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Lee HJ, Jin H, Ahn YH, Kim N, Pack JK, Choi HD, Lee YS. Effects of intermediate frequency electromagnetic fields: a review of animal studies. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:166-182. [PMID: 35758938 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2094016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many novel devices such as induction cookers or wireless power transfer produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the intermediate frequency (IF) range (300 Hz to 10 MHz) and it is very meaningful for summarizing the bioeffects of IF-EMF research, particularly animal studies. This review takes into account experimental studies that used murine models to study the health effects of exposure to IF-EMF. The analyses included here use data available in the literature published from January 1988 to August 2021 including the animal studies about general adverse effects, tumorigenic effects, and effects on developmental stages. The studies that linked IF-EMF exposure during pregnancy or neonatal stage to behavioral and cognition changes were included. Additionally, this review also covers the effects of IF-EMF on gene expression patterns in the brain, behavior patterns associated with learning and memory, and immune function. CONCLUSIONS Although most studies have suggested that IF-EMF is harmless, some adverse effects have been reported after exposure at developmental stages and prolonged exposure. Compared to extremely low frequency (ELF) or radiofrequency (RF) EMF bands, studies on health effects with more diverse perspectives of IF-EMF have not been conducted. Therefore, performing more research should be necessary using the latest biomedical tools. From this point of view, a comprehensive review of IF-EMF studies, particularly animal studies, will provide a valuable basis for further risk analysis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-June Lee
- Division of Basic Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Hwan Ahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Nam Kim
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jeong Ki Pack
- Department of Radio and Information Communications Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Do Choi
- Radio & Satellite Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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Effects of 150 kHz intermediate frequency electromagnetic radiation on fertility indicators in male rats. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12228. [PMID: 36578412 PMCID: PMC9791864 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body exposure to 150 kHz Intermediate-frequency electromagnetic radiation (IF EMR) on fertility indicators of male rats since human exposure to this frequency has increased in recent years. Fourteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into a control and an EMR group (n = 7/group). The EMR group was continuously irradiated with 150 kHz EMR for 8 weeks. Male fertility indicators, body mass, testicular mass, rectal temperature, testicular histology, histometry, sperm analysis, and serum gonadotrophic hormone levels were evaluated. Results The study showed no negative effect on body mass (grams) (323.78 ± 37.09 to 305.09 ± 26.36; p = 0.72), rectal temperature (Control: 34.5 °C-35.8 °C; EMR: 34.4 °C-36.1 °C; p < 0.05), and testicular histology. There were significant reductions in left and right testicular mass (1.04 ± 0.10 to 0.96 ± 0.32: p = 0.03 and 1.02 ± 0.08 to 0.96 ± 0.35 p = 0.04, respectively), interstitial cell count/1000 μm2 (5.33 ± 0.56 to 4.47 ± 0.48; p = 0.01), sperm motility trajectories (p = 0.05) and sperm distal cytoplasmic droplet (%) (2.27 ± 2.28 to 6.84 ± 5.01; p = 0.05). A significant increase in follicle-stimulating hormone levels was observed (13.44 ± 6.38 IU/ml to 26.96 ± 8.07 IU/ml; p = 0.01). Conclusions Most male fertility parameters of rats in the present study were not affected by 8 weeks of whole-body exposure to 150 kHz EMR. However, significant decreases in testicular mass, interstitial cell count/1000 μm2, sperm motility trajectories, and distal cytoplasmic droplets were observed, as well as an increase in FSH level.
