Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) induced alterations in gene expression and cytokine secretion in clear cell renal carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by assessing alterations in gene expression and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three ccRCC cell lines (786-O, 769-P, and CAKI-1) and a healthy HEK293 cell line were subjected to ELF-EMF exposure (frequency 50 Hz, magnetic field strength 4.5 mT) for 30 min daily for 5 days. The study examined the expression of ADAM28, NCAM1, and VEGFC genes, along with the secretion of 30 cytokines and chemokines. RESULTS: Notably, primary tumor-derived cell lines, but not those from metastatic sites, exhibited ADAM28 gene expression, which increased following ELF-EMF exposure. A statistically significant reduction in VEGFC gene expression was observed in 769-P cells after ELF-EMF exposure. Additionally, NCAM1 gene expression was upregulated in HEK293, 769-P, and 786-O cells, representing normal embryonic kidney cells and primary tumor cells, but not in CAKI-1 cells, which model metastatic sites. After EMF exposure, there was a statistically significant decrease in transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) concentration in the cell culture supernatants of HEK293 and CAKI-1 cell lines, with no other significant changes in the secretion of tested cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Given the study's findings and available research, caution is warranted when drawing conclusions about the potential inhibitory effect of ELF-EMF on ccRCC progression. Standardization of experimental models is imperative when assessing the effects of EMF in a human context. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):133-141.

Time-dependent effect of desensitization with wasp venom on selected parameters of the immune system.

The emergence of tolerance during Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a complex process. The main goal of VIT is to induce a change from proinflammatory Th2 response to the Th1 response. However, the immune mechanism of acquiring rapid tolerance during VIT has not yet been fully understood. Therefore, we have analyzed (in 4-time points: 0, 2, 6, and 24 weeks after the initiation phase of VIT) the concentration of complement C3, C4, and C5 components, lymphocyte subpopulations (flow cytometry), as well as histamine and tryptase serum concentrations of 43 patients with wasp venom allergy (III and IV Müller grade) classified to ultra-rush treatment and 18 volunteers as the control group (CG). We observed that VIT affected the immune system by inducing changes in the complement system (decreased C3 and C4 compartment protein concentrations) and "normalized" the percentage of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the peripheral blood. Moreover, a significant increase in the percentage of nTreg in the blood of patients treated with VIT was observed. On the other hand, there were no changes in histamine or tryptase concentrations in the blood. Increased percentage of nTreg cells is a well-known mechanism by which VIT affects the immune system. Finally, VIT also modulated the concentrations of the complement components, which may be a previously unknown VIT mechanism of action.

Effects of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm Laser Irradiation on the Dermal Cells.

Background: The invention of non-ionizing emission devices revolutionized science, medicine, industry, and the military. Currently, different laser systems are commonly used, generating the potential threat of excessive radiation exposure, which can lead to adverse health effects. Skin is the organ most exposed to laser irradiation; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm non-ionizing irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Methods: Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were exposed to a different fluency of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm laser irradiation. In addition, viability, type of cell death, cell cycle distribution, and proliferation rates were investigated. Results: The 445 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta (≥58.7 J/cm2) but not to Ker-CT cells. Exposure influenced the cell cycle distribution of Ker-CT (≥61.2 J/cm2) and BJ-5ta (≥27.6 J/cm2) cells, as well as the Bj-5ta proliferation rate (≥50.5 J/cm2). The 520 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta (≥468.4 J/cm2) and Ker-CT (≥385.7 J/cm2) cells. Cell cycle distribution (≥27.6 J/cm2) of Ker-CT cells was also affected. The 638 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta and Ker-CT cells (≥151.5 J/cm2). The proliferation rate and cell cycle distribution of BJ-5ta (≥192.9 J/cm2) and Ker-CT (13.8 and 41.3 J/cm2) cells were also affected. Conclusions: At high fluences, 455 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm irradiation, representing blue, green, and red light spectra, are hazardous to keratinocytes and fibroblasts. However, laser irradiation may benefit the cells at low fluences by modulating the cell cycle and proliferation rate.

