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A Transmissive Theory of Brain Function: Implications for Health, Disease, and Consciousness. NEUROSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci3030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying a complete, accurate model of brain function would allow neuroscientists and clinicians to make powerful neuropsychological predictions and diagnoses as well as develop more effective treatments to mitigate or reverse neuropathology. The productive model of brain function, which has been dominant in the field for centuries, cannot easily accommodate some higher-order neural processes associated with consciousness and other neuropsychological phenomena. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the brain is highly receptive to and readily emits electromagnetic (EM) fields and light. Indeed, brain tissues can generate endogenous, complex EM fields and ultraweak photon emissions (UPEs) within the visible and near-visible EM spectra. EM-based neural mechanisms, such as ephaptic coupling and non-visual optical brain signaling, expand canonical neural signaling modalities and are beginning to disrupt conventional models of brain function. Here, we present an evidence-based argument for the existence of brain processes that are caused by the transmission of extracerebral, EM signals and recommend experimental strategies with which to test the hypothesis. We argue for a synthesis of productive and transmissive models of brain function and discuss implications for the study of consciousness, brain health, and disease.
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Zhang B, Tian L. Reactive Oxygen Species: Potential Regulatory Molecules in Response to Hypomagnetic Field Exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 41:573-580. [PMID: 32997824 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Organisms, including humans, could be exposed to hypomagnetic fields (HMFs, intensity <5 μT), e.g. in some artificially shielded magnetic environments and during deep-space flights. Previous studies have demonstrated that HMF exposure could have negative effects on the central nervous system and embryonic development in many animals. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Studies have revealed that HMFs affect cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and thereby alter physiological and biological processes in organisms. ROS, the major component of highly active free radicals, which are ubiquitous in biological systems, were hypothesized to be the candidate signaling molecules that regulate diverse physiological processes in response to changes in magnetic fields. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the study of HMF-induced negative effects on the central nervous system and early embryonic development in animals, focusing on cellular ROS and their role in response to HMFs. Furthermore, we discuss the potential mechanism through which HMFs regulate ROS levels in cells. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfang Zhang
- Biogeomagnetism Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanxiang Tian
- Biogeomagnetism Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ross CL, Siriwardane M, Almeida-Porada G, Porada CD, Brink P, Christ GJ, Harrison BS. The effect of low-frequency electromagnetic field on human bone marrow stem/progenitor cell differentiation. Stem Cell Res 2015; 15:96-108. [PMID: 26042793 PMCID: PMC4516580 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs, also known as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells) are a population of progenitor cells that contain a subset of skeletal stem cells (hSSCs), able to recreate cartilage, bone, stroma that supports hematopoiesis and marrow adipocytes. As such, they have become an important resource in developing strategies for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. The differentiation of SSCs/BMSCs is dependent on exposure to biophysical and biochemical stimuli that favor early and rapid activation of the in vivo tissue repair process. Exposure to exogenous stimuli such as an electromagnetic field (EMF) can promote differentiation of SSCs/BMSCs via ion dynamics and small signaling molecules. The plasma membrane is often considered to be the main target for EMF signals and most results point to an effect on the rate of ion or ligand binding due to a receptor site acting as a modulator of signaling cascades. Ion fluxes are closely involved in differentiation control as stem cells move and grow in specific directions to form tissues and organs. EMF affects numerous biological functions such as gene expression, cell fate, and cell differentiation, but will only induce these effects within a certain range of low frequencies as well as low amplitudes. EMF has been reported to be effective in the enhancement of osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of hSSCs/BMSCs with no documented negative effects. Studies show specific EMF frequencies enhance hSSC/BMSC adherence, proliferation, differentiation, and viability, all of which play a key role in the use of hSSCs/BMSCs for tissue engineering. While many EMF studies report significant enhancement of the differentiation process, results differ depending on the experimental and environmental conditions. Here we review how specific EMF parameters (frequency, intensity, and time of exposure) significantly regulate hSSC/BMSC differentiation in vitro. We discuss optimal conditions and parameters for effective hSSC/BMSC differentiation using EMF treatment in an in vivo setting, and how these can be translated to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Ross
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, USA; Wake Forest Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Peter Brink
