Coupling of oxidative stress responses to tricarboxylic acid cycle & prostaglandin E2 alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans under ELF-EMF

Abstract

Abstract Overview

The study focuses on the impact of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on the organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), exploring physiological responses when exposed to a specific frequency and intensity of ELF-EMF.

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the influence of 50 Hz, 3 mT ELF-EMF exposure on C. elegans, particularly observing changes in physiological processes.

Materials and Methods

• Exposure: C. elegans exposed to ELF-EMF from egg to fourth larva (L4) stage.
• Analysis Techniques: Examination of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes via qRT-PCR and western blot, lipid metabolites analysis by GC-MS, and oxidative stress assessment through ROS levels and antioxidant system activity.

Findings

• Decreased expression of TCA cycle enzyme, fumarase, under ELF-EMF exposure.
• Increased levels of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with raised expression of prostaglandin E2 synthase (PGES-2).
• Significant elevation in ROS levels coupled with a reduction in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC).

Conclusion

The research indicates that exposure to 50 Hz, 3 mT ELF-EMF leads to disruptions in TCA cycle metabolism and PGE2 formation alongside inducing oxidative stress responses in C. elegans. The outcomes necessitate increased scrutiny of ELF-EMF applications in contexts relating to health and disease.