6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

EMF Research Studies

Browse 6,486 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from 4 research libraries.

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Showing 1,633 studies in Cellular Effects

Induction of oxidative stress in male rats subchronically exposed to electromagnetic fields at non-thermal intensities

Achudume A, Onibere B, Aina F, Tchokossa P · 2010

Researchers exposed male Wistar rats to radio frequency radiation at 1800 MHz with a specific absorption rate of 0.95 to 3.9 W/kg for 40 or 60 days continuously. At 40 days, electromagnetic radiation failed to induce any significant alterations. At 60 days of exposure, various attributes evaluated decreased, including decreases in NADPH and ascorbate-linked lipid peroxidation along with diminution in enzymatic antioxidative defense systems and decreased glucose residue.

Effects of a 300 mT static magnetic field on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Potenza L et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to a 300 mT static magnetic field for 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours. After 4 hours of exposure, the static field induced damage at the nuclear and mitochondrial levels, reduced mitochondrial content, and increased reactive oxygen species. Twenty-four hours of exposure increased mitochondrial DNA content as well as expression of a gene related to mitochondrial biogenesis. No significant differences between exposed and sham cultures were found after 48 and 72 hours, and cell viability did not show a statistically significant change overall.

Modulation of redox status and calcium handling by extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in C2C12 muscle cells: A real-time, single-cell approach.

Morabito C et al. · 2010

Researchers used C2C12 cells as an in vitro model of the skeletal muscle phenotype to study the effects of short-term exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on muscle cell differentiation and function. ELF-EMFs induced reactive oxygen species production in myoblasts and myotubes with a concomitant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. The cellular detoxification system was activated, with increases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. ELF-EMFs also altered intracellular calcium homeostasis, increasing the spontaneous activity of myotubes and enhancing cellular reactivity to a depolarizing agent or an agonist of intracellular store calcium channels.

Effects of acute and chronic low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on PC12 cells during neuronal differentiation

Morabito C, Guarnieri S, Fanò G, Mariggiò MA · 2010

Researchers studied how extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) of different intensities and durations affected PC12 cells, a cell line used as a neuronal model, during neuronal differentiation. Long-lasting ELF-EMF exposure did not appear to significantly affect proliferation or neuritogenesis. During acute exposure lasting 30 minutes, ROS levels were increased and catalase activity was decreased in undifferentiated PC12 cells, while chronic exposure at 1.0 mT increased catalase activity. Acute exposure affected spontaneous intracellular calcium variations, and basal intracellular calcium was increased after chronic exposure.

Effects of acute electromagnetic field exposure and movement restraint on antioxidant system in liver, heart, kidney and plasma of Wistar rats: a preliminary report.

Martínez-Sámano J et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed adult male Wistar rats to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (60 Hz, 2.4 mT) for two hours to evaluate early effects on antioxidant systems in plasma, liver, kidney, and heart. SOD activity was lower in the plasma of restrained and EMF-exposed animals compared to unrestrained rats. There were no significant differences in CAT activity and TBARS levels among the experimental groups versus the control group. The researchers noted that oxidative stress induced by movement restraint was stronger than that produced by EMF.

Effects of 50-Hz magnetic field exposure on superoxide radical anion formation and HSP70 induction in human K562 cells.

Mannerling AC, Simkó M, Mild KH, Mattsson MO · 2010

Researchers exposed human K562 leukemia cells to a 50-Hz sine-wave magnetic field for 1 hour at flux densities ranging from 0.025 to 0.10 mT, measuring proliferation, cell cycle distribution, superoxide radical anion levels, and HSP70 protein levels. Both vertical and horizontal exposures caused significantly and transiently increased HSP70 levels of more than twofold at several flux densities, compared to sham controls and also compared to a heat-treatment positive control. Superoxide radical anion levels increased by 30–40%, and adding free radical scavengers melatonin or 1,10-phenantroline inhibited the magnetic-field-induced increase in HSP70. Cell cycle kinetics and proliferation were not affected by exposure at 0.10 mT for 1 hour.

Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulates cellular proliferation in human intervertebral disc cells.

Lee HM et al. · 2010

Researchers cultured human intervertebral disc (IVD) cells in alginate beads and exposed them to an electromagnetic field at 1.8 millitesla magnetic flux density and 60 Hz. Cellular proliferation was observed in the EMF group (p < 0.05), and no cytotoxicity was found. There was no significant change in the expression of aggrecan, type I, and type II collagen mRNA in the EMF group compared to the control group. DNA synthesis was partially mediated by nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2.

