evidence exists indicating that exposure to weak, extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF - MF) could affect cancer progression. It has been proposed that such hypothetical action could be mediated by MF-induced effects on the cellular response to melatonin (MEL), a potentially oncostatic neurohormone. The present study investigates the response of HepG2 cells to intermittent exposure to a 50 Hz, 10 µT MF, in the presence or absence of MEL at physiological (10 nM) or pharmacological doses (1 µM). Methods: The Trypan blue cell exclusion test, BrdU incorporation and PCNA expression assays were carried out to assess the cellular response in terms of viability and proliferation. In addition, albumin and alpha-fetoprotein, were analyzed as specific hepatocellular differentiation markers. Results: The results indicate that the MF exerts significant cytoproliferative and dedifferentiating effects that can be prevented by 10 nM MEL. Conversely, MEL exerts cytostatic and differentiating effects on HepG2 that are abolished by simultaneous exposure to MF. Conclusion: As a whole, these results support the hypothesis that ELF - MF and MEL exert opposite, mutually counteracting effects on cell proliferation and differentiation.

© 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel




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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Accepted: November 21, 2012
Published online: December 10, 2012
Issue release date: December 2012

Number of Print Pages: 15
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0

ISSN: 1015-8987 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9778 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/CPB


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