Activation-dependent and biphasic electromagnetic field effects: model based on cooperative enzyme kinetics in cellular signaling

The decrease in diurnal oxygen production in Elodea under the influence of high geomagnetic variability: the role of light, temperature and atmospheric pressure

Epidemiological studies have indicated adverse effects of geomagnetic disturbance on human health, including increased mortality. There is evidence from plant and animal studies that help to elucidate this interaction. This study tests the hypothesis that geomagnetic disturbance affects living systems, by modifying the metabolic process of photosynthesis, in the natural environment.Continuous 24-h measurements of dissolved oxygen in flasks containing Holtfreiter's solution and strands of healthy Elodea were recorded from May 1996, until September 1998, in an electromagnetically quiet, purpose built, garden shed environment, without mains electricity. Sensormeter recordings of oxygen, light, temperature and air pressure were uploaded weekly to a PC. The hourly total geomagnetic field measurements were obtained from the nearest observatory.Significant decrease in oxygen (diurnal volume of oxygen divided by plant mass and diurnal light), (O/WL), was found on days of high geomagnetic field variability throughout 11 recorded months of the year 1997. This result was independent of temperature and atmospheric pressure. No significant decrease in O/WL during high geomagnetic variability was found for the 7 months recorded in 1996. The 1996 and 1997 data both showed a significant decrease in the diurnal time lag between peak light and peak oxygen for diurnal high geomagnetic variability compared with low geomagnetic variability. Cross correlation analysis for 1997 and 1998 data showed a decrease in positive correlation of oxygen with light in high geomagnetic variability, compared with low geomagnetic variability, and increased positive correlation with the geomagnetic field instead. These experiments support a hypothesis of high geomagnetic field variability as a weak zeitgeber, and a metabolic depressant for photosynthetic oxygen production in plants.

Model analysis of nonlinear modification of neutrophil calcium homeostasis under the influence of modulated electromagnetic radiation of extremely high frequencies

The problem of resonance effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on biological objects remained unsolved till now. Previously we demonstrated that low-intensity amplitude-modulated EMR of extremely high frequencies (EHF) modified the activity of mouse neutrophils in the synergistic reaction of calcium ionophore A23187 and phorbol ester PMA. The EHF EMR influence on the neutrophils was significant at the carrier frequencies of radiation within a narrow range of 41.8-42.05 GHz and at the modulation frequency of 1 Hz. The purpose of the work was the analysis of frequency-dependent modification of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) by modulated EHF EMR on the basis of a special model for [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in the neutrophils. The calcium channels of plasma membrane were chosen as the action target of external modulation in the model. The computer simulation demonstrated the rise in [Ca(2+)](i) at the influence of the external field with a threshold dependence on the modulation amplitude. The effect depended heavily on a sequence of delivery of the chemical and electromagnetic stimuli. The narrow-band rise in [Ca(2+)](i) had a phase-frequency dependence. With the modulation amplitudes exceeding the threshold value, the rise in [Ca(2+)](i) of more than 50% of the initial level was observed at the frequency of about 1 Hz and in the phase range of 0.3-2.5 radians. The results of the model analysis are in good correspondence with the experimental data obtained before, namely, with the resonance modification of the neutrophil activity at the modulation frequency of 1 Hz and with the presence of the effect only at high concentrations of calcium ionophore.

Bioelectromagnetic medicine: the role of resonance signaling

Only recently has the critical importance of electromagnetic (EM) field interactions in biology and medicine been recognized. We review the phenomenon of resonance signaling, discussing how specific frequencies modulate cellular function to restore or maintain health. The application of EM-tuned signals represents more than merely a new tool in information medicine. It can also be viewed in the larger context of EM medicine, the all-encompassing view that elevates the EM over the biochemical. The discovery by Zhadin that ultrasmall magnetic intensities are biologically significant suggests that EM signaling is endogenous to cell regulation, and consequently that the remarkable effectiveness of EM resonance treatments reflects a fundamental aspect of biological systems. The concept that organisms contain mechanisms for generating biologically useful electric signals is not new, dating back to the nineteenth century discovery of currents of injury by Matteucci. The corresponding modern-day version is that ion cyclotron resonance magnetic field combinations help regulate biological information. The next advance in medicine will be to discern and apply those EM signaling parameters acting to promote wellness, with decreasing reliance on marginal biochemical remediation and pharmaceuticals.

