Epinephrine, DNA integrity and oxidative stress in workers exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) at 132 kV substations

Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive effects on adult individuals living in this area

Exposure to electromagnetic fields causes a variety of health problems in living systems. We investigated EMF pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and also investigated anxiety-depression symptoms in individuals (18-40 years old) exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric field and magnetic field measurements were taken at Electricity Distribution Center and 44 substations (for each transformer), at 0 points, 1 meter away, 2 meters away and the house/office closest to the transformer. The experimental group was individuals living in electricity distribution center residences and individuals living near transformers (n = 55). The control group was selected from individuals who lived outside the city center of Şanlıurfa, did not have transformers or high transmission lines near their homes, and did not have any chronic diseases that could cause stress (n = 50). Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI). The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. Maximum MF and EF values were recorded as 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively. All measured MF values were below standards, but EF values were above standards at some points. In conclusion, there is no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety-depression (p > 0.05). This result shows that there may be more meaningful results in places with higher EMF levels. We interpreted the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields does not cause anxiety and depression in individuals, as the measured values are below the limit values.

Mobile phone specific radiation disturbs cytokinesis and causes cell death but not acute chromosomal damage in buccal cells: Results of a controlled human intervention study

Several human studies indicate that mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields may cause cancer in humans but the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently not known. Studies concerning chromosomal damage (which is causally related to cancer induction) are controversial and those addressing this issue in mobile phone users are based on the use of questionnaires to assess the exposure. We realized the first human intervention trial in which chromosomal damage and acute toxic effects were studied under controlled conditions. The participants were exposed via headsets at one randomly assigned side of the head to low and high doses of a UMTS signal (n = 20, to 0.1 W/kg and n = 21 to 1.6 W/kg Specific Absorption Rate) for 2 h on 5 consecutive days. Before and three weeks after the exposure, buccal cells were collected from both cheeks and micronuclei (MN, which are formed as a consequence of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations) and other nuclear anomalies reflecting mitotic disturbance and acute cytotoxic effects were scored. We found no evidence for induction of MN and of nuclear buds which are caused by gene amplifications, but a significant increase of binucleated cells which are formed as a consequence of disturbed cell divisions, and of karyolitic cells, which are indicative for cell death. No such effects were seen in cells from the less exposed side. Our findings indicate that mobile phone specific high frequency electromagnetic fields do not cause acute chromosomal damage in oral mucosa cells under the present experimental conditions. However, we found clear evidence for disturbance of the cell cycle and cytotoxicity. These effects may play a causal role in the induction of adverse long term health effects in humans.

Risk-Based Assessment of 132 kV Electric Distribution Substations and Proximal Residential Areas in the Mangaung Metropolitan Region

Annually, an estimate of 2.3 million workers die prematurely due to occupational injuries and illnesses. In this study, a risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the compliance of 132 kV electric distribution substations and proximal residential areas with the South African occupational health and safety Act 85 of 1993. Data were collected from 30 electric distribution substations and 30 proximal residential areas using a checklist. Distribution substations of 132 kV were assigned an overall compliance value of ≥80%, while a composite risk value of < 0.5 was assigned to individual residential areas. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check for data normality before multiple comparisons and the Bonferroni adjustment was applied. Non-compliances in electric distribution substations were as a result of poor housekeeping and inappropriate fencing conditions. Ninety-three percent of the electric distribution substations (28/30) scored < 75% compliance on housekeeping and 30% (7/30) were non-compliant (<100%) on fencing. Conversely, there was compliance in the proximal residential areas concerning the substations. Statistically significant differences were found when substation positioning and surrounding infrastructure (p < 0.00), electromagnetic field sources (p < 0.00) and maintenance/general tidiness (p < 0.00) were compared. A peak risk value of 0.6 was observed when comparing the substation positioning with proximal electromagnetic field sources in the residential area. Housekeeping and fencing in the distribution substations must be improved to prevent occupational incidents such as injuries, fire outbreaks, theft and vandalism.

New View on the Impact of the Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (50 Hz) on Stress Responses: Hormesis Effect

INTRODUCTION

Low-frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz) (EMF) can modify crucial neuronal processes. Existing data indicate that exposure to EMF may represent a mild stressor and contribute to disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The important regulatory pathways controlling HPA axis activity include two types of corticosteroid receptors: mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors. They are particularly abundant in the hippocampus, a key locus of HPA axis feedback control. The research aimed at determining whether (1) EMF exhibits hormesis, it means bidirectional action depending on EMF intensity (1 or 7 mT) and (2) repeated EMF exposure changes stress response to subsequent stress factors.

