Far infrared ray irradiation induces intracellular generation of nitric oxide in breast cancer cells

Ting-Kai Leung, Chi-Ming Lee, Ming Yu Lin, Yuan Soon Ho, Ching Shyang Chen, Chih Hsiung Wu, Yung Sheng Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-18
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Medical and Biological Engineering
Volume29
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2009

Keywords

  • Breast cancer cells
  • Far infrared ray (FIR)
  • Nitric oxide (NO)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering

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