Beneficial effect of catechin and epicatechin on cognitive impairment and oxidative stress induced by extremely low frequency electromagnetic field

Impact of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Skeletal Muscle of Sedentary Adult Mice: A Pilot Study

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are ubiquitous in industrialized environments due to the continuous use of electrical devices. Our previous studies demonstrated that ELF-EMFs affect muscle cells by modulating oxidative stress and enhancing myogenesis. This pilot study investigated these effects on the skeletal muscles of sedentary adult mice, assessing physiological responses to ELF-EMF exposure and potential modulation by antioxidant supplementation. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ELF-EMFs (0.1 or 1.0 mT) for 1 h/day for up to 5 weeks and fed a standard diet without or with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). The results showed transient increases in muscle strength (after 2 weeks of exposure at 1.0 mT), potentially linked to muscle fiber recruitment and activation, revealed by higher PAX7 and myosin heavy chain (MyH) expression levels. After ELF-EMF exposure, oxidative status assessment revealed transient increases in the expression levels of SOD1 and catalase enzymes, in total antioxidant capacity, and in protein carbonyl levels, markers of oxidative damage. These effects were partially reduced by NAC. In conclusion, ELF-EMF exposure affects skeletal muscle physiology and NAC supplementation partially mitigates these effects, highlighting the complex interactions between ELF-EMFs and antioxidant pathways in vivo. Further investigations on ELF-EMFs as a therapeutic modality for muscle health are necessary.

Investigation of extremely low-frequency (1 Hz-400 kHz) pollution frequently encountered in social life: a case study of a shopping mall

It is important to periodically measure, analyze, and map electromagnetic radiation levels due to potential risks. This study aims to draw attention to new electromagnetic pollution caused by radio frequencies and extremely low frequencies. For this reason, electric field and magnetic field measurements were carried out in the 1-Hz-400-kHz frequency band in a shopping mall, where electronic devices cause low-frequency electromagnetic radiation intensively. The measurements were performed with the EHP-50F device for 24 h a day for a week. The measurements were made at 10 points in the shopping mall, and the measurement results were evaluated over five different sectors: electronics, clothing and accessories (male-female), personal care and cosmetics, supermarket, and the playland for children. Magnetic maps of each sector were produced. In addition, the specific absorption rates (SAR) of male and female customers in these workplaces were determined. This is the first study carried out to find SAR caused by low-frequency radiation. Although the safe limit value of SAR for the whole body is 0.08 W/kg, the SAR values calculated in the playland and electronics sectors were obtained to be 0.763 and 0.39 W/kg, respectively. Results clearly demonstrate how especially small children are exposed to danger in the long term.

Apple phenolic extract ameliorates lead-induced cognitive impairment, depression- and anxiety-like behavior in mice through abating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis via miR-22-3p/SIRT1 axis

Lead can lead to neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. In this study, for the first time, the protective effects and working mechanisms of apple phenolic extract (APE) against lead acetate (Pb(Ac)2)-induced...

Effects of catechin on a rodent model of autism spectrum disorder: implications for the role of nitric oxide in neuroinflammatory pathway

AIM

The present research work aims at deciphering the involvement of nitric oxide pathway and its modulation by ( ±)catechin hydrate in experimental paradigm of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

METHOD

An intracerebroventricular infusion of 4 μl of 1 M propanoic acid was given in the anterior region of the lateral ventricle to induce autism-like phenotype in male rats. Oral administration of ( ±)catechin hydrate (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was initiated from the 3rd day lasting till the 28th day. L-NAME (50 mg/kg) and L-arginine (800 mg/kg) were also given individually as well as in combination to explore the ability of ( ±)catechin hydrate to act via nitric oxide pathway. Behavior test for sociability, stereotypy, anxiety, depression, and novelty, repetitive, and perseverative behavior was carried out between the 14th and 28th day. On the 29th day, animals were sacrificed, and levels of mitochondrial complexes and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. We also estimated the levels of neuroinflammatory and apoptotic markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, IFN-γ, HSP-70, and caspase-3. To evaluate the involvement of nitric oxide pathway, the levels of iNOS and homocysteine were estimated.

RESULTS

Treatment with ( ±)catechin hydrate significantly ameliorated behavioral, biochemical, neurological, and molecular deficits. Hence, ( ±)catechin hydrate has potential to be used as neurotherapeutic agent in ASD targeting nitric oxide pathway-mediated oxidative and nitrosative stress responsible for behavioral, biochemical, and molecular alterations via modulating nitric oxide pathway.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of the levels of iNOS and homocysteine conclusively establishes the role of nitric oxide pathway in causing behavioral, biochemical, and molecular deficits and the beneficial effect of ( ±)catechin hydrate in restoring these alterations.

Biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields: Two sides of a coin

Controversial, sensational and often contradictory scientific reports have triggered active debates over the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in literature and mass media the last few decades. This could lead to confusion and distraction, subsequently hampering the development of a univocal conclusion on the real hazards caused by EMFs on humans. For example, there are lots of publications indicating that EMF can induce apoptosis and DNA strand-breaks in cells. On the other hand, these effects could rather be beneficial, in that they could be effectively harnessed for treatment of various disorders, including cancer. This review discusses and analyzes the results of various in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies on the effects of non-ionizing EMFs on cells and organs, including the consequences of exposure to the low and high frequencies EM spectrum. Emphasis is laid on the analysis of recent data on the role of EMF in the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, the impact of EMF on the reproductive system has been discussed, as well as the relationship between EM radiation and blood cancer. Apart from adverse effects, the therapeutic potential of EMFs for clinical use in different pathologies is also highlighted.