Effect of 100 mT homogeneous static magnetic field on [Ca2+]c response to ATP in HL-60 cells following GSH depletion

Calcium is an important molecule in a number of biological systems. Often these systems are signal transduction cascades involving molecules such as ATP. ATP activates second messengers which can interact with ion channels on the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum resulting in the emptying of the intracellular calcium stores and an increase in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c). Changes in [Ca2+]c can be influenced by external factors such as a static magnetic field (SMF). One hypothesis suggests that a SMF affects the cells through the radical pair mechanism. By reducing the number of antioxidant molecules like glutathione (GSH), the proportion of free radicals in the cells is increased and may lead to a greater probability of a biological response to a SMF. The purpose of this study was to determine if the [Ca2+]c response to ATP was affected by depletion of GSH by diethylmaleate (DEM) and the absence or presence of a 100 mT homogeneous SMF. Undifferentiated HL-60 cells were loaded with fura-2 AM. [Ca2+]c was measured in real time using a ratiometric fluorescence spectroscopy system. Various (DEM) ranging from 1 to 15 mM were added to deplete GSH. Cells were either exposed to sham or magnetic field (100 mT) for 13 min (780 s) and challenged with 1 microM ATP. The data show that [Ca2+]c was elevated following treatment with DEM with greater [Ca2+]c at higher [DEM]. The [Ca2+]c response to ATP was decreased as the DEM concentration increased. However, there was no effect of a 100 mT SMF on the average [Ca2+]c peak following ATP activation or the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the [Ca2+]c response and recovery after ATP activation.

Designed electromagnetic pulsed therapy: Clinical applications

First reduced to science by Maxwell in 1865, electromagnetic technology as therapy received little interest from basic scientists or clinicians until the 1980s. It now promises applications that include mitigation of inflammation (electrochemistry) and stimulation of classes of genes following onset of illness and injury (electrogenomics). The use of electromagnetism to stop inflammation and restore tissue seems a logical phenomenology, that is, stop the inflammation, then upregulate classes of restorative gene loci to initiate healing. Studies in the fields of MRI and NMR have aided the understanding of cell response to low energy EMF inputs via electromagnetically responsive elements. Understanding protein iterations, that is, how they process information to direct energy, we can maximize technology to aid restorative intervention, a promising step forward over current paradigms of therapy.

Effects of co-exposure to extremely low frequency (50 Hz) magnetic fields and xenobiotics determined in vitro by the alkaline comet assay

In the present study, we used human peripheral blood leukocytes from 4 different donors, to investigate in vitro the possible genotoxic and/or co-genotoxic activity of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) at 3 mT intensity. Two model mutagens were used to study the possible interaction between ELF-MF and xenobiotics: N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO). Primary DNA damage was evaluated by the alkaline single-cell microgel-electrophoresis ("comet") assay. Control cells (leukocytes not exposed to ELF-MF, nor treated with genotoxins) from the different blood donors showed a comparable level of basal DNA damage, whereas the contribution of individual susceptibility toward ELF-MF and the tested genotoxic compounds led to differences in the extent of DNA damage observed following exposure to the genotoxins, both in the presence and in the absence of an applied ELF-MF. A 3 mT ELF-MF alone was unable to cause direct primary DNA damage. In leukocytes exposed to ELF-MF and genotoxins, the extent of MNNG-induced DNA damage increased with exposure duration compared to sham-exposed cells. The opposite was observed in cells treated with 4NQO. In this case the extent of 4NQO-induced DNA damage was somewhat reduced in leukocytes exposed to ELF-MF compared to sham-exposed cells. Moreover, in cells exposed to ELF-MF an increased concentration of GSH was always observed, compared to sham-exposed cells. Since following GSH conjugation the genotoxic pattern of MNNG and 4NQO is quite different, an influence of ELF-MF on the activity of the enzyme involved in the synthesis of GSH leading to different activation/deactivation of the model mutagens used was hypothesized to explain the different trends observed in MNNG and 4NQO genotoxic activity in the presence of an applied ELF-MF. The possibility that ELF-MF might interfere with the genotoxic activity of xenobiotics has important implications, since human populations are likely to be exposed to a variety of genotoxic agents concomitantly with exposure to this type of physical agent.

