Electromagnetic field exposure-induced depression features could be alleviated by heat acclimation based on remodeling the gut microbiota

Authors: Luo X, Huang X, Luo Z, Wang Z, He G, Tan Y, Zhang B, Zhou H, Li P, Shen T, Yu X, Yang X

Year: 2021 Nov 15

Category: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Journal: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112980

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794024/

Abstract

Overview of EMF Exposure and Heat Acclimation Study

Background: Electromagnetic pollution is an emerging concern. Continuous low-dose exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) may lead to central nervous system dysfunctions, necessitating effective preventative measures.

Methods Employed

The research employed male C57BL/6J mice, utilizing behavioral experiments to gauge depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors under different treatments. The study explored gut microbiota and serum metabolites using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS metabolomics.

Key Findings

  • Exposure to EMF significantly altered the proportions of specific gut bacteria such as Butyricicoccus and Anaerotruncus.
  • Heat acclimation (HA) restored gut microbial balance disrupted by EMF, with notable increases in probiotics like Lactobacillus.
  • HA also mitigated disruptions in serum metabolites such as cholesterol and D-mannose.
  • Metabolic pathways such as tryptophan metabolism were implicated in the observed effects, suggesting underlying biochemical links.

Conclusions

EMF exposure was found to induce neurobehavioral disorders resembling depression, coupled with gut microbiota imbalances. HA not only alleviated the depression-like symptoms but also suggested a vital role for gut microbiota in providing cross-tolerance against EMF-induced effects.

EMF depression gut microbiota heat acclimation environmental safety central nervous system behavioral disorders
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