Can Electromagnetic Fields Modulate Inflammation and Cell Death by Acting on the Immune System? (Review)

Authors: López-Martín ME, Sueiro-Benavides RA, Leiro-Vidal JM, Rodríguez-González JA, Ares-Pena FJ

Year: 2023

Category: Immunology, Pathophysiology

Journal: IEEE Access

Institution: IEEE Access

DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3308225

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10229142&isnumber=10005208

Abstract

Overview

This review paper delves into the role of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in modulating the immune response, particularly focusing on inflammation and cell death mechanisms that occur during COVID-19 disease. The paper discusses various studies analyzing how EMFs affect both natural and acquired immune responses.

Findings

  • Several studies have indicated that non-ionizing EMFs may either activate or reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and the intracellular calcium influx, which are critical in the immune response and could subsequently impact cell death associated with COVID-19.
  • The paper further elucidates that EMFs have bidirectional effects that could either slow down or enhance the processes leading to cell death during COVID-19 infection.
  • Concern is expressed about how the varied experimental conditions and different EMF parameters used in studies could complicate the direct comparability of findings.

Conclusion

The review underscores the crucial need for further research to discern the specific impacts of EMFs on immunological responses in viral infections like COVID-19. The aim is to use this research to potentially curtail environmental risks and develop new therapeutic strategies focusing on the role of non-ionizing radiation.

electromagnetic fields immune system cell death COVID-19 non-ionizing radiation oxidative stress inflammation
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