A 1-μT extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field vs. sham control for mild-to-moderate hypertension: a double-blind, randomized study

System-level biological effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields: an in vivo experimental review

During the past decades, the potential effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on human health have gained great interest all around the world. Though the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection recommended a 100 μT, and then a 200 μT magnetic field limit, the long-term effects of ELF-EMFs on organisms and systems need to be further investigated. It was reported that both electrotherapy and possible effects on human health could be induced under ELF-EM radiation with varied EM frequencies and fields. This present article intends to systematically review the in vivo experimental outcome and the corresponding mechanisms to shed some light on the safety considerations of ELF-EMFs. This will further advance the subsequent application of electrotherapy in human health.

Electromagnetic field and cardiovascular diseases: A state-of-the-art review of diagnostic, therapeutic, and predictive values

Despite encouraging advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown that the electromagnetic field (EMF) influences many biological processes, which has attracted much attention for its potential therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in multiple diseases, such as musculoskeletal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Nonionizing EMF has been studied as a therapeutic or diagnostic tool in CVDs. In this review, we summarize the current literature ranging from in vitro to clinical studies focusing on the therapeutic potential (external EMF) and diagnostic potential (internal EMF generated from the heart) of EMF in CVDs. First, we provided an overview of the therapeutic potential of EMF and associated mechanisms in the context of CVDs, including cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Furthermore, we investigated the diagnostic and predictive value of magnetocardiography in CVDs. Finally, we discussed the critical steps necessary to translate this promising approach into clinical practice.

DNMT1 and miRNAs: possible epigenetics footprints in electromagnetic fields utilization in oncology

Many studies were performed to unravel the effects of different types of Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on biological systems. Some studies were conducted to exploit EMFs for medical purposes mainly in cancer therapy. Although many studies suggest that the EMFs exposures can be effective in pre-clinical cancer issues, the treatment outcomes of these exposures on the cancer cells, especially at the molecular level, are challenging and overwhelmingly complicated yet. This article aims to review the epigenetic mechanisms that can be altered by EMFs exposures with the main emphasis on Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF). The epigenetic mechanisms are reversible and affected by environmental factors, thus, EMFs exposures can modulate these mechanisms. According to the reports, ELF-EMF exposures affect epigenetic machinery directly or through the molecular signaling pathways. ELF-EMF in association with DNA methylation, histone modification, miRNAs, and nucleosome remodeling could affect the homeostasis of cancer cells and play a role in DNA damage repairing, apoptosis induction, prevention of metastasis, differentiation, and cell cycle regulation. In general, the result of this study shows that ELF-EMF exposure probably can be effective in cancer epigenetic therapy, but more molecular and clinical investigations are needed to clarify the safe and specific dosimetric characteristics of ELF-EMF in practice.

The effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure at 1 mT on hemogram and blood biochemisgtry in rats

The biological effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) exposure are not fully clarified. We conducted this investigation to explore the effects of ELF-EMF on hematologic and biochemical indexes in adult rats. Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ELF-EMF at 1 mT for 24 weeks, while another 30 SD rats were sham exposed. During the exposure, peripheral blood was collected every 4 weeks to analyze the hematologic parameters and biochemical indexes. The morphology of liver and kidney was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining at the end of the experiment. Exposed to ELF-EMF at 1 mT did not exert any statistic difference on hematologic parameters including total white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio, red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration and platelets count, compared to the control group. Similarly, biochemical indexes, such as glucose, lipid profile, liver function and renal function, were not affected by ELF-EMF exposure. In addition, no morphological change was observed in the liver and kidney from the exposure group. The exposure to ELF-EMF at the intensity of 1 mT for 24 weeks did not affect hematologic and biochemical indexes in adult rats.

Effectiveness of NexQuest Natural Frequency Technology® on sleep and mood of adults with insomnia symptoms: a randomized, double blind and placebo controlled crossover trial

Objectives:

The study purpose was to conduct a four-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial on adults with insomnia symptoms to examine the effectiveness of Natural Frequency Technology^(®) (NFT), found in Philip Stein Sleep Bracelets, on sleep quality, anxiety/stress levels, and mood.

Methods:

Adults (N = 44, M age = 41.9 years) were randomized to the Placebo Bracelet (PB) or NFT Sleep Bracelet (SB) for two weeks and then the alternative bracelet for two weeks. Self-reported mood, anxiety/stress, and sleep quality were completed at Day 0 (PRE) and following each condition; POST PB and POST SB).

Results:

When the participants wore the SB, compared to the PB, they had improved sleep quality (i.e., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), anxiety/perceived stress, and mood, p’s < .05.

Discussion:

The SB may be simple, noninvasive, and non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep quality and daytime mood.

EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses

Chronic diseases and illnesses associated with non-specific symptoms are on the rise. In addition to chronic stress in social and work environments, physical and chemical exposures at home, at work, and during leisure activities are causal or contributing environmental stressors that deserve attention by the general practitioner as well as by all other members of the health care community. It seems necessary now to take "new exposures" like electromagnetic fields (EMF) into account. Physicians are increasingly confronted with health problems from unidentified causes. Studies, empirical observations, and patient reports clearly indicate interactions between EMF exposure and health problems. Individual susceptibility and environmental factors are frequently neglected. New wireless technologies and applications have been introduced without any certainty about their health effects, raising new challenges for medicine and society. For instance, the issue of so-called non-thermal effects and potential long-term effects of low-dose exposure were scarcely investigated prior to the introduction of these technologies. Common electromagnetic field or EMF sources: Radio-frequency radiation (RF) (3 MHz to 300 GHz) is emitted from radio and TV broadcast antennas, Wi-Fi access points, routers, and clients (e.g. smartphones, tablets), cordless and mobile phones including their base stations, and Bluetooth devices. Extremely low frequency electric (ELF EF) and magnetic fields (ELF MF) (3 Hz to 3 kHz) are emitted from electrical wiring, lamps, and appliances. Very low frequency electric (VLF EF) and magnetic fields (VLF MF) (3 kHz to 3 MHz) are emitted, due to harmonic voltage and current distortions, from electrical wiring, lamps (e.g. compact fluorescent lamps), and electronic devices. On the one hand, there is strong evidence that long-term exposure to certain EMFs is a risk factor for diseases such as certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and male infertility. On the other hand, the emerging electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is more and more recognized by health authorities, disability administrators and case workers, politicians, as well as courts of law. We recommend treating EHS clinically as part of the group of chronic multisystem illnesses (CMI), but still recognizing that the underlying cause remains the environment. In the beginning, EHS symptoms occur only occasionally, but over time they may increase in frequency and severity. Common EHS symptoms include headaches, concentration difficulties, sleep problems, depression, a lack of energy, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. A comprehensive medical history, which should include all symptoms and their occurrences in spatial and temporal terms and in the context of EMF exposures, is the key to making the diagnosis. The EMF exposure is usually assessed by EMF measurements at home and at work. Certain types of EMF exposure can be assessed by asking about common EMF sources. It is very important to take the individual susceptibility into account. The primary method of treatment should mainly focus on the prevention or reduction of EMF exposure, that is, reducing or eliminating all sources of high EMF exposure at home and at the workplace. The reduction of EMF exposure should also be extended to public spaces such as schools, hospitals, public transport, and libraries to enable persons with EHS an unhindered use (accessibility measure). If a detrimental EMF exposure is reduced sufficiently, the body has a chance to recover and EHS symptoms will be reduced or even disappear. Many examples have shown that such measures can prove effective. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, the broad range of other environmental factors that contribute to the total body burden should also be addressed. Anything that supports homeostasis will increase a person's resilience against disease and thus against the adverse effects of EMF exposure. There is increasing evidence that EMF exposure has a major impact on the oxidative and nitrosative regulation capacity in affected individuals. This concept also may explain why the level of susceptibility to EMF can change and why the range of symptoms reported in the context of EMF exposures is so large. Based on our current understanding, a treatment approach that minimizes the adverse effects of peroxynitrite - as has been increasingly used in the treatment of multisystem illnesses - works best. This EMF Guideline gives an overview of the current knowledge regarding EMF-related health risks and provides recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and accessibility measures of EHS to improve and restore individual health outcomes as well as for the development of strategies for prevention.

No effects of power line frequency extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on selected neurobehavior tests of workers inspecting transformers and distribution line stations versus controls

We aimed to evaluate the interference of 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) occupational exposure on the neurobehavior tests of workers performing tour-inspection close to transformers and distribution power lines. Occupational short-term "spot" measurements were carried out. 310 inspection workers and 300 logistics staff were selected as exposure and control. The neurobehavior tests were performed through computer-based neurobehavior evaluation system, including mental arithmetic, curve coincide, simple visual reaction time, visual retention, auditory digit span and pursuit aiming. In 500 kV areas electric field intensity at 71.98% of total measured 590 spots were above 5 kV/m (national occupational standard), while in 220 kV areas electric field intensity at 15.69% of total 701 spots were above 5 kV/m. Magnetic field flux density at all the spots was below 1,000 μT (ICNIRP occupational standard). The neurobehavior score changes showed no statistical significance. Results of neurobehavior tests among different age, seniority groups showed no significant changes. Neurobehavior changes caused by daily repeated ELF-EMF exposure were not observed in the current study.

EMOST: Report about the application of low-frequency and intensity electromagnetic fields in disaster situation and commando training

Recently, we published our results (Bókkon et al., 2011. Electromagn Biol Med.) regarding the effectiveness of the EMOST (Electro-Magnetic-Own-Signal-Treatment) method for the reduction of phantom limb pain under clinical circumstances. However, EMOST treatments not only significantly reduced phantom pain, but that most of the patients also reported about additional benefits such as improvement of their sleep and mood quality after treatments. Here we report some unusual applications of EMOST method under special situations. That is, we report about our effective EMOST treatments of humans under catastrophic conditions and commando training course. This article points out that it is reasonable to apply biophysical electromagnetic management under unique circumstances. We also report some preliminary experiments on 12 members of our BioLabor regarding the effectiveness of single EMOST treatment on some serum parameters and electrocardiogram.