Effect of ELF-EMF on number of apoptotic cells; correlation with reactive oxygen species and HSP.

Garip AI, Akan Z. · 2010

Researchers investigated the effect of ELF-EMF on apoptosis in K562 human leukemia cells, with and without oxidative stress, and examined links to heat-shock protein 70 levels. ELF-EMF at 1 mT and 50 Hz was applied for 3 hours, with one group of cells treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress and another left untreated. In cells not exposed to oxidative stress, ELF-EMF caused a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells and a slight increase in viability. In cells treated with H2O2, ELF-EMF increased the number of apoptotic cells, and hsp70 and reactive oxygen species levels were also increased.

Exposure to ELF magnetic fields modulate redox related protein expression in mouse macrophages.

Frahm J, Mattsson MO, Simkó M. · 2010

Researchers exposed mouse macrophages to a 50 Hz, 1.0 mT magnetic field and measured changes in reactive oxygen species production and protein expression. Short-term exposures of two hours or less caused slight and transient decreases in several proteins, including clathrin, adaptin, PI3-kinase, protein kinase B, and PP2A, while longer exposures had no effect on these proteins. The stress proteins Hsp70 and Hsp110 showed increased levels at certain time points but not generally.

Influence of low frequency magnetic field on chosen parameters of oxidative stress in rat's muscles.

Ciejka E, Skibska B, Kleniewska P, Goraca A. · 2010

Researchers studied the influence of a low-frequency magnetic field on oxidative stress markers in rat muscles. Thirty male rats weighing 280 to 300 grams were randomly divided into three experimental groups, each containing seven animals. One treatment group was exposed to 40 Hz and 7 mT for 0.5 hours per day for 14 days, and the other was exposed at the same settings for 1 hour per day for 14 days. Exposure caused a significant increase in sulfhydryl group concentration and a decrease in protein concentration in the muscle homogenates.

Differentiation of K562 Cells Under ELF-EMF Applied at Different Time Courses

Ayşe IG, Zafer A, Sule O, Işil IT, Kalkan T. · 2010

Researchers studied the effect of ELF-EMF on the differentiation of K562 cells at different time courses. A single exposure to ELF-EMF resulted in a decrease in differentiation, while ELF-EMF applied every day for 1 hour caused an increase in differentiation. ELF-EMF increased ROS levels in K562 cells not treated with hemin, but did not change ROS levels in hemin-treated cells, indicating that ROS was not the cause of the differentiation effects.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields affect the immune response of monocyte-derived macrophages to pathogens.

Akan Z, Aksu B, Tulunay A, Bilsel S, Inhan-Garip A · 2010

Researchers applied 50 Hz, 1 mT electromagnetic fields for 4 to 6 hours to human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) that had been stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus or interferon gamma/lipopolysaccharide. Field application increased nitric oxide levels, with the increase appearing earlier and being more prominent in cells stimulated with S. aureus. ELF-EMF alone caused increased hsp70 levels in a time-dependent manner, and the growth curve of exposed bacteria was lower than the control. The researchers suggested that ELF-EMF could be exploited for beneficial uses.

Sinusoidal ELF magnetic fields affect acetylcholinesterase activity in cerebellum synaptosomal membranes

Ravera S et al. · 2010

Researchers investigated how extremely low frequency magnetic fields affect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in synaptosomal membranes from the cerebellum. Sinusoidal 50 Hz fields at different amplitudes caused AChE activity to decrease about 27%, with a threshold of about 0.74 mT. The decrease was completely reversible and independent of the time spent in the field. When the synaptosomal membranes were solubilized with Triton, the fields did not affect AChE activity, suggesting the membrane plays a crucial role in the effect.

Effect of exposure to 50 Hz magnetic field with or without insulin on blood-brain barrier permeability in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Gulturk S et al. · 2010

Rats in the magnetic field groups were exposed to a 5 mT field for 165 minutes every day for 30 days, and all rats underwent Evans blue measurement to evaluate the blood-brain barrier. Diabetes and magnetic field exposure each increased blood-brain barrier permeability, their combination caused a greater increase, and insulin reduced that effect.