Magnetic field inhibits isolated lymphocytes' proliferative response to mitogen stimulation

We aimed to find out how the exposure of isolated lymphocytes to a pulsed magnetic field (MF) affected their in vitro proliferative response to mitogenic stimulation. Cells were exposed to MF of various intensities (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 T) at a constant frequency of 30 Hz, for a period of 60, 180, and 330 s. Then, the proliferative response of splenocytes was induced by optimal concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A; mitogenic toward T cells), bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; mitogenic toward B cells), or pokeweed mitogen (PWM; mitogenic toward both populations). We found that the exposure of lymphocytes to the MF profoundly inhibited their proliferative response to mitogens. The suppressive action of the MF on B and T cell proliferation was intensified when a cooperative response of those two lymphocyte populations was simultaneously induced by PWM. The inhibitory effect of MF depended on the exposure time and MF intensity. Prolonged exposure and/or a stronger intensity of the MF weakened its inhibitory influence on the response of lymphocyte to mitogenic stimulation. The data show that an exposure to MF may influence the activity of lymphocytes in their response to mitogenic stimuli.

Evaluation of parameters of oxidative stress after in vitro exposure to FMCW- and CDMA-modulated radiofrequency radiation fields

The goal of this study was to determine whether radiofrequency (RF) radiation is capable of inducing oxidative stress or affecting the response to oxidative stress in cultured mammalian cells. The two types of RF radiation investigated were frequency-modulated continuous-wave with a carrier frequency of 835.62 MHz (FMCW) and code division multiple access centered on 847.74 MHz (CDMA). To evaluate the effect of RF radiation on oxidative stress, J774.16 mouse macrophage cells were stimulated with gamma-interferon (IFN) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to exposure. Cell cultures were exposed for 20-22 h to a specific absorption rate of 0.8 W/kg at a temperature of 37.0 +/- 0.3 degrees C. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring oxidant levels, antioxidant levels, oxidative damage and nitric oxide production. Oxidation of thiols was measured by monitoring the accumulation of glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Cellular antioxidant defenses were evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase activity (CuZnSOD and MnSOD) as well as catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. The trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to measure any changes in viability. The results of these studies indicated that FMCW- and CDMA-modulated RF radiation did not alter parameters indicative of oxidative stress in J774.16 cells. FMCW- and CDMA-modulated fields did not alter the level of intracellular oxidants, accumulation of GSSG or induction of antioxidant defenses in IFN/LPS-stimulated cells. Consistent with the lack of an effect on oxidative stress parameters, no change in toxicity was observed in J774.16 cells after either optimal (with or without inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase) or suboptimal stimulation.

Immune Markers and Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity Among Electric Utility Workers

The effects of a 60-Hz magnetic field (MF) exposure on white blood cell ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity, lymphocyte phenotypes, and differential cell counts were studied among 60 electric utility workers. Personal MF exposure monitoring over 3 consecutive workdays was followed by collection of a peripheral blood sample. There were no MF-related changes in NK activity or the number of circulating neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, or T-lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, CD4:CD8 ratio). MF exposure intensity was associated with decreased ODC activity (P<0.01) and lower NK cell counts (P=0.04). Melatonin production, which stimulates the immune system, was quantified on the night preceding immune marker determinations. Exposure-related reductions in ODC activity, NK and B cells, and monocytes were strongest among workers with reduced melatonin production. The biological significance or long-term health consequences associated with these changes are not known.

Weak extremely high frequency microwaves affect pollen-tube emergence and growth in kiwifruit: pollen grain irradiation and water-mediated effects

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of weak-intensity extremely high frequency (EHF) microwaves in a model system-the plant organism pollen grain-lacking the placebo effect, available in large populations, to ensure accurate statistical analysis, and whose sensitivity is closely relevant to animal and human biology.

DESIGN

This study was blinded using an in vitro pollen germination technique. SUBJECTS AND STUDY INTERVENTIONS: Pollen of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) was either directly irradiated or grown in a medium prepared with irradiated water, using a CromoStim 2000, (PromoPharma, Republic of San Marino) designed for EHF microwave resonance therapy (MRT). It produces weak intensity EHF radiations (40-78 GHz), either continuous wave (cw) or modulated, at a 10 Hz-frequency, with infrared (IR) carried to 635-950 nm, and with an impedance (IPD) of 10(-21) W/Hz cm(2) and a power supply from 0 to 20 mW.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Pollen-tube emergence was expressed as a percent of grains producing a tube and tube elongation was measured at 4 hours of incubation by a turbidimetric assay (A(500)) of cultures, expressed as the net absorbance increase over time 0.