METHODS

The exposure (7 days, 1 h/day) of adult rats to EMF (1 mT and 7 mT) was repeated 3 times. HPA axis hormones and their receptors were analysed after each following exposure. Moreover, the impact of EMF exposure on hormonal and behavioural responses to subsequent stress factor - open-field test was evaluated.

RESULTS

Our data suggest that exposure to EMF can establish a new "set-point" for HPA axis activity. The direction and dynamics of this process depend on the intensity of EMF and the number of exposures. EMF of 1 mT induced an adaptive stress response, but 7 mT EMF caused sensitization. Consequently, EMF changed the vulnerability of the organism to a subsequent stress factor. We have also shown the increase in MR mRNA abundance in the hippocampus of 1 mT EMF-exposed rats, which can represent the possible neuroprotective response and suggest therapeutic properties of EMFs.

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field as a Stress Factor-Really Detrimental?-Insight into Literature from the Last Decade

Biological effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and its consequences on human health have become the subject of important and recurrent public debate. ELF-MF evokes cell/organism responses that are characteristic to a general stress reaction, thus it can be regarded as a stress factor. Exposure to ELF-MF "turns on" different intracellular mechanisms into both directions: compensatory or deleterious ones. ELF-MF can provoke morphological and physiological changes in stress-related systems, mainly nervous, hormonal, and immunological ones. This review summarizes the ELF-MF-mediated changes at various levels of the organism organization. Special attention is placed on the review of literature from the last decade. Most studies on ELF-MF effects concentrate on its negative influence, e.g., impairment of behavior towards depressive and anxiety disorders; however, in the last decade there was an increase in the number of research studies showing stimulating impact of ELF-MF on neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation. In the face of numerous studies on the ELF-MF action, it is necessary to systematize the knowledge for a better understanding of the phenomenon, in order to reduce the risk associated with the exposure to this factor and to recognize the possibility of using it as a therapeutic agent.

Enhancement in the ATP level and antioxidant capacity of Caenorhabditis elegans under continuous exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field for multiple generations

PURPOSE

Safety concerns about the effects of long-term extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on human health have been raised. To explore the effects of continuous exposure to ELF-EMF on organisms for multiple generations, we selected Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism and conducted long-term continuous exposure studies for multiple generations under 20 °C, 50 Hz, and 3 mT ELF-EMF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each generation of worms was treated with ELF-EMF from the egg in the same environment. After long-term exposure to ELF-EMF, the body length of the worms was detected, and 15th generation adult worms were selected as the research object. The ATP level and ATPase were detected, and the expression levels of genes encoding ATP synthase (r53.4, hpo-18, atp-5, unc-32, atp-3) were detected by RT-PCR. In worm's antioxidant system, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by dichlorofluorescein staining, and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were investigated. The expression of genes encoding superoxide dismutase (sod-1, sod-2, sod-3) was detected in adult (60 h) worms of the fifteenth generation (F15).

RESULTS

These results showed that the body length of F15 worms increased significantly, ATP content increased significantly, ATP synthase activity was significantly enhanced, and the expression levels of the r53.4, hpo-18, atp-5, and atp-3 genes encoding ATPase were significantly upregulated in F15 worms. In addition, SOD activity increased significantly, and the expression levels of the sod-1, sod-2, and sod-3 genes encoding SOD were also significantly upregulated in F15 worms.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that continuous exposure to 50 Hz, 3 mT ELF-EMF for multiple generations can increase the body length of worms, induce the synthesis of ATP and enhance the antioxidant capacity of worms.

The Effects of Antioxidant Vitamins on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Some Biochemical Parameters of Power Plant Workers: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Some epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) can affect the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of antioxidant vitamin consumption on proinflammatory cytokines and biochemical parameters changes. In this randomized, controlled double-blinded trial study, power plant workers exposed to ELF-MFs were enrolled based on inclusion criteria. Ninety-one eligible subjects were randomly divided into four groups: the first group (400 units of vitamin E/day), second group (1,000 mg of vitamin C/day), third group (400 units of vitamin E and 1,000 mg of vitamin C/day), and control group. The intervention was conducted for 3 months. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], total protein, and albumin) were measured among the participants' serums, before and after the intervention. The mean level of IL-6 in all vitamin-receiving groups, the mean level of IL-1β in vitamin C and E&C groups, and the mean level of TNF-α in the vitamin C group, decreased significantly after intervention. The arithmetic means of the effect sizes for IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were 0.71, 0.57, and 0.2, respectively. The level of HDL-c in the vitamin E and vitamin E&C groups and the level of triglyceride in the vitamin C group significantly increased after the intervention. Taking antioxidant vitamins can prevent an increase of proinflammatory cytokines induced by prolonged exposure to ELF-MFs. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:18-26. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Oxidative stress associated with long term occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields

