Effect of 50-Hz magnetic fields on the expression of activation-induced deaminase, B-cell lymphoma 6 and serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-21

Abstract

Overview

Background: Investigations showed different effects of magnetic fields (MFs) on the immune system. During humoral immune responses, genes of activation-induced deaminase (AID) and B-cell lymphoma-6 (Bcl-6) are expressed and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-21 are produced. These factors play significant roles in class switching, affinity maturation of antibodies and activations of B cells germinal centers (GCs).

Materials and Methods

• Eighty rats were divided into four exposures and a control groups.
• Exposure to magnetic flux densities of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 µT (50 Hz, 2h/day for 60 days).
• All animals were immunized with human serum albumin on days 31, 44, and 58 of exposure.
• Expression levels of AID and Bcl-6 genes and serum IL-6 and IL-21 were assayed using specific techniques.

Findings

Results: AID expression was significantly declined at 1µT magnetic flux density, indicating potential suppressive effects on the immune system. Serum IL-6 was only increased in the 500 µT group at the post-immunization phase, suggesting stimulation of certain immune parameters.

Conclusion

It seems exposure to 50-Hz MFs at varying densities affects the humoral immune system differently. A 1µT density may suppress immune functions such as AID, impacting class switching and affinity maturation. Conversely, a 500µT exposure may enhance immune responses by increasing IL-6 and promoting the differentiation of B cells to plasma cells. The complexity of the responses necessitates further research.