RESULTS

At days 2 and 4 during aging, both percent of germination and tube growth significantly and consistently improved over controls in kiwifruit pollen grains irradiated for 30 minutes at day 0 at 10 Hz frequency with the CromoStim 2000. Highly significant effects, either stimulant or inhibitory, were also observed on kiwifruit pollen (stressed or not) growing in a medium prepared with water previously irradiated either cw or modulated. Irradiated water affected pollen germination immediately and even after several days following EHF treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Either direct or indirect EHF irradiation performed by the CromoStim 2000 is effective on pollen growth processes. In both cases, water seemed to play a primary role. According to the quantum electrodynamical coherence theory, our work could also have implications for homeopathy, suggesting a key to explain the efficacy of high dilutions and succussion procedures.

Immunomodulating action of low intensity millimeter waves on primed neutrophils

Comparative investigation of the susceptibility of intact and primed neutrophils of the NMRI strain mice to low intensity millimeter wave (mm wave) irradiation (41.95 GHz) was performed. The specific absorption rate was 0.45 W/kg. Isolated neutrophils were primed by a chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) at a subthreshold concentration of 10 nM for 20 min, and then the cells were activated by 1 microM fMLP. Production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated by the luminol dependent chemiluminescence technique. It was found that the preliminary mm wave irradiation of the resting cells at 20 degrees C did not act on the ROS production induced by the chemotactic peptide. The exposure of the primed cells results in a subsequent increase in the fMLP response. Therefore, the primed neutrophils are susceptible to the mm waves. Specific inhibitors of the protein kinases abolished the mm wave effect on the primed cells. The data indicate that protein kinases actively participate in transduction of the mm wave signal to effector molecules involved in neutrophil respiratory burst.

Biological processes, quantum mechanics and electromagnetic fields: the possibility of device-encapsulated human intention in medical therapies

The general hypothesis that quantum mechanics (QM) and thermodynamic concepts relate to biological systems is discussed and applied to the biological influence of: (1) electromagnetic fields (EMFs); and (2) EMFs that have been exposed to human intention. We illustrate our hypothesis with experiments involving four simultaneous treatments: exposure to ambient EMFs in the laboratory environment (C), exposure in a Faraday cage (F) and exposure in a Faraday cage with either: (i) an electronic device (IIED) which had been exposed to a specific human intention (d,j); or (ii) a non-exposed, physically identical, device (d,o). Experimental systems were fitness and energy metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster, in vitro enzyme activity and molecular concentration variability over time. Results indicated that shielding from ambient EMFs via a Faraday cage (F) made a significant difference relative to the unshielded control (C). Further, (d,o) had a significant lowering effect in the shielded environment. Finally, there was a strong 'intention' effect with the IIED (d,j) producing significant and positive effects in comparison to (d,o) in each experimental system.

No effects of pulsed radio frequency electromagnetic fields on melatonin, cortisol, and selected markers of the immune system in man

There is growing public concern that radio frequency electromagnetic fields may have adverse biological effects. In the present study eight healthy male students were tested to see whether or not radio frequency electromagnetic fields as used in modern digital wireless telecommunication (GSM standard) have noticeable effects on salivary melatonin, cortisol, neopterin, and immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels during and several hours after exposure. In a specifically designed, shielded experimental chamber, the circularly polarized electromagnetic field applied was transmitted by an antenna positioned 10 cm behind the head of upright sitting test persons. The carrier frequency of 900 MHz was pulsed with 217 Hz (average power flux density 1 W/m2). In double blind trials, each test person underwent a total of 20 randomly allotted 4 hour periods of exposure and sham exposure, equally distributed at day and night. The results obtained show that the salivary concentrations of melatonin, cortisol, neopterin and sIgA did not differ significantly between exposure and sham exposure.

Power frequency electromagnetic fields and health. Where's the evidence?

