Effects of extremely low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields on vital organs of adult Wistar rats and viability of mouse fibroblast cells

Authors: Tekam CKS, Majumdar S, Kumari P, Prajapati SK, Sahi AK, Singh R, Krishnamurthy S, Mahto SK

Year: 2024 Dec 4

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Radiation Protection Dosimetry

DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae220

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39656829/

Abstract

Overview

In recent years, concern has grown within the scientific community regarding the potential health effects linked to periodic exposure to electromagnetic fields, even for durations as brief as one hour per day. This study was undertaken to determine how extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF, 1-3 mT at 50 Hz) affect both mouse fibroblast (RFP-L929) cells and adult Wistar rats, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of possible biological impacts.

Findings

  • RFP-L929 mouse fibroblast cells exposed to ELF-PEMF did not exhibit significant changes in cell proliferation or morphology.
  • There was a mild elevation in certain biochemical markers (aspartate aminotransferases, alanine aminotransferases, total bilirubin, serum creatinine, and creatine kinase-myocardial band) in both in vitro and in vivo conditions following ELF-PEMF exposure.
  • Histological analysis revealed no significant alterations in tissue structure or morphology of tested organs.
  • Exposure duration was 20 minutes each session, with a 4-hour gap between sessions, which proved non-destructive for fibroblast cells.
  • While mild biochemical changes were observed in rats, organ coefficients, tissue structure, and morphology remained unchanged among exposed and control groups.
  • No significant cellular fragmentation or major morphological changes were detected in mouse fibroblast cells.
  • Histological analysis of liver, kidney, and heart after ELF-PEMF exposure indicated no major tissue changes.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that even low-level ELF-PEMF exposure (1-3 mT, 50 Hz, less than 1 hour daily) can trigger mild changes in biochemical parameters. However, these are insufficient to induce obvious pathological changes in tissue or organ structure in Wistar rats, or to significantly alter the viability or morphology of mouse fibroblast cells. The effort supports the conclusion that there is indeed a measurable biological response to 50-Hz ELF-PEMF exposure, establishing a direct link between electromagnetic field exposure and biological systems, which should be considered, especially in residential and occupational environments.

electromagnetic fields ELF-PEMF Wistar rats mouse fibroblast cells biochemical changes health risk organ effects
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