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 745 studies in Oxidative Stress

Effects of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field on oxidative stress parameters in rat lymphoid organs, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and plasma.

Aydin B, Akar A. · 2011

Researchers exposed immature and mature rats to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field for 2 hours per day for 45 days and measured oxidative stress in lymphoid organs, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and plasma. Antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione levels in lymphoid organs, and the antioxidant capacity of plasma decreased after exposure, while lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide levels, and myeloperoxidase activity increased. Improvements seen after a recovery period were limited, especially in immature rats, and oxidative damage was described as tissue specific.

Effects of static magnetic field and cadmium on oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat cortex brain and hippocampus.

Amara S et al. · 2011

Researchers studied the effects of co-exposure to a static magnetic field (SMF) and cadmium on antioxidant enzyme activity and DNA integrity in rat brain. Cadmium exposure alone reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, including GPx, CAT, and SOD, in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, and increased markers of oxidative damage. When SMF (128 mT, 1 hour/day for 30 consecutive days) was combined with cadmium, SOD activity and glutathione levels in the frontal cortex fell further compared with the cadmium-only group, and MDA concentration also increased further. SMF exposure did not alter DNA oxidation levels in cadmium-exposed rats.

Bioassay for assessing cell stress in the vicinity of radio-frequency irradiating antennas

Monselise EB, Levkovitz A, Gottlieb HE, Kost D · 2011

Researchers exposed water plants (etiolated duckweed) for 24 hours to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields ranging between 1.8 V m(-1) and 7.8 V m(-1), generated by AM 1.287 MHz transmitting antennas. The exposure resulted in alanine accumulation in the plant cells, which the researchers describe as a universal stress signal. The magnitude of the effect corresponds qualitatively to the level of RF-EMF exposure. When vitamin C at 10 mM was present, alanine accumulation was completely suppressed, suggesting the involvement of free radicals in the process.

Reproductive Health164 citations

Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Wave Exposure from Cellular Phones on the Reproductive Pattern in Male Wistar Rats.

Kesari KK, Kumar S, Behari J. · 2011

The study investigated the effect of mobile phone exposure on fertility-related markers in 70-day-old male Wistar rats. Rats were exposed in Plexiglas cages for 2 hours a day for 35 days, with a specific absorption rate estimated at 0.9 W/kg. In exposed rats, antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase decreased, while malondialdehyde and free radical generation increased significantly. The researchers concluded that radiofrequency electromagnetic waves from commercially available cell phones might affect the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.

Oxidative Stress102 citations

900 MHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative stress on heart, lung, testis and liver tissues

Esmekaya MA, Ozer C, Seyhan N · 2011

Researchers exposed male Wistar albino rats to 900 MHz pulse-modulated RF radiation at a SAR of 1.20 W/kg for 20 minutes per day over three weeks to investigate oxidative damage in multiple tissues. MDA and NOx levels were significantly increased in liver, lung, testis, and heart tissues of the exposed group compared to sham and control groups, while GSH levels were significantly lower in exposed rat tissues. No significant difference was observed between the sham and control groups.

Effect of Electromagnetic Pulses (EMP) on associative learning in mice and a preliminary study of mechanism.

Chen YB, Li J, Liu JY, Zeng LH, Wan Y, Li YR, Ren D, Guo GZ. · 2011

Researchers exposed male BALB/c mice to electromagnetic pulses at a peak intensity of 400 kV/m for a total of 200 pulses, then measured associative learning, oxidative stress in the brain, and serum chemistry. Associative learning was reduced significantly at 12 hours and 1 day after exposure compared with sham control, but recovered at 2 days post exposure. Lipid peroxidation and chemiluminescence intensity in brain tissue increased significantly, while activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased significantly, at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 1 d post EMP exposure, with all parameters recovering at 2 days. Pretreatment with TMG showed protective effects against EMP exposure.

Cellular ATP content was decreased by a homogeneous 8.5 T static magnetic field exposure: role of reactive oxygen species.

Zhao G et al. · 2011

The study examined cellular effects of a strong homogeneous static magnetic field in human-hamster hybrid (AL) cells, mitochondria-deficient cells, and double-strand break repair-deficient cells. ATP content was significantly decreased in AL cells exposed to 8.5 Tesla but not 1 or 4 T static magnetic field for either 3 or 5 hours. Reactive oxygen species levels were significantly increased by 8.5 T exposure, and concurrent treatment with the ROS inhibitor DMSO dramatically suppressed the ATP content in exposed AL cells. Mutation frequency and cell cycle distribution were not significantly affected by 8.5 T exposure for 3 hours.