Twenty years ago concerns were raised that exposure to power frequency (or extremely low frequency (ELF)) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may be associated with an increased risk of cancer or other health hazards. Subsequently no associations have been shown between laboratory magnetic field exposures and carcinogenesis in either animal or cellular models. Indeed, studies have demonstrated that magnetic fields are not associated with cancer. However, the puzzle remains that the results of some epidemiological studies may be interpreted as suggesting that living close to high-voltage transmission (HVT) lines appears to increase slightly the risk of childhood leukaemia. Alternatively, these results could result from small biases and errors in individual studies, which might not necessarily be the same in each study. The nature of the epidemiological studies (power-line, wire code, magnetic field or appliance based) appears to determine whether and how the EMFs associated with HVT lines might be a risk factor. It is possible that a simple association with either magnetic or electric field exposure may not be the whole answer, and an alternative mechanism is always a possibility. Although the interpretation of the available evidence by most expert bodies has led them to conclude that exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields is not a human health hazard, a working group under the auspices of the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) concluded that there was a possible low risk associated with certain exposures to ELF magnetic fields. NIEHS itself interpreted the finding as insufficient to warrant aggressive regulatory concern but stated that, because virtually everyone is routinely exposed to ELF EMFs, passive regulatory action is warranted, such as a continued emphasis on educating both the public and the regulated community on means aimed at reducing exposures. These analyses, conclusions and advice are not contradicted by subsequent studies, and therefore the conclusion of the World Health Organisation that further research is needed seems valid.

Changes in neurite outgrowth but not in cell division induced by low EMF exposure: influence of field strength and culture conditions on responses in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

The effects of low electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure (4.5-15.8 microT, 50 Hz AC) on neurite outgrowth and cell division in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells were examined. The study involved two separate experimental series in which culture conditions during exposure to the magnetic fields differed. In series 1 (14 experiments in which culture conditions were not strongly conducive to cell differentiation [15% serum]), exposure to 4.5-8.25 microT for 23 h significantly inhibited neurite outgrowth by 21.5 +/- 1.3% (by Manova, p = 0.003). In contrast, in series 2 (12 experiments in which culture conditions promoted cellular differentiation [4% serum]), exposure to 4.35-8.25 microT for 23 h significantly stimulated neurite outgrowth by 16.9 +/- 1.1% (by Manova, p = 0.009). Thus, in both series, exposure to a narrow range of low EMF has significant, but opposite effects on neurite outgrowth. Exposure to higher fields, 8.25-12.5 microT (series 1) and 8.25-15.8 microT (series 2) had no significant effect on neurite outgrowth. These data, when considered with other reports, suggest that neuronal differentiation can be altered by low level EMF exposure. While this may not be detrimental, it merits further research. At present, the reasons for the significant changes in neurite outgrowth being confined to the same narrow field strength are unclear. As stated above, culture conditions in series 2 were more conducive to cell differentiation than those in series 1. This is reflected in the lower number of cells in control samples in series 2, at the end of the 23-h incubation, than in series 1 (- 16.9 +/- 1.7%, p = 0.003). As the same numbers were plated in both series, the medium used in series 1 allows more of the PC12 cells to divide; this is consistent with some cells reverting to a non-neuronal adrenal chromaffin phenotype [L. Greene, A. Tischler. Establishment of a noradrenergic clonal line of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells which respond to nerve growth factor. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 73 (1976) 2424-2426]. Exposure to both ranges of magnetic fields (4.35-8.25 and 8.25-15.8 microT) has no effect on cell division. Thus, there is no evidence in this study that there is a mitogenic effect arising from low EMF exposure.

Biphasic effects of static magnetic fields on cutaneous microcirculation in rabbits

The biphasic effects of locally applied static magnetic fields (SMF) on the cutaneous microcirculation within a rabbit ear chamber (REC) were evaluated under conscious conditions. The microcirculatory vasomotion within a REC was measured continuously and analyzed multilaterally by microphotoelectric plethysmography, a real-time image analyzer and an image shearing monitor. SMF intensities at the REC were controlled at 1 mT and the duration of exposure was 10 min. Seventy-eight experimental trials were carried out on 22 healthy adult rabbits weighing 2.6-3.5 kg. Five experimental groups were chosen at random: 1) no pharmacological treatment or SMF exposure, 2) increased vascular tone induced by noradrenaline infusion without SMF exposure, 3) increased vascular tone induced by noradrenaline infusion with SMF exposure, 4) decreased vascular tone induced by acetylcholine infusion without SMF exposure, 5) decreased vascular tone induced by acetylcholine infusion with SMF exposure. The results demonstrated that SMF significantly enhanced vasodilatation, with increased vasomotion under noradrenaline-induced high vascular tone as well as vasoconstriction with reduced vasomotion under acetylcholine-induced low vascular tone. This suggests, therefore, that SMF can modulate vascular tone due to biphasic modification of vasomotion in the cutaneous tissue.

