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: This study delves into the effects of 50-Hz magnetic fields (MFs) on key immunological factors, crucial for the body's defense mechanisms. By focusing on activation-induced deaminase (AID) and B-cell lymphoma-6 (Bcl-6) genes, alongside the interleukins IL-6 and IL-21, the research aims to decipher the impact of MFs exposure on humoral immune responses.

Materials and Methods

• Subjects: Eighty rats categorised into control and four exposure groups.
• Experiment: Exposed to magnetic fields at strengths of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 µT for two hours daily over a 60-day period.
• Detection Methods: Key metrics measured included gene expression via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and interleukin levels through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Findings

Significant findings demonstrate variable impacts of MFs at different densities:

• At 1 µT, evident suppression of AID indicates potential inhibition in class switching within humoral immune responses.
• No significant expression changes in Bcl-6 across any group.
• Enhanced IL-6 levels were observed at 500 µT, correlating with potential boosts in immunological responses post-immunization.

Conclusion

Exposure to varying magnetic flux densities offers a differential impact on humoral immunity, revealing a complex interplay between magnetic field exposure and immune function. The suppression observed at lower densities and activation at higher densities prompt further investigation to thoroughly understand these relationships and their implications on health.