Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 24, 2024 3 months, 4 weeks, 22 hours, 31 minutes ago
Medical News:
Magnetic Fields and Your Immune System: What You Need to Know
In our modern world, magnetic fields are more prevalent than ever. From the MRI machines used in hospitals to the magnetic levitation trains in some cities, we are constantly exposed to these forces. Cell phone towers are also another source of magnetic waves. But what impact do these static magnetic fields (SMFs) have on our health? A recent study conducted by researchers from several institutions has delved into this question, focusing on how different strengths and polarities of SMFs affect cytokine production by human lymphocytes in vitro.
New peer reviewed study shows how magnetic fields affect our immune cells
Understanding the Study
This
Medical News report explores the fascinating effects of SMFs on the immune system, shedding light on potential therapeutic benefits and risks. The research team comprised scientists from the University Hospital Foča, the Faculty of Medicine Foča at the University of East Sarajevo, the Department of Pathological Physiology at the University of Belgrade, the Institute of Physics Belgrade, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Pristina, and the Institute for Medical Research at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade.
The researchers set out to understand how long-term exposure to moderate-strength SMFs (1 mT and 56 mT) affects cytokine production in cultures of human T lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Cytokines are crucial signaling proteins in the immune system that regulate inflammation and immune responses.
The Experimental Setup
To achieve their goal, the team designed a series of experiments. They exposed cultures of T cells and DCs to four different SMFs: 1 mT and 56 mT of both upward- and downward-oriented poles. The researchers measured the production of several cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, TNF-α, TNF-β, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, using ELISA and flow cytometry techniques.
Key Findings
One of the most striking findings was that the upward-oriented 56 mT SMF significantly increased the production of IFN-γ and TNF-β in cultures of T cells and immature DCs. This suggests that stronger upward-oriented SMFs could potentially enhance certain immune responses. On the other hand, exposure to the upward-oriented 1 mT SMF led to a significant increase in IL-17 levels, highlighting that different strengths of SMFs can have distinct biological effects.
The downward-oriented 56 mT SMF also influenced cytokine production but in a different manner. It increased TNF-α release when T cells were stimulated with mature DCs. However, other cytokines like IL-4, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were not significantly affected by any SMF orientation.
What This Means for Immune Response
These findings indicate that SMFs can modulate immune cell function in diverse ways, depending on their str
ength and orientation. The increased production of IFN-γ and TNF-β by upward-oriented 56 mT SMFs could be beneficial in boosting immune responses against infections or tumors.
Conversely, the elevation of IL-17 by weaker SMFs may have implications for autoimmune conditions, as IL-17 is involved in inflammatory diseases.
Implications for Therapeutic Uses
The study opens new avenues for exploring the therapeutic potential of SMFs in treating immune-mediated disorders. For instance, selective SMF exposure could be used to enhance specific immune responses or mitigate chronic inflammation. However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to translate these findings into clinical applications.
At the same time, the study highlights the danger of magnetic waves on the human body, as it can trigger autoimmune issues and persistent inflammation which can also lead to cancers etc.
Cell Viability and Proliferation
Another important aspect of the study was evaluating the viability and proliferation of T cells under SMF exposure. The researchers found that SMFs did not significantly affect cell proliferation or induce cytotoxicity, as the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells remained low. This suggests that SMFs, under the tested conditions, are safe for immune cells and do not adversely impact their growth or survival.
Looking Ahead
While the study provides valuable insights, it also raises questions about the long-term effects of continuous SMF exposure, particularly in real-world settings where people might be exposed to varying magnetic field strengths and orientations. Additionally, the observed differences between upward- and downward-oriented SMFs highlight the need for further investigation into the directional impact of magnetic fields on biological systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research conducted by this multi-institutional team has demonstrated that static magnetic fields of different strengths and polarities can differentially influence cytokine production by human lymphocytes. These findings could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in managing immune-related diseases.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Bioengineering.
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/11/8/749
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Medical News.
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