Author/Authors :
Teodor Mihai، Cosmin نويسنده Department of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania , , Rotinberg، Pincu نويسنده National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, branch Institute of Biological Research Iasi, Iasi, Romania , , Brinza، Florin نويسنده Faculty of Physics, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania , , Vochita، Gabriela نويسنده National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, branch Institute of Biological Research Iasi, Iasi, Romania ,
Abstract :
Background: Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields aren’t considered as a real carcinogenic agent despite
the fact that some studies have showed impairment of the DNA integrity in different cells lines. The aim of this study
was evaluation of the late effects of a 100 Hz and 5.6 mT electromagnetic field, applied continuously or
discontinuously, on the DNA integrity of Vero cells assessed by alkaline Comet assay and by cell cycle analysis. Normal
Vero cells were exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (100 Hz, 5.6 mT) for 45 minutes. The
Comet assay and cell cycle analysis were performed 48 hours after the treatment.
Results: Exposed samples presented an increase of the number of cells with high damaged DNA as compared with
non-exposed cells. Quantitative evaluation of the comet assay showed a significantly ( < 0.001) increase of the tail
lengths, of the quantity of DNA in tail and of Olive tail moments, respectively. Cell cycle analysis showed an increase of
the frequency of the cells in S phase, proving the occurrence of single strand breaks. The most probable mechanism
of induction of the registered effects is the production of different types of reactive oxygen species.
Conclusions: The analysis of the registered comet indices and of cell cycle showed that extremely low frequency
electromagnetic field of 100 Hz and 5.6 mT had a genotoxic impact on Vero cells.