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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Gang N, Parker GH, Lafrenie RM, Persinger MA. Intermittent exposures to nanoTesla range, 7 Hz, amplitude-modulated magnetic fields increase regeneration rates in planarian. Int J Radiat Biol 2012. [PMID: 23206181 DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2013.754554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To discern if physiologically and naturally-patterned electromagnetic fields presented with base frequencies of 7 Hz within the 100 nT range could facilitate regeneration in planarian similar to microTesla, 60 Hz fields. METHODS In two separate experiments planarian were decapitated and exposed to either 140 or 400 nT peak amplitude-modulated 7 Hz magnetic fields for 6 min once per hour, 8 h per night for 5 days. Daily regeneration rates and movement velocities (cm/min) were measured. RESULTS The planarian exposed to either intensity magnetic field exhibited faster regeneration of photoreceptors and auricles compared to sham field and reference groups. The magnetic field exposure accommodated 50% of the variance during the faster growth days. CONCLUSIONS Naturally-patterned, intermittently-presented weaker electromagnetic fields may produce enhanced regeneration rates in flat worms similar to those observed for 60 Hz, higher intensity fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Gang
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Bókkon I, Till A, Grass F, Erdöfi Szabó A. Phantom pain reduction by low-frequency and low-intensity electromagnetic fields. Electromagn Biol Med 2012; 30:115-27. [PMID: 21861690 DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2011.596246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although various treatments have been presented for phantom pain, there is little proof supporting the benefits of pharmacological treatments, surgery or interventional techniques, electroconvulsive therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, far infrared ray therapy, psychological therapies, etc. Here, we report the preliminary results for phantom pain reduction by low-frequency and intensity electromagnetic fields under clinical circumstances. Our method is called as Electromagnetic-Own-Signal-Treatment (EMOST). Fifteen people with phantom limb pain participated. The patients were treated using a pre-programmed, six sessions. Pain intensity was quantified upon admission using a 0-10 verbal numerical rating scale. Most of the patients (n = 10) reported a marked reduction in the intensity of phantom limb pain. Several patients also reported about improvement in their sleep and mood quality, or a reduction in the frequency of phantom pain after the treatments. No improvements in the reduction of phantom limb pain or sleep and mood improvement were reported in the control group (n = 5). Our nonlinear electromagnetic EMOST method may be a possible therapeutic application in the reduction of phantom limb pain. Here, we also suggest that some of the possible effects of the EMOST may be achieved via the redox balance of the body and redox-related neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Bókkon
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Semmelweis University , Budapest , Hungary.
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Mulligan BP, Gang N, Parker GH, Persinger MA. Magnetic Field Intensity/Melatonin-Molarity Interactions: Experimental Support with Planarian (Dugesia sp.) Activity for a Resonance-Like Process. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojbiphy.2012.24017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Whissell PD, Persinger MA. Emerging synergisms between drugs and physiologically-patterned weak magnetic fields: implications for neuropharmacology and the human population in the twenty-first century. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 5:278-88. [PMID: 19305744 PMCID: PMC2644491 DOI: 10.2174/157015907782793603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2006] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synergisms between pharmacological agents and endogenous neurotransmitters are familiar and frequent. The present review describes the experimental evidence for interactions between neuropharmacological compounds and the classes of weak magnetic fields that might be encountered in our daily environments. Whereas drugs mediate their effects through specific spatial (molecular) structures, magnetic fields mediate their effects through specific temporal patterns. Very weak (microT range) physiologically-patterned magnetic fields synergistically interact with drugs to strongly potentiate effects that have classically involved opiate, cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and nitric oxide pathways. The combinations of the appropriately patterned magnetic fields and specific drugs can evoke changes that are several times larger than those evoked by the drugs alone. These novel synergisms provide a challenge for a future within an electromagnetic, technological world. They may also reveal fundamental, common physical mechanisms by which magnetic fields and chemical reactions affect the organism from the level of fundamental particles to the entire living system.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Whissell
- Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Whissell PD, Tsang EW, Mulligan BP, Persinger MA. Prenatal Exposures to LTP-Patterned Magnetic Fields: Quantitative Effects on Specific Limbic Structures and Acquisition of Contextually Conditioned Fear. Int J Neurosci 2009; 119:1-14. [DOI: 10.1080/00207450802480283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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St-Pierre LS, Mazzuchin A, Persinger MA. Altered blood chemistry and hippocampal histomorphology in adult rats following prenatal exposure to physiologically-patterned, weak (50–500 nanoTesla range) magnetic fields. Int J Radiat Biol 2009; 84:325-35. [DOI: 10.1080/09553000801953300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Westberg M, Feychting M, Jonsson F, Nise G, Gustavsson P. Occupational exposure to UV light and mortality from multiple sclerosis. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:353-7. [PMID: 19197935 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is largely unknown; low exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been a suggested risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate whether occupational exposure to UV light reduces the risk of death from MS. METHODS The cohort was based on all individuals in the Swedish census in 1980. All MS-related deaths were identified in the national registry of causes of death. A job-exposure matrix was developed to classify the occupational exposure to UV light. RESULTS MS was recorded as a cause of the death for 839 individuals. The risk of MS-related death decreased with increasing occupational exposure to UV light. The relative risk adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status was 0.48 (95% CI 0.28-0.80) in the high-exposure group and 0.88 (95% CI 0.73-1.06) in the intermediate-exposure group. CONCLUSIONS Occupational exposure to UV light was associated with a reduced risk of MS. Our findings are corroborated by previous observations that UV light has a preventive role in the development of MS, although the possibility of reversed causality cannot be completely ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Westberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Stockholm Centre for Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden.
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A new track for understanding the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: From the perspective of early developmental deficit caused by the potential 5-HT deficiency in individuals in high-latitude areas. Med Hypotheses 2008; 71:580-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Funk RHW, Monsees T, Ozkucur N. Electromagnetic effects - From cell biology to medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 43:177-264. [PMID: 19167986 DOI: 10.1016/j.proghi.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In this review we compile and discuss the published plethora of cell biological effects which are ascribed to electric fields (EF), magnetic fields (MF) and electromagnetic fields (EMF). In recent years, a change in paradigm took place concerning the endogenously produced static EF of cells and tissues. Here, modern molecular biology could link the action of ion transporters and ion channels to the "electric" action of cells and tissues. Also, sensing of these mainly EF could be demonstrated in studies of cell migration and wound healing. The triggers exerted by ion concentrations and concomitant electric field gradients have been traced along signaling cascades till gene expression changes in the nucleus. Far more enigmatic is the way of action of static MF which come in most cases from outside (e.g. earth magnetic field). All systems in an organism from the molecular to the organ level are more or less in motion. Thus, in living tissue we mostly find alternating fields as well as combination of EF and MF normally in the range of extremely low-frequency EMF. Because a bewildering array of model systems and clinical devices exits in the EMF field we concentrate on cell biological findings and look for basic principles in the EF, MF and EMF action. As an outlook for future research topics, this review tries to link areas of EF, MF and EMF research to thermodynamics and quantum physics, approaches that will produce novel insights into cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H W Funk
- Technische Universität Dresden, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Institut für Anatomie, Germany.
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St-Pierre L, Parker G, Bubenik G, Persinger M. Enhanced mortality of rat pups following inductions of epileptic seizures after perinatal exposures to 5 nT, 7 Hz magnetic fields. Life Sci 2007; 81:1496-500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2007.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2007] [Revised: 09/05/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Del Seppia C, Ghione S, Luschi P, Ossenkopp KP, Choleris E, Kavaliers M. Pain perception and electromagnetic fields. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2007; 31:619-42. [PMID: 17374395 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A substantial body of evidence has accumulated showing that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affects pain sensitivity (nociception) and pain inhibition (analgesia). Consistent inhibitory effects of acute exposures to various EMFs on analgesia have been demonstrated in most studies. This renders examinations of changes in the expression of analgesia and nociception a particularly valuable means of addressing the biological effects of and mechanisms underlying the actions of EMFs. Here we provide an overview of the effects of various EMFs on nociceptive sensitivity and analgesia, with particular emphasis on opioid-mediated responses. We also describe the analgesic effects of particular specific EMFs, the effects of repeated exposures to EMFs and magnetic shielding, along with the dependence of EMF effects on lighting conditions. We further consider some of the underlying cellular and biophysical mechanisms along with the clinical implications of these effects of various EMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Del Seppia
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Pisa, Italy.
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