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Chen JS, Tsai LK, Yeh TY, Li TS, Li CH, Wei ZH, Lo NW, Ju JC. Effects of electromagnetic waves on oocyte maturation and embryonic development in pigs. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:392-401. [PMID: 34690215 PMCID: PMC8668371 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our living environment has been full of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) due to the prevailing electronic devices and equipment. Intermediate frequency electromagnetic field (IF-EMF) or waves constitute a significant part of EMR; therefore, an increasing number of household electrical appliances have become a source of IF-EMF, and concerns about IF-EMF on health are gaining more attention. However, little information is available about its impact on female reproductive traits, such as germ cell viability and early embryonic development, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels. In this study, we used porcine oocytes as a model system to explore the effect of IF-EMF at various intensities on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and their subsequent embryonic development. Our results showed that no difference in oocyte maturation rates was detected among groups, but the cleavage and blastocyst rates of parthenotes derived from EMF-treated oocytes decreased with the weaker IF-EMF intensity (25 and 50 Gauss, G) groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). For cytoplasmic maturation, the weaker IF-EMF intensity groups also showed a peripheral pattern of mitochondrial distribution resembling that of immature oocytes and increased autophagy activity. No obvious differences in cytoskeletal distribution and total cell numbers of blastocysts were investigated in the four IF-EMF treatments compared to those in the control group. Although the underlying mechanism associated with EMF effects on oocytes and embryos is still elusive, we have demonstrated that low intensity IF-EMF exerts harmful effects on porcine oocytes during the maturation stage, carrying over such effects to their subsequent embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Si Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuang Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Yeh
- Ph.D. Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Tzai-Shiuan Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Li
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Zung-Hang Wei
- Department of Research and Development, Weistron Co., Ltd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Neng-Wen Lo
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Cherng Ju
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.,Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.,Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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Lerchl A, Drees Née Grote K, Gronau I, Fischer D, Bauch J, Hoppe A. Effects of Long-Term Exposure of Intermediate Frequency Magnetic Fields (20 kHz, 360 µT) on the Development, Pathological Findings, and Behavior of Female Mice. Bioelectromagnetics 2021; 42:309-316. [PMID: 33822410 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of magnetic fields in the intermediate-frequency (IF) range to wirelessly charge electric cars with power transfer in the kilowatt range has become increasingly widespread, leading to unavoidable stray fields in the microtesla range. Only a handful of studies have assessed the potential biological risks associated with exposure to such fields. We exposed female mice (n = 80 per group) to either 20 kHz, 360 µT (rms), or sham in Helmholtz coils to conduct a blind design study. Exposure started at 3 months of age (24 h/day). Body mass was recorded every 1-2 weeks. At 10 months of age, three behavioral tests were performed on 24 animals per group. Three months later, the mice were sacrificed and organs (brain, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung) were removed and prepared for microscopic analysis. Our findings demonstrate no differences in the development of body mass and survival rates (96% and 89%, respectively). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in tumor incidence rates. When it comes to behavioral tests, the 8-arm maze results revealed no significant differences. In contrast, the Rotarod data were significantly (P < 0.001) different with longer retention times seen in the exposed mice. In the open field, the number of supported rears was significantly lower (P < 0.01), whereas the other endpoints did not show any differences. Overall, our data reveal no adverse effects of exposure to 20 kHz, 360 µT on the development and tumor incidences, while the significant differences in the behavioral tests may indicate higher levels of alertness in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lerchl
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karen Drees Née Grote
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Isabel Gronau
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Dirk Fischer
- Department Measurement Technology and Power Electronics, Institute for Automation and Communication (ifak), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Julia Bauch
- Department Measurement Technology and Power Electronics, Institute for Automation and Communication (ifak), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Axel Hoppe
- Department Measurement Technology and Power Electronics, Institute for Automation and Communication (ifak), Magdeburg, Germany
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No evidence for genotoxicity in mice due to exposure to intermediate-frequency magnetic fields used for wireless power-transfer systems. Mutat Res 2021; 863-864:503310. [PMID: 33678242 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Time varying magnetic fields (MFs) are used for the wireless power-transfer (WPT) technology. Especially, 85 kHz band MFs, which are included in the intermediate frequency (IF) band (300 Hz - 10 MHz), are commonly used WPT system for charging electric vehicles. Those applications of WPT technology have elicited public concern about health effects of IF-MF. However, existing data from health risk assessments are insufficient and additional data are needed. We assessed the genotoxic effects of IF-MF exposure on erythroid differentiation in mice. A high-intensity IF-MF mouse exposure system was constructed to induce an average whole-body electric field of 54.1 V/m. Blood samples were obtained from male mice before and after a 2-week IF-MF exposure (1 h/day, total: 10 h); X-irradiated mice were used as positive controls. We analyzed the blood samples with the micronucleus (MN) test and the Pig-a mutation assay. No significant differences were seen between IF-MF-exposed and sham-exposed mice in the frequencies of either MN or Pig-a mutations in mature erythrocytes and reticulocytes. IF-MF exposure did not induce genotoxicity in vivo under the study conditions (2.36× the basic restriction for occupational exposure, 22.9 V/m, in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines). The absence of significant biological effects due to IF-MF exposure supports the practical application of this technology.
