Effects of Various Densities of 50 Hz Electromagnetic Field on Serum IL-9, IL-10, and TNF-α Levels

Abstract

Background: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are abundantly produced in modern societies. In recent years, interest in the possible effects of ELF-EMFs on the immune system has progressively increased. Objective: To examine the effects of ELF-EMFs with magnetic flux densities of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 µT on the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-9, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Methods: 80 adult male rats were exposed to ELF-EMFs at a frequency of 50 Hz for 2 h/day for 60 days. The serum cytokines were measured at two phases of pre- and post-stimulation of the immune system by human serum albumin (HSA). Results: Serum levels of IL-9 and TNF-α, as pro-inflammatory cytokines, were decreased due to 50 Hz EMFs exposure compared with the controls in the pre- and post-stimulation phases. On the contrary, exposures to 1 and 100 µT 50 Hz EMFs increased the levels of antiinflammatory cytokine, and IL-10 only in the pre-stimulation phase. In the post-stimulation phase, the mean level of serum IL-10 was not changed in the experimental groups. Conclusion: The magnetic flux densities of 1 and 100 µT 50 Hz EMFs had more immunological effects than EMFs with higher densities. Exposure to 50 Hz EMFs may activate anti-inflammatory effects in rats, by down-modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-9 and TNF-α) and induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10).

Wound Repair and Extremely Low Frequency-Electromagnetic Field: Insight from In Vitro Study and Potential Clinical Application

“…In fact, 50 Hz of exposure induced an early increase of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNFα production and secretion by keratinocytes and fibroblasts, while a later inhibition of inflammatory mediators led to healing, mirroring the physiological process of wound repair [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. In accordance, in vivo and in vitro studies reported the influence of ELF-EMFs exposure on inflammatory state promotion, with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-9, and TNF-α, and increased levels of ROS [ 55 , 56 ]. Furthermore, ex vivo studies reported the ability of ELF-EMFs exposure in activating the anti-inflammatory response by down-modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing IL-10, and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), as a key antagonist of pro-inflammatory mediators [ 55 , 57 ], which enhanced the immune system response in the damaged areas and favored early wound healing.…”

“…In accordance, in vivo and in vitro studies reported the influence of ELF-EMFs exposure on inflammatory state promotion, with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-9, and TNF-α, and increased levels of ROS [ 55 , 56 ]. Furthermore, ex vivo studies reported the ability of ELF-EMFs exposure in activating the anti-inflammatory response by down-modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing IL-10, and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), as a key antagonist of pro-inflammatory mediators [ 55 , 57 ], which enhanced the immune system response in the damaged areas and favored early wound healing. A clinical and experimental investigation showed that ELF-EMF speed up the switch from an inflammatory phase to a proliferative phase in the wound healing.…”

LF‐EMF Compound Block Type Signal Activates Human Neutrophilic Granulocytes In Vivo

“…In fact, physicists have long maintained that such a low field strength EMF cannot achieve biological effects because the energy deposited is negligible. From in vitro studies, it is known that even minor exposure to LF‐EMF can have effects on cellular mechanisms [Mahaki et al, 2019]. Indeed, it was found that cells are responsive to field strengths as low as ~0.15 µT [Kapri‐Pardes et al, 2017].…”

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field as a Stress Factor—Really Detrimental?—Insight into Literature from the Last Decade

“…The latest reports showed that 1 and 100 μT 50 Hz ELF-MF not only downregulates proinflammatory cytokines (IL-9 and TNF-α), but also activates an inflammation-suppressing cytokine, IL-10. In this case, the most noticeable effect was obtained at the highest value of magnetic induction [ 131 ]. The ELF-MF (60 Hz, 10 mT) also mitigated the deficits in ischemic mice, among others in the context of immune function: the levels of inflammatory mediators MMP9 and IL-1β were decreased [ 102 ].…”