Exposure to extremely low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis in C57BL/6 mice

Cuccurazzu B et al. · 2010

The exposure significantly enhanced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, with increased numbers of cells labeled for markers of new and developing neurons. Roughly half of the newly generated neurons survived 30 days after stimulation and became mature neurons integrated into the granule cell layer. The new mature neurons were associated with increased long-term potentiation, indicating an influence on hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

The role of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in pro-inflammatory responses of EMF-stimulated N9 microglial cells

Yang X, He G, Hao Y, Chen C, Li M, Wang Y, Zhang G, Yu Z · 2010

Researchers studied how electromagnetic field exposure affects N9 microglial cells and the role of the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway in any resulting pro-inflammatory responses. EMF significantly induced phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, and also dramatically increased the expression of CD11b, TNF-α, and iNOS, and the production of NO. When cells were pretreated with the JAK inhibitor P6, phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was strongly suppressed, and expression of CD11b, TNF-α, and iNOS was suppressed at 12 hours but not at 3 hours after EMF exposure.

Purkinje cell number decreases in the adult female rat cerebellum following exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field

Sonmez OF, Odaci E, Bas O, Kaplan S · 2010

Researchers exposed 16-week-old adult female rats to 900 MHz EMF for 1 hour per day for 28 days and then counted Purkinje cells in the cerebellum using a stereological technique. The total number of Purkinje cells in the exposed group was significantly lower than in both the control group (p < 0.004) and the sham-exposed group (p < 0.002). Body and brain weights did not differ significantly between the exposed and unexposed groups.

The effect of mobile phone on the number of Purkinje cells: a stereological study

Rağbetli MC et al. · 2010

Researchers investigated the effect of mobile phone exposure on Purkinje and granule neurons in the developing cerebellum. Pregnant Swiss albino mice were exposed to GSM mobile phone radiation at 890–915 MHz at 0.95 W/Kg specific absorption rate (SAR). The study found a significant decrease in the number of Purkinje cells and a tendency for granule cells to increase.

Chronic 835-MHz radiofrequency exposure to mice hippocampus alters the distribution of calbindin and GFAP immunoreactivity.

Maskey D et al. · 2010

Researchers investigated the effect of 835-MHz radiofrequency exposure on rat hippocampus for 3 months using immunohistochemical methods. A decrease in calbindin immunoreactivity was observed in the exposed group, with loss of interneurons and pyramidal cells in the CA1 area and loss of granule cells. An overall increase in GFAP immunoreactivity was observed in the hippocampus of exposed rats, and apoptotic cells were detected in the CA1, CA3 areas and dentate gyrus.

Effect of 835 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure on calcium binding proteins in the hippocampus of the mouse brain.

Maskey D et al. · 2010

Researchers measured calbindin (CB) and calretinin (CR) expression in the hippocampus of mice after exposure to 835 MHz electromagnetic fields at various durations and absorption rates. Exposure conditions included 1 hour per day for 5 days at a specific absorption rate of 1.6 W/kg, 1 hour per day for 5 days at 4.0 W/kg, 5 hours per day for 1 day at 1.6 W/kg, 5 hours per day for 1 day at 4.0 W/kg, and daily exposure for 1 month at 1.6 W/kg. Exposure for 1 month produced almost complete loss of pyramidal cells in the CA1 area. Body weights did not change significantly across the exposure groups.

STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in the activation of microglia induced by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields.

Hao Y, Yang X, Chen C, Yuan-Wang, Wang X, Li M, Yu Z · 2010

Researchers exposed murine N9 microglial cells to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields and examined several molecular markers of cell activation. After exposure, a significant increase of STAT3 DNA-binding ability was noted, and EMF rapidly induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and activated JAK1 and JAK2. Transcription levels of the inflammation-associated genes iNOS and TNF-alpha also increased after EMF exposure. When a JAK inhibitor called P6 was applied, it reduced induction of iNOS and TNF-alpha, nuclear factor binding activity, and activation of STAT3 in EMF-stimulated microglia.

GFAP expression in the rat brain following sub-chronic exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field signal

Ammari M et al. · 2010

This study measured glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in 48 rat brains to evaluate reactive astrocytosis after sub-chronic head-only exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field signal. Rats were exposed either for 45 minutes per day at a SAR of 1.5 W/kg or for 15 minutes per day at a SAR of 6 W/kg, five days per week over an eight-week period. Compared to sham-treated rats, exposed rats showed an increase in GFAP levels in different brain areas, measured three and ten days after treatment.

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