MnSOD expression inhibited by electromagnetic pulse radiation in the rat testis

Zeng L et al. · 2011

Researchers exposed male Sprague Dawley rats to electromagnetic pulse irradiation at 100 kV/m peak-to-peak electric field intensity to observe effects on the reproductive system. Sperm morphology, micronucleus formation rate, sperm number, and viability were not affected, but the acrosin reaction rate decreased at 24 h and 48 h and recovered by 72 h after irradiation. Enzymatic activities of T-SOD and MnSOD were reduced by 24 h, MDA content increased at 6 h, and serum LH and testosterone levels were elevated in irradiated rats compared to controls. The researchers suggested that the mechanism of EMP-induced damage may be associated with inhibition of MnSOD expression.

Effects of static magnetic fields on the growth of various types of human cells.

Sullivan K, Balin AK, Allen RG · 2011

Researchers determined the effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) on the proliferation of various types of human cells. SMF significantly decreased the initial attachment of fibroblasts and their subsequent growth, with effects observed in both fetal lung (WI-38) and adult skin fibroblast lines. SMF inhibited melanoma cell growth by 20% on day 7, but did not affect melanoma cell attachment. Oxidant production increased 37% in WI-38 cells exposed to SMF during the first 18 hours after seeding, but no elevation in oxidant levels was observed after a prolonged 5-day exposure.

Kinetic study on the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on catalase, cytochrome P450 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in human HaCaT and THP-1 cell lines.

Patruno A et al. · 2011

The study estimated kinetic constants of catalase, cytochrome P450, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in human HaCaT and THP-1 cell lines exposed to ELF-EMF. To evaluate cellular responses to an inflammatory stimulus, both cell lines were treated with lipopolysaccharide. The effects of ELF-EMF depend upon frequency, amplitude, and length of exposure, and are also related to intrinsic susceptibility and responsiveness of different cell types.

Cytoprotective response induced by electromagnetic stimulation on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line.

Osera C et al. · 2011

Researchers investigated the effects of an electromagnetic wave at 2 mT and 75 Hz on human neuroblastoma cells overexpressing amyloid precursor protein (APP). After prolonged electromagnetic treatment, lower mitochondrial activity and proliferation rate were observed, resulting in higher cellular quiescence. The treatment was also associated with an overall increase of HSP70 and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and with increased expression of the enzyme ADAM10 and enhanced release of the neurotrophic factor sAPPα. The researchers suggested a possible use of this physical stimulation to improve the functional capability of cells to face noxae.

Modulation of hydrogen peroxide production in cellular systems by low level magnetic fields.

Martino CF, Castello PR · 2011

Researchers studied how suppressing the Earth's magnetic field to between 0.2 µT and 2 µT affected hydrogen peroxide production in several cell types. The cell types tested were a human fibrosarcoma cancer cell line, a pancreatic cancer cell line, and bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Reducing the Earth's magnetic field suppressed hydrogen peroxide production in the cancer cells and the endothelial cells. Adding catalase and a superoxide dismutase mimetic called MnTBAP inhibited the magnetic field effect.

Static magnetic field sensitivity of endothelial cells.

Martino CF · 2011

Researchers investigated how low level fields (0.2–1 µT), 30 µT, and 120 µT static magnetic fields affected the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Reducing the magnetic field to low levels clearly inhibited proliferation, while small differences of 30 µT reduced endothelial cell numbers significantly. Adding the free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase suppressed the enhanced proliferation caused by 120 µT static magnetic fields, suggesting a free radical mechanism of interaction.

Selenium supplementation ameliorates static magnetic field-induced disorders in antioxidant status in rat tissues.

Ghodbane S et al. · 2011

Researchers exposed male adult rats to a static magnetic field (128 mT, 1 hour per day for 5 days) and examined antioxidant enzymes and selenium levels in liver, kidney, muscle, and brain. Static magnetic field exposure decreased selenium levels in kidney, muscle, and brain, and decreased GPx activity in kidney and muscle. In the liver, static magnetic field exposure increased total GSH levels and total SOD activities, while glutathione reductase activity was unaffected. Selenium supplementation restored selenium levels and GPx activity in kidney and muscle, but did not bring down the elevated GSH and SOD levels in liver.

Effect of selenium pre-treatment on plasma antioxidant vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) in static magnetic field-exposed rats

Ghodbane S et al. · 2011

Researchers exposed male adult rats to a static magnetic field (128 mT, 1 hour per day for 5 consecutive days) and measured antioxidant vitamins and markers of oxidative stress in plasma. SMF exposure increased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity by 35%, while alpha-tocopherol fell by 67% and retinol fell by 41%. SMF exposure did not alter plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive species, total thiol groups, or selenium concentrations. Pre-treatment with selenium was associated with improved antioxidant capacities in the SMF-exposed rats.