BACKGROUND

Occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) may have harmful effects on biologic systems and has raised many concerns in the last decades.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 115 power plant workers as the exposed group and 145 office workers as the non-exposed group. The levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (Cat), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum of all subjects. Exposure to ELF-EMFs was measured based on spot measurements and the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standard.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA, SOD, and Cat in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the non-exposed group. However, the level of TAC was not significantly different between the exposed (2.45±1.02) and non-exposed (2.21±1.07) groups. The levels of MDA and SOD were higher among workers with higher exposure to electric fields than workers with low exposure. All oxidative stress indicators increased with increased exposure to magnetic fields, except TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The antioxidant system imbalance among power plant workers may be related to long term occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Investigating the effects of vitamins E and C on oxidative stress and hematological parameters among power plant workers: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

The present study aimed to determine the effect of taking antioxidant vitamins including vitamins E and C in reducing oxidative stress levels and improving blood parameters. This double-blind randomized controlled trial study was conducted among the employees working in different parts of a power plant in Semnan, Iran, in 2017. A total of 91 employees were randomly allocated to four groups including vitamin E (400 units per day), vitamin C (1000 mg per day), vitamin E + C for 90 days, and control. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma, and hematological parameters were measured in the participants before and after the intervention. A significant increase was seen in the mean level of SOD, Cat, and TAC in the vitamin-treated groups as well as a significant decrease in mean MOD in vitamin C and vitamin E groups after the intervention. In the intervention groups, the number of red blood cells, hematocrit, and the level of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration significantly increased. After the intervention, the mean levels of MDA, SOD, and Cat in vitamin E group were significantly lower than the control group. The mean level of TAC decreased only in the vitamin C group compared to the control group. Taking vitamins E and C as nonenzymatic scavengers of free radicals appears to decrease lipid peroxidation and increase the level of antioxidant enzymes, which can be imbalanced by exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields in power plant employees. Furthermore, some hematological parameters can be improved by consuming these vitamins.

The effect of vitamin E and C on comet assay indices and apoptosis in power plant workers: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields have been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and this has raised some concern about its health effects on employees extensively exposed to these fields at thermal power plants. In this study, the effect of using vitamin E and C supplements have been examined on employees working at a thermal power plant. In this randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 81 employees from different parts of the thermal power plant were enrolled between July and November 2017, and divided into four groups: Group 1 received vitamin E (400 units/day), Group 2: vitamin C (1000 mg/day), Group 3: vitamin E + C and Group 4: no intervention. DNA damage was measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes using comet assay and apoptosis, using flow cytometry. Based on the results, tail intensity and tail length in the vitamin E group, and all comet assay indices in the vitamin E + C and vitamin C groups (except DNA damage index) significantly decreased after the intervention, while the comet assay indices did not change significantly in the control group. None of the flow cytometry indices including early apoptosis, late apoptosis and necrosis changed after intervention in either group. The use of antioxidant vitamins such as E and C, can increase the activity of the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system, and protect DNA from damage caused by exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. But, taking these vitamins has no effect on apoptosis. It seems that consumption of vitamin E affected all investigated comet assay indices and can be probably considered as the best intervention.

Investigating the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on job burnout syndrome and the severity of depression; the role of oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate the possible effect of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on occupational burnout syndrome and the severity of depression experienced among thermal power plant workers and the role of oxidative stress.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 115 power plant workers and 124 administrative personnel of a hospital were enrolled as exposed and unexposed groups, respectively, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and total antioxidant capacity were measured in serum samples. Exposure to electric and magnetic fields was measured using the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standard at each workstation. The burnout syndrome and the severity of depression were assessed using the Maslach Burnout and Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA and SOD were significantly lower in the exposed group than the unexposed group. The exposed group reported a higher prevalence of burnout syndrome and higher depression severity. Multiple linear regression showed that work experience, MDA level, and levels of exposure to magnetic fields are the most important predictor variables for burnout syndrome and severity of depression. In addition, a decrease in the level of Cat was significantly associated with increased burnout syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The thermal power plant workers exposed to ELF-EMFs are at risk of burnout syndrome and depression. These effects may be caused directly by exposure to magnetic fields or indirectly due to increased oxidative stress indices.

