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Diab KA. The Impact of the Low Frequency of the Electromagnetic Field on Human. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1237:135-149. [PMID: 31376139 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there has been attention and controversial debate topic about the effect of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human beings. The catalyst for public awareness initiated from the first epidemiological study in 1979 that reported an association between residential EMFs exposure and the incidence of childhood leukemia. For over 40 years, many epidemiological and laboratory investigations were conducted to identify the possible biological effects of low-frequency EMF. Several studies conducted at frequencies 50/60 Hz, which related to generating of electricity from electrical appliances. Experimental studies on low-frequency EMF have provided conflicting data under specific "in vivo" and "in vitro" environments. Some original papers have reported the damaging effect on DNA molecule in EMF-exposed cells. Other studies have suggested no such damage in EMF-exposed cells. Also, the conclusions from other studies were inconclusive. These conflicting findings may attribute to the differences in the apparatus used to generate electromagnetic fields, experimental design, exposure time, genetic endpoints, and biological materials such as cell lines and animal species, strain, and age. As DNA damage is frequently a prerequisite for cancer disease, this review provided an experimental body of evidence on the effect of EMF on genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawthar A Diab
- Genetics and Cytology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt.
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Franchini V, De Sanctis S, Marinaccio J, De Amicis A, Coluzzi E, Di Cristofaro S, Lista F, Regalbuto E, Doria A, Giovenale E, Gallerano GP, Bei R, Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, Udroiu I, Sgura A. Study of the effects of 0.15 terahertz radiation on genome integrity of adult fibroblasts. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:476-487. [PMID: 29602275 DOI: 10.1002/em.22192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The applications of Terahertz (THz) technologies have significantly developed in recent years, and the complete understanding of the biological effects of exposure to THz radiation is becoming increasingly important. In a previous study, we found that THz radiation induced genomic damage in fetal fibroblasts. Although these cells demonstrated to be a useful model, exposure of human foetuses to THz radiation is highly improbable. Conversely, THz irradiation of adult dermal tissues is cause of possible concern for some professional and nonprofessional categories. Therefore, we extended our study to the investigation of the effects of THz radiation on adult fibroblasts (HDF). In this work, the effects of THz exposure on HDF cells genome integrity, cell cycle, cytological ultrastructure and proteins expression were assessed. Results of centromere-negative micronuclei frequencies, phosphorylation of H2AX histone, and telomere length modulation indicated no induction of DNA damage. Concordantly, no changes in the expression of proteins associated with DNA damage sensing and repair were detected. Conversely, our results showed an increase of centromere-positive micronuclei frequencies and chromosomal nondisjunction events, indicating induction of aneuploidy. Therefore, our results indicate that THz radiation exposure may affect genome integrity through aneugenic effects, and not by DNA breakage. Our findings are compared to published studies, and possible biophysical mechanisms are discussed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:476-487, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Franchini
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Coluzzi
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Regalbuto
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Radiation Sources Laboratory, ENEA Frascati Research Center, Frascati, Italy
| | - Emilio Giovenale
- Radiation Sources Laboratory, ENEA Frascati Research Center, Frascati, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Ion Udroiu
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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Genetic damage in humans exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2337-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1769-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Maes A, Anthonissen R, Wambacq S, Simons K, Verschaeve L. The Cytome Assay as a Tool to Investigate the Possible Association Between Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields and an Increased Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 50:741-9. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-150669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Maes
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Toxicology Unit, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Roel Anthonissen
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Toxicology Unit, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sheleen Wambacq
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Toxicology Unit, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koen Simons
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Health and Environment Unit, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Verschaeve
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Toxicology Unit, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Udroiu I, Sgura A. Genotoxic sensitivity of the developing hematopoietic system. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2015; 767:1-7. [PMID: 27036061 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Genotoxic sensitivity seems to vary during ontogenetic development. Animal studies have shown that the spontaneous mutation rate is higher during pregnancy and infancy than in adulthood. Human and animal studies have found higher levels of DNA damage and mutations induced by mutagens in fetuses/newborns than in adults. This greater susceptibility could be due to reduced DNA repair capacity. In fact, several studies indicated that some DNA repair pathways seem to be deficient during ontogenesis. This has been demonstrated also in murine hematopoietic stem cells. Genotoxicity in the hematopoietic system has been widely studied for several reasons: it is easy to assess, deals with populations cycling also in the adults and may be relevant for leukemogenesis. Reviewing the literature concerning the application of the micronucleus test (a validated assay to assess genotoxicity) in fetus/newborns and adults, we found that the former show almost always higher values than the latter, both in animals treated with genotoxic substances and in those untreated. Therefore, we draw the conclusion that the genotoxic sensitivity of the hematopoietic system is more pronounced during fetal life and decreases during ontogenic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Udroiu