Oxidative stress and apoptosis in relation to exposure to magnetic field

Emre M, Cetiner S, Zencir S, Unlukurt I, Kahraman I, Topcu Z · 2011

Researchers investigated the effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure with pulse trains on lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat liver tissue. The study used 30 adult male Wistar rats and measured plasma enzyme and protein levels, as well as apoptotic and necrotic cell percentages in kidney extracts. Oxidative stress indicators increased, and necrotic cell percentages were significantly lower in exposed animals compared to unexposed or sham control groups, though DNA ladder analyses did not differentiate between the groups.

Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on oxidative balance in brain of rats.

Ciejka E, Kleniewska P, Skibska B, Goraca A. · 2011

The study aimed to assess the effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field parameters on reactive oxygen species generation in brain tissue of experimental animals depending on the time of exposure. Exposure at 30 min/day for 10 days caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and an insignificant increase in hydrogen peroxide and free sulphydryl groups. Exposure at 60 min/day caused a significant increase in free sulphydryl groups and protein concentration, which the researchers described as indicating an adaptive mechanism.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field induces oxidative stress in mouse cerebellum

Chu LY et al. · 2011

Researchers investigated whether extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) induces lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species in mouse cerebellum. After exposure to 60 Hz ELF-MF at 2.3 mT intensity for 3 hours, malondialdehyde and hydroxyl radical levels increased significantly. The researchers concluded that ELF-MF may induce oxidative stress in mouse cerebellum, though the mechanism remains to be characterized.

900-MHz microwave radiation promotes oxidation in rat brain

Kesari KK, Kumar S, Behari J. · 2011

Researchers exposed 35-day old Wistar rats to a mobile phone for 2 hours per day for 45 days at a specific absorption rate of 0.9 W/Kg. Animals were divided into a sham exposed group and an exposed group, each with 6 animals. The exposed group showed a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and a significant increase in reactive oxygen species. The researchers concluded that these findings on biomarkers are clear indications of possible health implications.

A study of neurotoxic biomarkers, c-fos and GFAP after acute exposure to GSM radiation at 900 MHz in the picrotoxin model of rat brains

Carballo-Quintás M et al. · 2011

Researchers studied the effects of acute 900 MHz GSM radiation exposure on neurotoxic biomarkers c-fos and GFAP in rats also treated with picrotoxin, a seizure-promoting agent. Seventy-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent immunochemical testing to measure c-fos induction after 90 minutes and 24 hours, and GFAP 72 hours after acute exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field. The results indicated that c-fos and glial markers were triggered by the combined stress of non-thermal irradiation and the toxic effect of picrotoxin on brain tissue.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields accelerate wound healing in the skin of diabetic rats

Unknown authors · 2010

Researchers induced diabetes in male Wistar rats with streptozocin and created a full-thickness dermal incision. The wound was exposed to ELF PEMF at 20 Hz, 4 ms, 8 mT for one hour per day. Healing rate was significantly greater in diabetic rats receiving PEMF compared to diabetic controls. Wound tensile strength was also significantly greater in PEMF-treated animals. Even non-diabetic control rats receiving PEMF healed faster than sham-exposed controls.

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field Decreased Calcium, Zinc and Magnesium Levels in Costa of Rat

Unknown authors · 2010

Rats were exposed to 100 and 500 μT ELF-MF for 2 h/day during 10 months. Calcium levels decreased in the ELF-500 exposure group compared to the sham group. Magnesium levels decreased in the ELF-500 exposure group compared to both the sham and ELF-100 exposure groups. Zinc levels were lower in the ELF-500 exposure group than in the sham and ELF-100 exposure groups. No significant differences were found in phosphorus, copper, or iron levels between groups.

Cellular Effects104 citations

Effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Unknown authors · 2010

Researchers exposed human mesenchymal stem cells at passages 5 and 6 to homogeneous sinusoidal extremely low-frequency magnetic fields at 5 mT during chondrogenic differentiation. After 3 weeks, collagen type II expression increased significantly at passage 6 under EMF exposure. Aggrecan and SOX9 expression did not change significantly after EMF exposure. Collagen type X expression decreased under electromagnetic stimulation. Glycosaminoglycan content relative to DNA was higher in EMF-treated pellets at passage 5.

ELF noise fields: a review

Unknown authors · 2010

The group used early chick embryos and L929 and Daudi cells as experimental systems. The review found that ELF magnetic noise fields inhibited the effects when they were observed, and in all cases where a noise field was applied to prevent an observed effect it eliminated the effect.

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