Abstract
Far infrared (FIR) radiation has been used in many health-promoting applications, but the cellular mechanisms have not been elucidated. We investigated the influence of non-thermal-enhanced FIR for generating nitric oxide (NO) in breast cancer cells. We used MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with FIR irradiation or left untreated, and measured the inducible NO concentrations using the DAF-FM diacetate (4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'- difluorofluorescein) technique. Mean fluorescence intensities of DAF-FM assays from different breast cancer cells showed progressive and cumulative increases in NO with FIR irradiation. Significant inductions of NO synthesis in breast cancer cells were observed both during and after FIR irradiation. Including data from a literature review, we discuss possible therapeutic roles of FIR for breast cancers through the induction of NO generation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 15-18 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2009 |
Keywords
- Breast cancer cells
- Far infrared ray (FIR)
- Nitric oxide (NO)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biomedical Engineering