Cytokines and apoptosis in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. AD affects 10-20% of children worldwide and persists into adulthood in a minority of cases, affecting approximately 2-3% of the adult population, with an increased prevalence over the past decades in developed countries. Atopy is a genetic tendency to overproduce IgE class antibodies in response to common antigens found in the environment. Concurrence of different atopy such as allergic rhinitis or asthma in children with AD is estimated at 80%. AD is characterized by a vicious cycle of an allergic immune response. The emerging picture of the AD is a complex disorder with barrier dysfunction, immunological, genetic and environmental factors all playing key roles. Patients with severe or persistent disease and their families experience significant impairment in their quality of life, and in addition, AD places a heavy economic burden on society as a whole. Pathogenesis, the role of the epidermal barrier, mechanisms of cells apoptosis, the role of T cells and cytokines in AD are discussed in this article.

The Influence of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma.

The development of new technologies and industry is conducive to the increase in the number and variety of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources in our environment. The main sources of EMF are high-voltage lines, household appliances, audio/video devices, mobile phones, radio stations, and radar devices. In the growing use of electronic devices, scientists are increasingly interested in the effects of EMF on human health. Even though many studies on the effects of EMF have already been carried out, none of them has shown a significant effect on mammals, including humans. Moreover, it is not entirely clear how EMF influences cell behavior. The International Agency for Research on Cancer on 31 May 2011, classified PEM as a possible carcinogenic factor. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the electromagnetic field on morphological and functional changes in clear cell renal carcinoma. The research was carried out on in vitro cultures of four cell lines: HEK293, 786-O 769-P, and Caki1. The results of the research showed that the EMF of low frequency had a slight effect on the viability of cells. EMF, which induced cell arrest in the G1 phase, increased the number of early apoptotic cells and decreased the number of viable cells in the 786-O line. EMF did not affect the proliferation and viability of HEK293 cells. Extreme low-frequency EMF (ELF-EMF) also showed an inhibitory effect on the migration and metastatic properties of clear cell kidney cancer cells. Moreover, shortly after the end of ELF-EMF exposure, significant increases in ROS levels were observed in all tested cell lines. As part of the work, it was shown that low-frequency EMF shows an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of primary cancer cells, diminishing their migratory, invasive, and metastatic abilities. It also increases the apoptosis of cancer cells and the amount of reactive oxygen species. Based on the results of our research, we want to point up that the effect of ELF-EMF depends on a specific metabolic state or at a specific stage in the cell cycle of the cells under study.

Immunotropic effects in cultured human blood mononuclear cells exposed to a 900 MHz pulse-modulated microwave field.

The specific biological effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) remains unknown even though devices present in our daily lives, such as smartphones and Wi-Fi antennae increase the environmental level of electromagnetic radiation. It is said that the human immune system is able to react to discrete environmental stimuli like EMF. To investigate the effect of 900 MHz microwave stimulation on the immune system our research aimed to analyze lymphocyte proliferation and observe and assess the basic immunoregulatory activities using a newly developed and improved anechoic chamber. Samples of mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the blood of healthy donors were exposed to 900 MHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency radiation (20 V/m, SAR 0.024 W/kg) twice (15 min each) or left without irradiation (control group). Subsequently, the control and exposed cells were set up to determine several parameters characterizing T cell immunocompetence and monocyte immunogenic activity. Although the microcultures of PBMC exposed to radiofrequency radiation demonstrated higher immunogenic activity of monocytes (LM index) and T-cell response to concanavalin A than control cultures after first exposure, this parameter decreased after a second stimulation. Saturation of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor rose significantly after the second day of exposure. On the other hand, response to mitogen dropped after EMF stimulation. The results suggest that PBMC are able to overcome stress caused by mitogens after stimulation with 900 MHz radiation.