Characterization of the suppressive effects of extremely-low-frequency electric fields on a stress-induced increase in the plasma glucocorticoid level in mice

We recently suggested that an increase in the plasma glucocorticoid (GC) level in immobilized mice is suppressed by a 50-Hz electric field (EF) in an EF strength-dependent manner. The present study aimed to assess the anti-stress effect of EFs in three scenarios: exposure to an EF of either 50 or 60 Hz, which are the standard power frequencies in most regions; varying levels of environmental brightness during EF exposure; complete or partial shielding of the mouse from the EF. We compared the GC levels and blood parameters among control, EF-alone, immobilization-alone, and co-treatment groups. There was no difference between EFs of 50 and 60 Hz in terms of the suppression of the immobilization-induced increase in GC, that is, the anti-stress effect upon EF exposure. Examination of the effects of three environmental illuminance levels, 0, 200, and 490 lux, revealed that the effect of the EF was influenced by environmental illuminance. Shielding of the mice from the EF by wrapping the animals with an electrically conductive sheet inhibited the EF effect, which showed a negative correlation with the area shielded. Hence, environmental illuminance and the body area exposed to the EF might influence the effects of an EF on stress-induced increases in plasma GC levels in mice. Because stress plays an important role in the onset and progression of various diseases, these findings may have broad implications for understanding the efficacy of EFs in health. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:516-528, 2018 © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

New technologies in electronics and communications are continually emerging. An increasing use of these electronic devices such as mobile phone, computer, wireless fidelity connectors or cellular towers is raising questions concerning whether they have an adverse effect on the body. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is frequently suggested to have adverse health effects on humans and other organisms. This idea has been reported in many studies. In contrast, the therapeutic effects of EMF on different organs have also been reported. Research findings are inconsistent. This has given rise to very profound discrepancies. The duration and frequency of mobile phone calls and the association observed with various health effects has raised serious concerns due to the frequency with which these devices are used and the way they are held close to the head. The present review assesses the results of in vitro, in vivo, experimental, and epidemiological studies. The purpose of the study is to assess data concerning the carcinogenic and genotoxic effects of non-ionizing EMF. The major genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of EMF, divided into subsections as low frequency effects and radiofrequency effects, were reviewed. The inconsistent results between similar studies and the same research groups have made it very difficult to make any comprehensive interpretation. However, evaluation of current studies suggests that EMF may represent a serious source of concern and may be hazardous to living organisms.

Skeptical approaches concerning the effect of exposure to electromagnetic fields on brain hormones and enzyme activities

This review discusses the effects of various frequencies of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on brain hormones and enzyme activity. In this context, the mechanism underlying the effects of EMF exposure on tissues generally and cellular pathway specifically has been discussed. The cell membrane plays important roles in mediating enzymatic activities as to response and reacts with extracellular environment. Alterations in the calcium signaling pathways in the cell membrane are activated in response to the effects of EMF exposure. Experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that no changes occur in serum prolactin levels in humans following short-term exposure to 900 Mega Hertz (MHz) EMF emitted by mobile phones. The effects of EMF on melatonin and its metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, in humans have also been investigated in the clinical studies to show a disturbance in metabolic activity of melatonin. In addition, although 900 MHz EMF effects on NF-κB inflammation, its effects on NF-κB are not clear. Abbreviations: ELF-EMF, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields; EMF, electromagnetic fields; RF, Radiofrequency; ROS, reactive oxygen species; VGCCs, voltage-gated calcium channels; MAPK, mitogen-activated phosphokinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa B; ERK-1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; GSH-Px, glutathione peroxidase; JNK, Jun N-terminal kinases; SOD, superoxide dismutase; MnSOD, manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase; GLUT1, glucose transporter 1; GSSG-Rd, glutathione reductase MDA malondialdehyde; NO, nitric oxide; LH, luteinizing hormone; FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone.

Resveratrol may reverse the effects of long-term occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields on workers of a power plant

High-voltage electricity lines are known to generate extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs). With the process of urbanization, increasing concerns has been focused on the potentially hazardous impacts of ELF-EMF on human health, and the conclusions are controversial. Little is known about the method of prevention against ELF-EMF induced healthy problems. A total of 186 male workers with occupational exposure to high-voltage electricity lines, and 154 male subjects with insignificant exposure as reference control were enrolled in this study. Resveratrol or placebo was given as dietary supplements (500 mg twice daily), and several inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed. Workers who had long-term exposure to high-voltage electricity lines exhibited elevated urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) and F2-isoprostane, compared to the reference group. Lower plasma nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin (IL)-6 were observed in exposed workers compared to the reference group. Resveratrol significantly reversed the adverse impacts of ELF-EMF. Stimulated cytokine production by resveratrol was found in exposed workers but not in the reference group. This study supported that occupational and long-term exposure to high-voltage electricity lines has an adverse effect on homeostasis of human body, and resveratrol supplement could be an effective protection strategy against the adverse effects induced by ELF-EMFs.

