Static magnetic field of 6 mT induces apoptosis and alters cell cycle in p53 mutant Jurkat cells

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 milliTesla (mT) static magnetic field (SMF) on apoptosis induction and cell cycle alteration in T-lymphoblastoid Jurkat E6.1 cells. Exposure of human p53 mutant Jurkat cells to 6 mT SMF resulted in apoptosis, which was detected by luminometric and flow cytometric analysis also, phosphorylated ATM and E2F1 proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Based on luminescence detection data, apoptosis initiated 36 h after exposure to 6 mT SMF. Apoptosis also reached its maximum rate 48 h after treatment. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a temporary G2 arrest after exposure to 6 mT SMF. Indeed, cellular population of S and G2 phases was increased. Based on reports of other investigations on the effect of magnetic fields on Ca2 + flux changes in cell membranes and the effect of MFs on free radical formation, it can be suggested that the magnetic fields may induce the apoptosis and alter the cell population in different cell cycle phases of Jurkat cells via changing the Ca2 + fluxes through cell membranes and playing a role in free radical formation. Western blot analysis showed that the amount of phosphorylated ATM and E2F1 proteins were increased in treated cells. The results of luminometric and flow cytometric detection did not show a significant difference in the apoptosis rate between 6 h-treated and 24 h-treated cells by 6 mT SMF. Thus, 6 mT SMF can induce apoptosis and alter cell cycle in Jurkat cells via a p53-independent pathway.