Non-thermal effects of continuous 2.45 GHz microwaves on Fas-induced apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cell line

Non-thermal effects of microwaves (MWs) are one of the main issues studied for revising standards. The effects of MW exposure on apoptosis at non-thermal level (48 h, 2.45 GHz, 5 mW/cm2) have been studied. Results obtained assess non-thermal MW effects on Fas, but neither on butyrate- nor on ceramide-induced apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cell line. These data show that MW interacts either with Fas pathway between receptor and caspase-3 activation or on membrane proteins (i.e. Fas receptor or neurosphyngomyelinase).

The efficacy of Farabloc, an electromagnetic shield, in attenuating delayed-onset muscle soreness

OBJECTIVE

To assess the hypothesis that Farabloc, a fabric with electromagnetic shielding properties, would attenuate the symptoms, signs, and muscular strength deficit secondary to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by two exposures to eccentric exercise in humans.

DESIGN

Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with two testing stages of 5 days duration separated by a washout period of more than 8 weeks.

SETTING

University-based sports medicine center.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty volunteers equally representing untrained male and female subjects.

INTERVENTIONS

20 sets of 10 repetitions of single-leg eccentric knee extensions for 37 minutes with the Biodex dynamometer set at 30 degrees per second were performed on the first day of stage one and stage two to induce DOMS in the quadriceps muscle. Double layers of fabric, either Farabloc or placebo, were wrapped around the thigh of each participant during each stage for 5 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Perception of muscle pain, as measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), and strength, as measured by knee extensor torque (EST) with the Biodex dynamometer, were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Serum inflammatory markers of muscle damage, including malondialdehyde. creatine phosphokinase, myoglobin, leukocytes, and neutrophils, were assayed at 0, 2, 6, 24, and 48 hours.

RESULTS

Repeated-measures analysis of variance was carried out for each of the seven variables to assess differences for fabric, order of treatment, time, and all combinations. Results of VAS and EST and levels of malondialdehyde, creatine phosphokinase, myoglobin, leukocytes, and neutrophils all showed a highly significant effect of Farabloc compared with placebo. This analysis shows that the order of Farabloc or placebo fabric use in stage I and 2 produces different results. This may be caused by a learning effect, but did not alter the overall influence of Farabloc.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that double layers of Farabloc fabric wrapped around the thigh reduces pain and strength loss and serum levels of malondialdehyde, creatine phosphokinase, myoglobin, leukocytes, and neutrophils when untrained human subjects are exposed to eccentric exercise to produce DOMS in the quadriceps. Farabloc shields high-frequency electromagnetic fields, although the results do not indicate how these changes are mediated. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism.

Magnetic field perturbations as a tool for controlling enzyme-regulated and oscillatory biochemical reactions

The feasibility of magnetic field perturbations as a tool for controlling enzyme-regulated and oscillatory biochemical reactions is studied. Our approach is based on recent experimental results that revealed magnetic field effects on the in vitro activity of enzyme systems in accordance with the radical pair mechanism. A minimum model consisting of two coupled enzyme-regulated reactions is discussed that combines, in a self-consistent manner, magnetic field-sensitive enzyme kinetics with non-linear dynamical principles. Furthermore, a simple detector mechanism is described that is capable of responding to an oscillatory input. Results reveal that moderate-strength magnetic fields (B=1-100 mT) may effectively alter the dynamics of the system. In particular, a response behavior is observed that depends on: (1) the combination of static and time-varying magnetic fields; (2) the field amplitude; and (3) the field frequency in a non-linear fashion. The specific response behavior is critically determined by the biochemical boundary conditions as defined by the kinetic properties of the system. We propose an experimental implementation of the results based on the oscillatory peroxidase-oxidase reaction controlled by the enzyme horseradish peroxidase.

Growth stage dependent effects of electromagnetic fields on DNA synthesis of Jurkat cells

A 1.8 mT, bone healing, electromagnetic field (EMF) and power frequency EMFs of 0.1 and 0.4 mT significantly inhibit DNA synthesis in otherwise unstimulated Jurkat (E 6.1) cells. Inhibition is generally most prominent in cells from mid log phase growth. In complete medium the bone healing EMF inhibits [3H] thymidine uptake of the latter cells by almost 50% vs. 20-25% inhibition by 60 Hz fields. Cells in conditioned medium are even more sensitive to EMFs with inhibition up to ca. 60%. The effects of the 0.1 and 0.4 mT power frequency EMFs were very similar suggesting saturation at 0.1 mT or lower.