Influence of Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields on the Circadian System: Current Stage of Knowledge

Abstract

One of the side effects of each electrical device work is the electromagnetic field generated near its workplace. All organisms, including humans, are exposed daily to the influence of different types of this field, characterized by various physical parameters. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the effects of an electromagnetic field on the physiological and pathological processes occurring in cells, tissues, and organs. Numerous epidemiological and experimental data suggest that the extremely low frequency magnetic field generated by electrical transmission lines and electrically powered devices and the high frequencies electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices have a potentially negative impact on the circadian system. On the other hand, several studies have found no influence of these fields on chronobiological parameters. According to the current state of knowledge, some previously proposed hypotheses, including one concerning the key role of melatonin secretion disruption in pathogenesis of electromagnetic field induced diseases, need to be revised. This paper reviews the data on the effect of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on melatonin and cortisol rhythms—two major markers of the circadian system as well as on sleep. It also provides the basic information about the nature, classification, parameters, and sources of these fields.

The efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field in refractory migraine headaches: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group

“…17 Some animal and human studies support neurochemical effects of weak electromagnetic fields that may act on neurotransmitters such as melatonin, cortisol, serotonergic and dopaminergic systems implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. 3,23,36 Many electrophysiological studies in migraines often showed high power and asymmetry in the low EEG frequency band due to the reduction of the cholinergic activity of the brainstem that induces dysrhythmia in the thalamocortical pathway. 11,37 On the other hand, an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 10 Hz reduced the alpha band of the EEG.…”

“…1,2 The International Headache Society introduced refractory migraine (RM) into the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3 (ICHD-3 beta and 2 (ICHD-2) with a prevalence of 5%. [3][4][5] RM characteristics include chronic migraines or migraines without an aura, that significantly interfere with the quality of life in spite of preventive medications. 3,4 Many studies suggest that there are various causes behind migraines such as dysfunction within certain voltage channels in the CNS, neural regulation of the brain stem and cerebral circulation.…”

The effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on mutation induction in mice

“…Ultimately, in light of the present literature, the melatonin hypothesis stating that disruption of melatonin secretion is a main factor in the carcinogenic effects of magnetic fields is not supported by either epidemiological or experimental data (Lewczuk et al, 2014), and thus should be regarded as negatively corroborated and rebutted (Vanderstraeten et al, 2012). Furthermore, the core of the original hypothesis was conceived on the potential association between ELF-MF and breast cancer (Stevens, 1987), which has also been dismissed (Feychting, 2013).…”

Influence of Fractional Electromagnetic Radiation Doses on Biosensor Matrix Component Stability

“…Influence of electromagnetic field on biological systems has been reported in many investigations [1][2][3]. Commonly, electromagnetic fields have been used in diagnosing and treating medical therapies [4].…”