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Micronucleus induction in cells co-exposed in vitro to 50 Hz magnetic field and benzene, 1,4-benzenediol (hydroquinone) or 1,2,4-benzenetriol.

Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA · 2003 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 5256

In Jurkat cells, 24 h exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field at 5 mT was associated with a 1.9-fold higher frequency of micronucleated cells versus sham-exposed cultures. Benzene alone showed no cytogenetic activity, while 1,4-benzenediol (hydroquinone) and 1,2,4…

Study snapshot

PublicationToxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA · 2003
Study typein_vitro
Reported directionMixed
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The generation, transmission (e.g. power lines, transformers, service wires, and electrical panels), and use (e.g. home appliances, such as electric blankets, shavers, and televisions) of electrical energy is associated with the production of weak electric and magnetic fields (EMF) which oscillate 50 (Europe) or 60 (USA) times per second (power-line frequency), falling in the extremely-low frequency (ELF) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Epidemiological reports suggest a possible association between exposure to ELF-EMF and an increased risk of cancer (e.g. childhood acute leukaemia). Benzene is an established human leukomogen. This xenobiotic, which is unlikely to be the ultimate carcinogen, is metabolized in the liver to its primary metabolite phenol, which is hydroxylated to hydroquinone (1,4-benzenediol) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol. In this in vitro approach, to test the genotoxic and / or co-genotoxic potency of ELF-EMF, the cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) method with Jurkat cells has been used. A 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) of 5 mT field strength was applied for different length of time (from 1 to 24 h), either alone or with benzene, 1,4-benzenediol, or 1,2,4-benzenetriol. Our preliminary results show that, after 24 h exposure, the frequency of micronucleated cells in MF-exposed cultures is 1.9 fold higher than in sham-exposed (control) cultures. Benzene exposure does not show any cytogenetic activity, whereas 1,4-benzenediol or 1,2,4-benzenetriol alone significantly affect the number of MN in Jurkat cells, as compared to untreated cultures. Moreover, co-exposure to ELF-MF does not seem to affect the frequency of micronuclei induced by benzene, 1,4-benzenediol, or 1,2,4-benzenetriol.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typein_vitro
Effect directionmixed
PopulationJurkat cells (in vitro)
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureELF · 1 to 24 h
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In Jurkat cells, 24 h exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field at 5 mT was associated with a 1.9-fold higher frequency of micronucleated cells versus sham-exposed cultures. Benzene alone showed no cytogenetic activity, while 1,4-benzenediol (hydroquinone) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol alone significantly increased MN compared with untreated cultures. Co-exposure to ELF-MF did not appear to change the micronuclei frequency induced by benzene or its metabolites.

Outcomes measured

  • Micronucleus (MN) frequency / frequency of micronucleated cells (cytokinesis block micronucleus assay)

Limitations

  • Described as preliminary results
  • In vitro cell model (Jurkat cells), limiting direct inference to human health outcomes
  • Sample size and statistical details not provided in the abstract
  • Exposure durations varied (1–24 h) but detailed time-course results not provided
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "power-line frequency magnetic field",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "1 to 24 h"
  },
  "population": "Jurkat cells (in vitro)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Micronucleus (MN) frequency / frequency of micronucleated cells (cytokinesis block micronucleus assay)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In Jurkat cells, 24 h exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field at 5 mT was associated with a 1.9-fold higher frequency of micronucleated cells versus sham-exposed cultures. Benzene alone showed no cytogenetic activity, while 1,4-benzenediol (hydroquinone) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol alone significantly increased MN compared with untreated cultures. Co-exposure to ELF-MF did not appear to change the micronuclei frequency induced by benzene or its metabolites.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Described as preliminary results",
    "In vitro cell model (Jurkat cells), limiting direct inference to human health outcomes",
    "Sample size and statistical details not provided in the abstract",
    "Exposure durations varied (1–24 h) but detailed time-course results not provided"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "ELF-EMF",
    "50 Hz",
    "magnetic field",
    "5 mT",
    "Jurkat cells",
    "cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay",
    "micronuclei",
    "genotoxicity",
    "co-exposure",
    "benzene",
    "hydroquinone",
    "1,2,4-benzenetriol"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.35,
      "reason": "Study discusses power-line frequency magnetic fields and benzene-related agents, relevant to workplace-type exposures, though conducted in vitro."
    }
  ]
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(03)00137-1
PubMed: 14599448

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