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Liu L, Huang B, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Tang X, Shi Y. Interactions between electromagnetic radiation and biological systems. iScience 2024; 27:109201. [PMID: 38433903 PMCID: PMC10906530 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109201] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) have been extensively investigated during the past several decades, our understandings of the bioeffects of EMR and the mechanisms of the interactions between the biological systems and the EMRs are still far from satisfactory. In this article, we introduce and summarize the consensus, controversy, limitations, and unsolved issues. The published works have investigated the EMR effects on different biological systems including humans, animals, cells, and biochemical reactions. Alternative methodologies also include dielectric spectroscopy, detection of bioelectromagnetic emissions, and theoretical predictions. In many studies, the thermal effects of the EMR are not properly controlled or considered. The frequency of the EMR investigated is limited to the commonly used bands, particularly the frequencies of the power line and the wireless communications; far fewer studies were performed for other EMR frequencies. In addition, the bioeffects of the complex EM environment were rarely discussed. In summary, our understanding of the bioeffects of the EMR is quite restrictive and further investigations are needed to answer the unsolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin-Ling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yingxian Lu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanyu Zhao
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaping Tang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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Huang Z, Ding C, Huang X, Sun C, Zhong L. Exposure to 10 Hz Pulsed Magnetic Field Induced Slight Apoptosis and Reactive Oxygen Species in Primary Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:476-490. [PMID: 36490205 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extremely low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (MFs) have been increasingly used as an effective method in oral therapy, but its potential impact on health has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the impact of 10 Hz pulsed MF exposure on primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) derived from eight healthy persons (four males and four females). Cells were exposed to 10 Hz pulsed MFs at 1.0 mT for 24 h. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle progression, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, DNA damage, and cell proliferation were determined after exposure. The results showed that 10 Hz pulsed MFs exposure have slight effects on cellular apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage in primary HGFs from some but not all samples. In addition, no significant effect was found on cell proliferation. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Huang
- Stomatology Center, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- Stomatology Center, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinzhao Huang
- Stomatology Center, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Geriatrics & Geriatrics Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangjun Zhong
- Stomatology Center, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:327-406. [PMID: 34243228 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species - including in aquatic environments - that rely on the Earth's natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced - a subject explored in Part 3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC Campus, USA
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Fang YY, Tu Q, Zhang YT, Liu J, Liu HG, Zhao ZH, Wu H, Yin TJ. Effect of Occupational Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on the Thyroid Gland of Workers: A Prospective Study. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:817-823. [PMID: 35963949 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects of occupational extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on the thyroid gland. METHODS We conducted a prospective analysis of 85 workers (exposure group) exposed to an ELF-EMF (100 μT, 10-100 Hz) produced by the electromagnetic aircraft launch system and followed up on thyroid function indices, immunological indices, and color Doppler images for 3 years. Additionally, 116 healthy volunteers were randomly selected as controls (control group), the thyroid function of whom was compared to the exposure group. RESULTS No significant difference was observed in thyroid function between the exposure and control groups. During the follow-up of the exposure group, the serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) level was found to slowly decrease and free thyroxine (FT4) level slowly increase with increasing exposure time. However, no significant difference was found in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) over the three years, and no significant difference was observed in the FT3, FT4 and TSH levels between different exposure subgroups. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in thyroid autoantibody levels and ultrasound images between subgroups or over time. CONCLUSION Long-term exposure to ELF-EMF may promote thyroid secretion of T4 and inhibit deiodination of T4 to T3. ELF-EMF has no significant effect on thyroid immune function and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Fang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Qian Tu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hui-Guo Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Zhao
- Naval University of Engineering, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Tie-Jun Yin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Gholipour Hamedani B, Goliaei B, Shariatpanahi SP, Nezamtaheri M. An overview of the biological effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields combined with ionizing radiation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 172:50-59. [PMID: 35513112 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
By growing the electrical power networks and electronic devices, electromagnetic fields (EMF) have become an inseparable part of the modern world. Considering the inevitable exposure to a various range of EMFs, especially at extremely low frequencies (ELF-EMF), investigating the biological effects of ELF-EMFs on biological systems became a global issue. The possible adverse consequences of these exposures were studied, along with their potential therapeutic capabilities. Also, their biological impacts in combination with other chemical and physical agents, specifically ionizing radiation (IR), as a co-carcinogen or as adjuvant therapy in combination with radiotherapy were explored. Here, we review the results of several in-vitro and in-vivo studies and discuss some proposed possible mechanisms of ELF-EMFs' actions in combination with IR. The results of these experiments could be fruitful to develop more precise safety standards for environmental ELF-EMFs exposures. Furthermore, it could evaluate the therapeutic capacities of ELF-EMFs alone or as an improver of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Gholipour Hamedani
