Impact of exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields prior to application of X-rays on the viability of cancerous and healthy cells

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of exposing healthy and cancerous cells to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) before the application of ionized X-rays on the viability of the cells. The study was performed on a cancerous (U2OS, osteosarcoma) and a healthy (L-929, fibroblast) cell line. Cells were subjected to different treatment conditions such as 0.6 mT (mT) EMF (EMF1), 1.1 mT EMF (EMF2), 60 kV-X ray (X-ray), EMF1+X-ray (0.6 mT EMF applied before X-ray) and EMF2+X-ray (1.1 mT EMF applied before X-ray). The effects of these applications on cell viability were assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Our findings showed that pre-exposure to ELF-EMF significantly increased in cell viability of both cell lines compared to X-ray alone (p < 0.05). However, it was observed that the cell viability percentage of L-929 cells was higher compared to U2OS cells in EMF1, X-ray and EMF2+X-ray groups (p < 0.05). The outcomes of this study suggest a potential protective effect, as indicated by increased resistance to ionizing X-rays in U2OS and L-929 cells pre-exposed to ELF-EMF radiation.