Effect of low frequency non-ionizing radiation on protein expression of human fibroblast

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are non-ionizing radiation emitted from household devices, electric power transmission and distribution lines. Therefore, exposure to EMF is ubiquitous for almost all individuals living in industrialized countries. There are several comprehensive reviews regarding the biological effects of exposure to extremely low frequency. Prior investigators demonstrated that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) can affect protein and gene expression. In this study, we investigated the protein response to continuous ELF-electromagnetic fields (3Hz, sinusoidal, 3h and 4mT) in human fibroblast cells using proteomic approaches. The proteomes of sham (control) and exposed cells were provided by 2DE technique. Comparison of 2-DE separated proteins from the exposed and control cells showed that some protein expressions are affected by radiation. However, apolipoprotein A1 did not express in exposed cells. Furthermore, ubiquitin protein was expressed only in exposed cells. Results have revealed that extremely low frequency (3 Hz) electromagnetic fields can affect protein expression in human fibroblast cells.