Biological effects of electromagnetic fields

A moderate static magnetic field promotes C. elegans longevity through cytochrome P450s

Ageing is co-regulated by genetic and environmental factors. Life on earth lives and evolves in a mild geomagnetic field. Yet, the biological effects of a moderate magnetic field on ageing and the underlying genetic mechanisms remain barely unknown. Here, we report that a moderate static magnetic field (SMF) extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, a well-established model organism in ageing research. Consistently, the SMF-treated worms show improved motility and mitochondrial function when aged. We identified from the transcriptomic changes upon SMF treatment that the upregulation of three cytochrome P450 genes are required for SMF-induced longevity. Our findings thus reveal that proper SMF treatment could promote longevity through the well-conserved cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Germination of soybean seeds exposed to the static/alternating magnetic field and algal extract

In the present study, the effect of the static and alternating magnetic field applied individually and in combination with an algal extract on the germination of soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) and chlorophyll content was examined. The exposure time of seeds to the static magnetic field was 3, 6, and 12 min, whereas to the alternating magnetic field was 1, 2.5, and 5 min. The static magnetic field was obtained by means of a permanent magnets system while the alternating magnetic field by means of magnetic coils. Algal extract was produced from a freshwater macroalga-Cladophora glomerata using ultrasound homogenizer. In the germination tests, 10% extract was applied to the paper substrate before sowing. This is the first study that compares the germination of soybean seeds exposed to the static and alternating magnetic field. The best effect on the germination and chlorophyll content in seedlings had synergistic action of the static magnetic field on seeds for 3 min applied together with the extract and alternating magnetic field used for 2.5 min. It is not possible to clearly state which magnetic field better stimulated the germination of seeds, but the chlorophyll content in seedlings was much higher for alternating magnetic field.

Electromagnetic fields promote severe and unique vascular calcification in an animal model of ectopic calcification

BACKGROUND

The effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on cardiovascular calcification is unknown. We sought to evaluate the effects of EMF on vascular calcification in normal rats and in rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) - a condition which promotes calcification.

METHODS

We used four groups of rats: group 1 - exposed to EMF, group 2 - not exposed to EMF, group 3 - rats with CKD exposed to EMF, group 4 - rats with CKD not exposed to EMF. In order to induce CKD, groups 3 and 4 rats were fed with a uremia-inducing diet. Groups 1 and 3 rats were continuously exposed to EMF using a system similar to an electrical transformer, which consists of a primary coil, a ferrite ring, and a secondary coil. The system transmitter emitted a series of exponentially decaying electromagnetic sine waves (continuous exposure with pulsed peaks) in randomly selected frequencies between 150 and 155 kHz, with random exposure intensities between 4 and 7 mG. Clinical investigations included multislice computed tomography of the aortic roots. Pathological examinations of the aortas included histological characterization, and antigen expression analyses.

RESULTS

No calcification was found in either group of rats with normal kidney function. Aortic root calcification was significantly higher in rats exposed to EMF (group 3) compared with group 4 rats - with a mean Agatston score of 138 ± 25 vs. 80 ± 20 respectively (p<0.05). Pathological examination showed massive aortic calcification in group 3 rats. The calcification pattern was unique as it formed circular rings along the length of the aortic media. Although increased calcification was noticed in group 3 rats, antigen expression of osteoblast markers was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 4.

CONCLUSIONS

EMF exposure may have potential harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, as it promotes severe vascular calcification in CKD miliue.

Therapeutic Application of Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Fields in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Different studies have demonstrated the efficacy of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) in the treatment of pain. In particular, the positive effects of ELF EMFs seems to depend on their respective codes, such as frequency, intensity and waveform, even if the exact mechanism of interaction is still debated. The most commonly used for extremely low frequency magnetotherapy is a 100Hz sinusoidal field (ELF) with a mean of induction of few Gauss. This article reviews the therapeutic application of a musically modulated electromagnetic field (TAMMEF), a new-generation of electromagnetic field used for extremely low frequency magnetotherapy characterized by variable frequencies, intensities and waveforms. Both clinical and experimental studies, performed by authors of the present review, have demonstrated the efficacy of ELF and the new TAMMEF systems in several musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder periarthritis and cervical spondylosis. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that ELF and TAMMEF systems are not only effective, but also safe, from clinical and experimental point of view. In fact, clinical trials did not reported any undesired side effect, while in vitro studies showed that ELF EMFs did not induce uncontrolled cell proliferation, did not affect cell viability and did not induce apoptosis. With their efficacy and safety, ELF and even more the new TAMMEF systems represent a valid complementary or alternative treatment to standard pharmacological therapies in reducing both pain and inflammation of patients affected by musculoskeletal disorders.