Configuration-dependent variability of the effect of an electric field on the plasma glucocorticoid level in immobilized mice

We recently reported that an immobilization stress-induced increase in glucocorticoid (GC) level was suppressed in mice exposed to an electric field (EF) of 50 Hz in a kV/m-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated the reproducibility of the suppressive effect induced by EF exposure by varying the voltage and distance between the electrodes (0.5 kV/50 mm, 1 kV/100 mm, 2 kV/200 mm) and comparing the effects on the plasma GC level. In addition, the effect of mice being in contact with the lower electrode or not was compared at 1 kV/100 mm. Immobilization-induced GC levels were significantly decreased in mice exposed to an EF at 1 kV/100 mm for 60 min (P < 0.01), but not in mice exposed to 0.5 kV/50 mm or 2 kV/200 mm. Furthermore, the suppressive effect of the 1 kV/100 mm EF was canceled when a polypropylene sheet (0.1 mm thick) was placed between the animal and lower electrode. Our findings corroborated that an EF of 10 kV/m inhibits stress-induced changes in the endocrine system in mice and demonstrated that this effect depends on the configuration of the EF exposure system, even when the EF strength remains the same. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:265-271, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of dietary green tea polyphenol supplementation on the health of workers exposed to high-voltage power lines

Although it has been several decades since the focus on the effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) of high-voltage power lines on human health, no consistent conclusion has been drawn. The present study aimed to investigate the change in oxidative stress after exposure to ELF-EMFs, and potential protective effects of green tea polyphenol supplementation (GTPS) on ELF-EMFs induced oxidative stress. A total of 867 subjects, including workers with or without exposure to ELF-EMFs of 110-420kV power lines, participated and were randomized into GTPS and placebo treatment groups. Oxidative stress and oxidative damage to DNA were assessed by urinary tests of 8-isoprostane and 8-OHdG. Significant increased urinary 8-isoprostane and 8-OHdG were observed in workers with ELF-EMFs exposure, which were diminished after 12 months of GTPS. No protective effects of GTPS on oxidative stress and oxidative damage to DNA were observed after three months of GTPS withdraw. We found a negative impact of high-voltage power lines on the health of workers. Long-term GTPS could be an efficient protection against the health issues induced by high-voltage power lines.

Exposure of ELF-EMF and RF-EMF Increase the Rate of Glucose Transport and TCA Cycle in Budding Yeast

In this study, we investigated the transcriptional response to 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and 2.0 GHz radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure by Illumina sequencing technology using budding yeast as the model organism. The transcription levels of 28 genes were upregulated and those of four genes were downregulated under ELF-EMF exposure, while the transcription levels of 29 genes were upregulated and those of 24 genes were downregulated under RF-EMF exposure. After validation by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), a concordant direction of change both in differential gene expression (DGE) and RT-qPCR was demonstrated for nine genes under ELF-EMF exposure and for 10 genes under RF-EMF exposure. The RT-qPCR results revealed that ELF-EMF and RF-EMF exposure can upregulate the expression of genes involved in glucose transportation and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, but not the glycolysis pathway. Energy metabolism is closely related with the cell response to environmental stress including EMF exposure. Our findings may throw light on the mechanism underlying the biological effects of EMF.

Short- and long-term exposure to alternating magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affects rat pituitary ACTH cells: Stereological study

The aim of the present study was to determine does extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF, 50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affect pituitary adrenocorticotroph (ACTH) cells in adult animals. We performed two series of experiments: (1) short-term exposure of 3-month-old rats to ELF-MF for 1 and 7 days, and (2) long-term exposure of rats to ELF-MF from their conception to 3 months of age. Stereological study was performed on immunolabeled pituitary ACTH cells. The total number and volume of ACTH cells, the volume of their nuclei and pituitary volume were measured. ELF-MF exposure for 1 day significantly decreased total number and volume of ACTH cells, the volume of their nuclei, as well as pituitary volume. ELF-MF exposure for 7 days significantly reduced only the volume of ACTH cells. Life-long exposure to ELF-MF induced decrease in the volume of ACTH cells and pituitary volume. We can conclude that the applied ELF-MF has a strong influence on morphometrical parameters of the pituitary ACTH cells and could be considered as a stressogenic factor.