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonella Sgura
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
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Udroiu I, Antoccia A, Tanzarella C, Giuliani L, Pacchierotti F, Cordelli E, Eleuteri P, Villani P, Sgura A. Genotoxicity Induced by Foetal and Infant Exposure to Magnetic Fields and Modulation of Ionising Radiation Effects. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142259. [PMID: 26559811 PMCID: PMC4641635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have investigated the toxicity and genotoxicity of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) during prenatal and neonatal development. These phases of life are characterized by cell proliferation and differentiation, which might make them sensitive to environmental stressors. Although in vitro evidences suggest that ELF-MF may modify the effects of ionizing radiation, no research has been conducted so far in vivo on the genotoxic effects of ELF-MF combined with X-rays. Aim and methods Aim of this study was to investigate in somatic and germ cells the effects of chronic ELF-MF exposure from mid gestation until weaning, and any possible modulation produced by ELF-MF exposure on ionizing radiation-induced damage. Mice were exposed to 50 Hz, 65 μT magnetic field, 24 hours/day, for a total of 30 days, starting from 12 days post-conception. Another group was irradiated with 1 Gy X-rays immediately before ELF-MF exposure, other groups were only X-irradiated or sham-exposed. Micronucleus test on blood erythrocytes was performed at multiple times from 1 to 140 days after birth. Additionally, 42 days after birth, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on male germ cells were assessed by comet assay and flow cytometric analysis. Results ELF-MF exposure had no teratogenic effect and did not affect survival, growth and development. The micronucleus test indicated that ELF-MF induced a slight genotoxic damage only after the maximum exposure time and that this effect faded away in the months following the end of exposure. ELF-MF had no effects on ionizing radiation (IR)-induced genotoxicity in erythrocytes. Differently, ELF–MF appeared to modulate the response of male germ cells to X-rays with an impact on proliferation/differentiation processes. These results point to the importance of tissue specificity and development on the impact of ELF-MF on the early stages of life and indicate the need of further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying ELF-MF biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Udroiu
- Dept. of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Livio Giuliani
- Research Center of Monteporzio Catone, INAIL, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eugenia Cordelli
- Technical Unit for Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Eleuteri
- Technical Unit for Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Villani
- Technical Unit for Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sgura
- Dept. of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
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Alcaraz M, Olmos E, Alcaraz-Saura M, Achel DG, Castillo J. Effect of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of mice. Electromagn Biol Med 2013; 33:51-7. [DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2013.783851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Assessment of genotoxic and cytotoxic hazards in brain and bone marrow cells of newborn rats exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic field. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:716023. [PMID: 23091355 PMCID: PMC3471024 DOI: 10.1155/2012/716023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the association between whole body exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and genotoxic , cytotoxic hazards in brain and bone marrow cells of newborn rats. Newborn rats (10 days after delivery) were exposed continuously to 50 Hz, 0.5 mT for 30 days. The control group was treated as the exposed one with the sole difference that the rats were not exposed to magnetic field. Comet assay was used to quantify the level of DNA damage in isolated brain cells. Also bone marrow cells were flushed out to assess micronucleus induction and mitotic index. Spectrophotometric methods were used to measure the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results showed a significant increase in the mean tail moment indicating DNA damage in exposed group (P < 0.01, 0.001, 0.0001). Moreover ELF-MF exposure induced a significant (P < 0.01, 0.001) four folds increase in the induction of micronucleus and about three folds increase in mitotic index (P < 0.0001). Additionally newborn rats exposed to ELF-MF showed significant higher levels of MDA and SOD (P < 0.05). Meanwhile ELF-MF failed to alter the activity of GSH. In conclusion, the present study suggests an association between DNA damage and ELF-MF exposure in newborn rats.
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Maes A, Verschaeve L. Can cytogenetics explain the possible association between exposure to extreme low-frequency magnetic fields and Alzheimer's disease? J Appl Toxicol 2011; 32:81-7. [PMID: 21935970 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a number of epidemiological studies have suggested that occupational as well as residential exposure to extreme low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. This is not proven yet and there are no known biological mechanisms to explain this alleged association. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a number of events that have, at least partially, a genetic origin. In particular, trisomy of chromosomes 17 and 21 seems to be involved. Overall ELF-EMFs have not been identified as genotoxic agents, but there are some papers in the scientific literature that indicate that they may enhance the effects of agents that are known to induce mutations or tumors. There are also some indications that ELF-EMFs may induce aneuploïdy. This opens some perspectives for investigating the alleged association between ELF-EMFs and Alzheimer's. This paper reviews the possibility of a cytogenetic association between the electromagnetic fields and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Maes
- Scientific Institute of Public Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, J. Wytsmanstreet 14, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Pacchierotti F, Eichenlaub-Ritter U. Environmental Hazard in the Aetiology of Somatic and Germ Cell Aneuploidy. Cytogenet Genome Res 2011; 133:254-68. [DOI: 10.1159/000323284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Vijayalaxmi, Prihoda TJ. Genetic damage in mammalian somatic cells exposed to extremely low frequency electro-magnetic fields: A meta-analysis of data from 87 publications (1990–2007). Int J Radiat Biol 2009; 85:196-213. [DOI: 10.1080/09553000902748575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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