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Goliaei
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Peyman Shariatpanahi
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryamsadat Nezamtaheri
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Ozturk H, Saribal D, Gelmez YM, Deniz G, Yilmaz A, Kirectepe A, Ercan AM. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods alters pro-inflammatory cytokines levels by gender. Electromagn Biol Med 2022; 41:163-173. [PMID: 35232334 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2022.2046045] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to the excessive electromagnetic fields is considered harmful to infants and associated with several health problems in life, such as neurological or immune diseases. In this present study we aimed to investigate the potential effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure during the gestational and lactational period of dams on immune system parameters. The development of white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Natural Killer (NK) cells, and B cells) and production of T cell related cytokines were explored in the offsprings. Significant changes were found in WBC and lymphocyte counts. Although no changes in lymphocyte subunits were observed among groups, CD4+ cells were significantly increased in the female group exposed to ELF-EMF. Also, IL-17A and IFN-γ levels increased in plasma and spleen. The mean IL-4 level and the expression level of the IL-4 gene were not changed, in the experimental groups. But the expression of the IL-17A gene was also upregulated, which supports cytokine quantification analyses. In conclusion, ELF-EMF exposure in the prenatal and postnatal period increases the level of IL-17A in the spleen and blood of young female rats, and it upregulates IL-17 gene expression in the spleen, resulting in CD4+ cell proliferation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Ozturk
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Karadeniz Technical Unicersity, Trabzon, Turkey.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Istanbul University/Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Devrim Saribal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Istanbul University/Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Metin Gelmez
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunnur Deniz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Yilmaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Asli Kirectepe
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Nisantasi University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Meltem Ercan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Istanbul University/Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
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Suri S, Dehghan SF, Sahlabadi AS, Ardakani SK, Moradi N, Rahmati M, Tehrani FR. Relationship between exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) magnetic field and the level of some reproductive hormones among power plant workers. J Occup Health 2020; 62:e12173. [PMID: 33078533 PMCID: PMC7573483 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Today, human beings are exposed to the ELF magnetic field of electrical equipment and power lines, which can damage Leydig cells and alter the secretion of reproductive hormones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to ELF magnetic field and the level of some reproductive hormones in male power plant workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present cross-sectional study was carried out among all male employees of different units of the selected power plant around Tehran, Iran. All participants were asked to complete demographic data sheets and General Health questionnaire, on condition of consent and meeting the inclusion criteria. Time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to magnetic field of 122 men was measured by IEEE Std C95.3.1 method using TES 1393 Gauss meter. Based on the exposure level, subjects were divided into three groups. Serum Levels of Free Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in participants were determined. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and the relationships between variables were assessed by linear regression and correlation using SPSS v.25 software. RESULTS There was no significant statistical correlation between the level of ELF exposure and serum levels of free testosterone, LH, and FSH, (r = 0.158). Serum levels of LH decreased significantly with age and duration of work experience (P < .05, r = -.25, P = .005, r = -.203, P = .025). CONCLUSION There was no relationship between exposure to magnetic field in power plants and reproductive hormone levels, although it is impossible to make definitive comments without using more accurate methods to estimate male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheari Suri
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh F Dehghan
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali S Sahlabadi
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila K Ardakani
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Moradi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahmati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh R Tehrani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bagheri Hosseinabadi M, Khanjani N, Ebrahimi MH, Biganeh J. ESTIMATION OF THERMAL POWER PLANT WORKERS EXPOSURE TO MAGNETIC FIELDS AND SIMULATION OF HAZARD ZONES. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 190:289-296. [PMID: 32781468 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) have raised some concerns due to their possible effects on workers' health. In this study ELF-MFs were measured in different units of the thermal power plant based on gridding the indoor space. The exposure level was measured by spot measurement based on the IEEE Std C95.3.1 and then simulated in units with the highest magnetic field intensity by using ArcGIS software. The operators and balance of plant (BOP) technicians (12.64 ± 9.74 μT) and office workers (2.41 ± 1.22 μT) had the highest and lowest levels of both measured and estimated ELF-MFs exposure. The highest measured ELF-MFs were in the vicinity of the power transmission lines in the transformers' building (48.2 μT). Our simulation showed the high and low exposure areas and ranked exposure well; but, the actual measurements of ELF-MFs exposure were in all cases higher than the estimated values, which means we still need to improve our estimations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narges Khanjani
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Centre, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Ebrahimi
- Environmental and Occupational Health Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Jamal Biganeh
- School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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