Electromagnetic Fields and Human Endocrine System

Abstract

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) are commonly present in daily life all over the world. Moreover, EMF are used in the physiotherapy of many diseases because of their beneficial effects. There is widespread public concern that EMF may have potential consequences for human health.Although experimental animal studies indicate that EMF may influence secretion of some hormones, the data on the effects of EMF on human endocrine system are scarce. Most of the results concentrate on influence of EMF on secretion of melatonin. In this review, the data on the influence of EMF on human endocrine system are briefly presented and discussed.KEYWORDS: electromagnetic fields, endocrine system, hormones DOMAINS: microscopy, medicine, endocrinology, sport medicine and physiotherapy. INTRODUCTIONExtremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) are commonly present in daily life all over the world. They are associated with the use of electric power applied in residential and occupational environments. Wherever electricity is generated, transmitted, or used, electric and magnetic fields are created due to the presence of motion of electric charges. They are emitted by power lines, electrical panels, transformers, and service wires, but also by such household appliances as televisions, electric blankets, hair driers, etc. [1]. Moreover, electromagnetic fields (EMF) are used in the physiotherapy of many diseases (e.g., low back pain syndrome, migraine and vasomotoric headaches, multiple sclerosis, degenerative processes of the bones and joints, rheumatoid arthritis) because of their beneficial effects (e.g., improvement of soft tissue regeneration processes, vasodilatory action, acceleration of bone adhesion formation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action) [2,3].There is widespread public concern that EMF may have potential consequences for human health [1,4,5], especially associated with increased risk for cancer and childhood leukemia [5]. 23 Karasek and Woldanska-Okonska: EMFs and hormones TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (2004) 4(S2), 23-28 Additionally some attention has also been paid to other possible health hazards, such as interference with cardiac pacemakers[6], Alzheimer's disease [7], and adverse pregnancy outcome [8].Although there is still scientific controversy concerning that problem, it seems to be a growing consensus that human health hazard associated with exposure to EMF is either very small or restricted to small subgroups. A Working Group organized by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services concluded in a report published in 1998, on the basis of almost 900 publications, that: "None of the evidence for adverse health effects seen after exposure to ELF EMF achieved a degree of evidence exceeding 'inadequate' (for humans) or 'weak' (for experimental animals)" [1].Studies on the effects of EMF in humans concentrate mainly on power line frequency fields or fields used in mobile phones. The influence of ELF EMF used in physiotherapy on the endocrine system was rarely exa...

The influence of the low-frequency magnetic fields of different parameters on the secretion of cortisol in men

“…The authors explain the effects of magnetostimulation as a stabilization of cortisol distribution. Magnetotherapy causes a decrease of melatonin secretion during the nocturnal peak, which may influence the adrenal system [6]. Magnetic storms did not cause changes in cortisol concentration during circadian observation [39].…”

“…The influence of magnetic fields on ions that are loosely bound to molecules can be explained through precession of ionic orbits [5,6]. The potential mechanisms of magnetic field actions on adrenal system result from their influence on the ATPactivated receptor [5], as well as from their influence on the serotonin and melatonin concentrations [6][7][8]. They…”

“…They are responsible for: the transport of ions through cell membranes, producing actions on membrane receptors, calcium (Ca2+) binding to calmoduline (which regulates enzyme activity) as well as changes in the level of dielectrophoresis and dielectrical permeability. The influence of magnetic fields on ions that are loosely bound to molecules can be explained through precession of ionic orbits [5,6]. The potential mechanisms of magnetic field actions on adrenal system result from their influence on the ATPactivated receptor [5], as well as from their influence on the serotonin and melatonin concentrations [6][7][8].…”

Proteomic Analysis of Extremely Low-Frequency ElectroMagnetic Field (ELF-EMF) With Different Intensities in Rats Hippocampus

“…Each powdered tissue sample was added to an appropriate amount of lysis buffer containing 8 M urea, 4% CHAPS, 40 mM DTT, 2% pharmalyte (pH 3 -10 NL), 1 mM PMSF, and 1mM EDTA. Samples were sonicated with a probe sonicator for 5 minutes and centrifuged at 40,000 g for 30 2 Arch Neurosci. In Press(In Press):e62954.…”

“…A major physical agent is the electromagnetic field (EMF) that among other agents is widespread and ubiquitous in modern daily life. Therefore, most people are exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) that are emitted by power lines, electrical panels, transformers, domestic electrical, and electronic devices (1)(2)(3).…”