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Karimi A, Ghadiri Moghaddam F, Valipour M. Insights in the biology of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields exposure on human health. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5621-5633. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Herrala M, Naarala J, Juutilainen J. Assessment of induced genomic instability in rat primary astrocytes exposed to intermediate frequency magnetic fields. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:112-116. [PMID: 30903815 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether exposure to intermediate frequency magnetic fields (IF MFs) could induce or enhance genomic instability in primary astrocytes. Rat primary astrocytes were exposed to vertical or horizontal 7.5 kHz, 300 μT MF for 24 h. To study possible combined effects with known genotoxic agents, the cells were exposed for 3 h to menadione or methyl methanesulfonate after the MF treatment. Induced genomic instability was evaluated 36 days after exposures using the Comet assay and flow cytometric scoring of micronuclei. Exposure to 7.5 kHz, 300 μT MF did not induce genomic instability alone or in combination with chemicals in measurements performed several cell generations after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Herrala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jonne Naarala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Nishimura I, Doi Y, Imai N, Kawabe M, Mera Y, Shiina T. Carcinogenicity of intermediate frequency magnetic field in Tg.rasH2 mice. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:160-169. [PMID: 30875092 PMCID: PMC6594107 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the likelihood of exposure to leaking intermediate frequency magnetic fields (MFs) from electronic devices, such as induction-heating and wireless power transfer systems, has increased, biological data assessing the health risks associated with human exposure remain insufficient. We examined the carcinogenicity of a 20 kHz MF, a typical frequency produced by induction-heating cookers, using a transgenic rasH2 mouse model. Twenty-five male and female CByB6F1-Tg(HRAS)2Jic mice were exposed to a 0.20 mT, 20 kHz MF (22 h/day) or sham-exposed for 26 weeks. As a positive control, 10 male and female rasH2 mice from the same batch were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. A blinded histopathological evaluation was performed, and the same experiments were conducted twice, independently, to confirm the reproducibility of the results. Histopathological examination revealed that spontaneous neoplastic lesions, such as splenic hemangiosarcomas and gastric squamous cell papillomas, were less (1-3 per group) in the MF- and sham-exposed groups. The frequency of the neoplastic lesions was not significantly different between the groups. Eight to ten mice in each positive-control group exhibited malignant lymphoma. The outcomes were consistent between duplicated experiments, which indicates lack of carcinogenicity of 20 kHz MF in the rasH2 mouse model. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2019 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Nishimura
- Central Research Institute of Electric Power IndustryAbikoJapan
| | - Yuko Doi
- DIMS Institute of Medical ScienceIchinomiyaJapan
| | - Norio Imai
- DIMS Institute of Medical ScienceIchinomiyaJapan
| | | | | | - Takeo Shiina
- Central Research Institute of Electric Power IndustryYokosukaJapan
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Stankevičiūtė M, Jakubowska M, Pažusienė J, Makaras T, Otremba Z, Urban-Malinga B, Fey DP, Greszkiewicz M, Sauliutė G, Baršienė J, Andrulewicz E. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 50 Hz 1 mT electromagnetic field on larval rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Baltic clam (Limecola balthica) and common ragworm (Hediste diversicolor). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 208:109-117. [PMID: 30641415 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to assess genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses in aquatic animals exposed to 50 Hz 1 m T electromagnetic field (EMF). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at early stages of development were exposed to EMF for 40 days, whereas marine benthic invertebrates - the common ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the Baltic clam Limecola balthica - for 12 days. To define genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses in selected animals, assays of nuclear abnormalities in peripheral blood erythrocytes of O. mykiss, coelomocytes of H. diversicolor and gill cells of L. balthica were performed. Induction of formation of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB), nuclear buds on filament cells (NBf) and cells with blebbed nuclei (BL) were assessed as genotoxicity endpoints, and 8-shaped nuclei, fragmented (Fr), apoptotic (Ap) and binucleated (BN) cells as cytotoxicity endpoints. Exposure to EMF affected all studied species but with varying degrees. The strongest responses to EMF treatment were elicited in L. balthica, in which six out of the total eight analyzed geno- and cytotoxicity endpoints were significantly elevated. Significantly induced frequencies of MN were detected in O. mykiss and H. diversicolor cells, NBf and BL only in gill cells of L. balthica, and NB in analyzed tissues of all the test species. As cytotoxicity endpoints, a significant elevation in frequencies of cells with 8-shaped nuclei was found in O. mykiss and L. balthica, while Ap and BN was observed only in L. balthica. EMF exposure did not induce any significant cytotoxic activity in H. diversicolor coelomocytes. The present study is the first to reveal the genotoxic and cytotoxic activity of 1 m T EMF in aquatic animals, and, consequently, the first one to report the adverse effect of this factor on common marine invertebrates and early life stages of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Jakubowska
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Janina Pažusienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos St. 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Makaras
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos St. 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | | | - Dariusz P Fey
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Martyna Greszkiewicz
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Gintarė Sauliutė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos St. 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Janina Baršienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos St. 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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