Biophysical mechanisms underlying the effects of static magnetic fields on biological systems

Abstract

Biophysical mechanisms underlying the effects of static magnetic fields on biological systems Zhang B, Yuan X, Lv H, Che J, Wang S, Shang P. Biophysical mechanisms underlying the effects of static magnetic fields on biological systems. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2022 Oct 11:S0079-6107(22)00093-1. doi: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.09.002. Abstract With the widespread use of static magnetic fields (SMFs) in medicine, it is imperative to explore the biological effects of SMFs and the mechanisms underlying their effects on biological systems. The presence of magnetic materials within cells and organisms could affect various biological metabolism and processes, including stress responses, proliferation, and structural alignment. SMFs were generally found to be safe at the organ and organism levels. However. human subjects exposed to strong SMFs have reported side effects. In this review, we combined the magnetic properties of biological samples to illustrate the mechanism of action of SMFs on biological systems from a biophysical point of view. We suggest that the mechanisms of action of SMFs on biological systems mainly include the induction of electric fields and currents, generation of magnetic effects, and influence of electron spins. An electrolyte flowing in a static magnetic field generates an induced current and an electric field. Magnetomechanical effects include orientation effects upon subjecting biological samples to SMFs and movement of biological samples in strong field gradients. SMFs are thought to affect biochemical reaction rates and yields by influencing electron spin. This paper helps people how can harness the favorable biological effects of SMFs. sciencedirect.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This review summarizes proposed biophysical mechanisms by which static magnetic fields (SMFs) may affect biological systems, including induction of electric fields/currents, magnetomechanical effects (orientation and movement in strong gradients), and effects on electron spins that may influence biochemical reaction rates and yields. SMFs were described as generally safe at organ and organism levels, though side effects have been reported in human subjects exposed to strong SMFs.

Outcomes measured

• stress responses
• proliferation
• structural alignment
• side effects in humans exposed to strong SMFs
• biochemical reaction rates and yields (via electron spin effects)

Limitations

• Narrative review; no methods for study selection or quality assessment described in the abstract
• Exposure levels/field strengths and conditions are not specified in the abstract
• Human evidence is referenced generally ("reported side effects") without details

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.2)
  Discusses safety and biological effects of static magnetic fields, which can relate to guideline discussions, but no specific WHO/ICNIRP content is stated in the abstract.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "static magnetic field",
        "source": "medicine",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "human subjects (mentioned) and biological systems (general)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "stress responses",
        "proliferation",
        "structural alignment",
        "side effects in humans exposed to strong SMFs",
        "biochemical reaction rates and yields (via electron spin effects)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "This review summarizes proposed biophysical mechanisms by which static magnetic fields (SMFs) may affect biological systems, including induction of electric fields/currents, magnetomechanical effects (orientation and movement in strong gradients), and effects on electron spins that may influence biochemical reaction rates and yields. SMFs were described as generally safe at organ and organism levels, though side effects have been reported in human subjects exposed to strong SMFs.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Narrative review; no methods for study selection or quality assessment described in the abstract",
        "Exposure levels/field strengths and conditions are not specified in the abstract",
        "Human evidence is referenced generally (\"reported side effects\") without details"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "static magnetic fields",
        "SMF",
        "biophysical mechanisms",
        "induced electric fields",
        "induced currents",
        "magnetomechanical effects",
        "electron spin",
        "biochemical reactions",
        "safety",
        "side effects"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.200000000000000011102230246251565404236316680908203125,
            "reason": "Discusses safety and biological effects of static magnetic fields, which can relate to guideline discussions, but no specific WHO/ICNIRP content is stated in the abstract."
        }
    ]
}

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