Effects of static magnetic fields on mammalian cells

The focus of this research is to study the effects of static magnetic fields used alone or in combination with radiation or anti-cancer drugs on mammalian cells. Recent work on the effects of static magnetic fields and electromagnetic fields on mammalian cells was reviewed in this dissertation. Controversial results about the magnetic effects on cell proliferation and cell death have been reported. Different magnetic field interaction sites on cells were proposed but the mechanisms and models need to be further confirmed. At our biomagnetic engineering lab low magnetic fields (less than 1 T) were produced by Neodymium Iron Boron magnets, high magnetic fields (less than 12 T) were produced by 500 M Hz high resolution NMR magnet system. Animal and human cell lines, normal and neoplastic, were exposed to magnetic fields. After various periods of exposure the magnetic effects on cell survival, cell death, cell proliferation, cell viability, cell DNA synthesis and cell metabolic activity were evaluated. The results showed that static magnetic fields have no significant effects on cell death and cell survival. However, cell proliferation and cell DNA synthesis were inhibited up to 20%. Within a short time of exposure, metabolic activity was improved in exposed group compared to control group. The combination effects of magnetic field and radiation, anti-cancer drugs were investigated to seek indirectly magnetic field targeting sites on cells and the potential application of magnetic field to cancer therapy. The results showed that magnetic field could slow down slightly the cell death process and help cells survive after radiation treatments. The efficacy of anti-cancer drugs on cancer cell in vitro in terms of dehydrogenase activity was improved or reduced by magnetic field depending on drug type. The results implied potential benefits for combined magnetic exposure and chemotherapy. The results demonstrate free radicals were involved in the process of magnetic field interaction with cells.