Alterations in adenylate kinase activity in human PBMCs after in vitro exposure to electromagnetic field: comparison between extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF) and therapeutic application of a musically modulated electromagnetic field (TAMMEF)

This study investigated the effects of electromagnetic fields on enzymes involved in purine metabolism in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Cells were obtained from 20 volunteers. We tested both low-energy, extremely low frequency (ELF; 100-Hz) electromagnetic fields and the Therapeutic Application of Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Fields (TAMMEFs); the latter is characterized by variable frequencies, intensities, and wave shapes. Adenylate kinase activity was increased after ELF field exposure but decreased slightly after TAMMEF exposure. Neither of the two electromagnetic field affected the activities of the purine metabolism enzymes ecto-5′-nucleotidase, adenosine deaminase, and adenosine kinase. We concluded that ELF fields may influence cellular electrical charge stability; stimulation of adenylate kinase activity could restore the cell to a state of equilibrium. In contrast, TAMMEF fields may be useful for maintaining and regulating the cellular electrical charge.

Combined effects of electromagnetic fields on immune and nervous responses

In technologically developed countries, there is concern about hazards from electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Several studies have reported that immune and neuroendocrine systems exert an integrated response to EMF exposure. The aim of this review is to summarize the results of studies on the effect of low and high frequency EMF on immune and neuroendocrine systems on which our research group has been working for several years.

Are thyroid dysfunctions related to stress or microwave exposure (900 MHz)?

In the last decade, numerous scientific evidence suggested possible adverse health effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF'S) and the use of mobile phones. According to some studies EMF induced changes of trans-membrane Ca++ flux may lead to altered metabolism and/or secretion of neurohormones including TSH, ACTH, GH, prolactin and melatonin. The aim of this research was to analyse the effects of mobile phone use on thyroid function and to evaluate the possible role of occupational stress. 2598 employees (1355 men and 1243 women) with different duties (vendors, operators and network technicians) were included in the study. Exposure to EMF'S, generated by mobile phones, was assessed both by submitting a questionnaire directly to the employees and acquiring data regarding conversation times. The workers were divided into three groups on the basis of their personal mobile phone use. Moreover, a group of 160 workers with TSH values below 0.4 UI/l was characterized. No statistically significant difference regarding TSH values below 0.4 UI/l was observed among workers with different duties but there was a greater prevalence of subjects with low SH values among 192 employees with more than 33 hrs./month conversation time; this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). On the basis of our data, it is not possible to establish whether this result is determined by exposure to EMF'S from mobile phones of by the stress of using these instruments.

Post-continuous whole body exposure of rabbits to 650 MHz electromagnetic fields: effects on liver, spleen, and brain

This study deals with the effects of post (12 or 18 months) whole body continuous (2 years) exposure of rabbits to 650 MHz electromagnetic fields (EMF) that are characteristic of those produced by broadcasting stations, on body weight and body mass, on the morphology of liver, spleen and brain, and on apoptosis rates and glycogen distribution in the liver. Two groups of rabbits were continuously exposed for 2 years to EMF of 650 MHz followed by 12 months (group 1) or 18 months (group 2) of post-exposure; a third group (group 3) was sham exposed. It was shown that the changes in apoptosis rates were conditional during the time of exposure, but not on a specific organ and that the whole body continuous exposure gave rise to modifications whose types and intensities were related to the time of post-exposure (12 or 18 months, respectively), the type of organ, and the individual animal. A number of effects were observed only in group 1, and not in group 2, which suggests some kind of adaptive response or of long-term recovery in the rabbits following continuous exposure to 650 MHz EMF.

Real-time control of neutrophil metabolism by very weak ultra-low frequency pulsed magnetic fields

In adherent and motile neutrophils NAD(P)H concentration, flavoprotein redox potential, and production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, are all periodic and exhibit defined phase relationships to an underlying metabolic oscillation of approximately 20 s. Utilizing fluorescence microscopy, we have shown in real-time, on the single cell level, that the system is sensitive to externally applied periodically pulsed weak magnetic fields matched in frequency to the metabolic oscillation. Depending upon the phase relationship of the magnetic pulses to the metabolic oscillation, the magnetic pulses serve to either increase the amplitude of the NAD(P)H and flavoprotein oscillations, and the rate of production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide or, alternatively, collapse the metabolic oscillations and curtail production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Significantly, we demonstrate that the cells do not directly respond to the magnetic fields, but instead are sensitive to the electric fields which the pulsed magnetic fields induce. These weak electric fields likely tap into an endogenous signaling pathway involving calcium channels in the plasma membrane. We estimate that the threshold which induced electric fields must attain to influence cell metabolism is of the order of 10(-4) V/m.