Mitochondrial ROS Release and Subsequent Akt Activation Potentially Mediated the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of a 50-Hz Magnetic Field on FL Cells

Abstract

Background/Aims: Our previous study showed that exposure to a 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) could induce transient mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in cells. In the present study, the aim was to explore the possible biological implications of MF-induced transient MPT. Materials and Methods: Human amniotic (FL) cells were exposed to MF for different durations or intensities followed by incubation with staurosporine for 4 h. After MF exposure, cell early apoptosis, cell viability mitochondrial ROS and the level of phosphorylated Akt were assessed. After MF exposure followed by incubation with staurosporine, cell early apoptosis was assessed. Results: MF exposure had a protective effect against early apoptosis induced by staurosporine, which could be abolished by MPT inhibitors, although MF exposure alone had no significant effect on early apoptosis or viability of cells. In addition, exposing cells to MF increased the level of mitochondrial ROS which were released into cytoplasm through mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP), and induced ROS-dependent phosphorylation of Akt. Furthermore, the anti-apoptotic effect of MF exposure was completely eliminated when Akt was inhibited. Conclusions: The present study indicated a possibility that mitochondrial ROS release through mPTP and subsequent Akt activation were necessary for the anti-apoptotic effect of MF.