Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields as effectors of cellular responses in vitro: Possible immune cell activation

Abstract

There is presently an intense discussion if electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure has consequences for human health. This include exposure to structures and appliances that emit in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as emission coming from communication devices using the radiofrequency part of the spectrum. Biological effects of such exposures have been noted frequently, although the implication for specific health effects is not that clear. The basic interaction mechanism(s) between such fields and living matter is unknown. Numerous hypotheses have been suggested, although none is convincingly supported by experimental data. Various cellular components, processes, and systems can be affected by EMF exposure. Since it is unlikely that EMF can induce DNA damage directly, most studies have examined EMF effects on the cell membrane level, general and specific gene expression, and signal transduction pathways. In addition, a large number of studies have been performed regarding cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation, metabolism, and various physiological characteristics of cells. Although 50/60 Hz EMF do not directly lead to genotoxic effects, it is possible that certain cellular processes altered by exposure to EMF indirectly affect the structure of DNA causing strand breaks and other chromosomal aberrations. The aim of this article is to present a hypothesis of a possible initial cellular event affected by exposure to ELF EMF, an event which is compatible with the multitude of effects observed after exposure. Based on an extensive literature review, we suggest that ELF EMF exposure is able to perform such activation by means of increasing levels of free radicals. Such a general activation is compatible with the diverse nature of observed effects. Free radicals are intermediates in natural processes like mitochondrial metabolism and are also a key feature of phagocytosis. Free radical release is inducible by ionizing radiation or phorbol ester treatment, both leading to genomic instability. EMF might be a stimulus to induce an "activated state" of the cell such as phagocytosis, which then enhances the release of free radicals, in turn leading to genotoxic events. We envisage that EMF exposure can cause both acute and chronic effects that are mediated by increased free radical levels: (1) Direct activation of, for example macrophages (or other cells) by short-term exposure to EMF leads to phagocytosis (or other cell specific responses) and consequently, free radical production. This pathway may be utilized to positively influence certain aspects of the immune response, and could be useful for specific therapeutic applications. (2) EMF-induced macrophage (cell) activation includes direct stimulation of free radical production. (3) An increase in the lifetime of free radicals by EMF leads to persistently elevated free radical concentrations. In general, reactions in which radicals are involved become more frequent, increasing the possibility of DNA d...

Prevalencia de insomnio en adultos de 18-60 años y exposición a campos electromagnéticos en hogares de la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia

“…El análisis comparativo del insomnio por barrio evidenció una mayor proporción de personas que duermen mal en el barrio Nogales, en el cual hay muchas antenas de radio y telefonía móvil, que la encontrada en el barrio Modelo, expuesto en mucha menor medida (p<0,05), lo que sugiere la posible influencia de una mayor carga de campos magnéticos proveniente de esta fuente y coincide con la teoría que proclama la acción supresora de la producción de la hormona melatonina durante la noche, mediada por el incremento en los radicales libres, debida a la exposición crónica a dichos campos (18). Este hallazgo concuerda con lo reportado en otros estudios recientes de similar diseño en Alemania (19) e Irán (20), aunque en ellos la distancia entre la vivienda y las estaciones de telefonía móvil fue reportada por los propios participantes.…”

Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Induces Oxidative Stress and Pathophysiological Changes in the Cardiovascular System

“…27 Some people who are electrically hypersensitive complain of pain or pressure in the chest area, heart palpitations, and/or an irregular heartbeat, accompanied by feelings of anxiety that develop rapidly. The symptoms resemble a heart attack and thus contribute to even more anxiety.…”

Mice Learning After 30 Minutes Exposure to Electromagnetic Field

“…Recent studies in Behavioral and psychological fields have shown that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can change human cognitive functions and behaviors of animals [1,2]. For instance it is reported that neither short term (7 days), Nor long term exposure to 25-50Hz fields did not make a change in motor activity, but 50 Hz field exposure will decrease recognition of new arm of the Y maze [3].…”