Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF-EMF) Increases Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Activities and Ameliorates Depressive Behaviors in Mice

Authors: Teranishi M, Ito M, Huang Z, Nishiyama Y, Masuda A, Mino H, Tachibana M, Inada T, Ohno K

Year: 2024

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011315

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/20/11315

Abstract

Overview

Compromised mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activities are associated with depression in both humans and rodent models. The connection between mitochondrial function and mood disorders highlights the influence of physiological stressors such as electromagnetic fields.

Key Findings

  • Hormetic Activation: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) as low as 10 μT can activate mitochondrial ETC complexes in cultured cells and animal tissues.
  • Depression Model: Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) for 10 days induced behavioral defects mimicking depression in mice. Exposure to ELF-EMF for two to six weeks improved these behaviors.
  • Mitochondrial Function: CSDS reduced mitochondrial ETC proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) within 10 days, but these were restored following ELF-EMF exposure for six weeks.
  • Bioenergetics: Although CSDS did not alter mitochondrial oxygen consumption in 10 days, ELF-EMF exposure increased this parameter after six weeks.
  • Antioxidant Pathways: CSDS increased acetylation of SOD2 (inactivating it) and led to lipid peroxidation in the PFC. ELF-EMF, on the other hand, activated the Sirt3-FoxO3a-SOD2 pathway and suppressed oxidative stress.
  • Mitophagy: Markers for mitophagy were increased with CSDS and suppressed by ELF-EMF application over six weeks.

Conclusion

ELF-EMF exposure produced beneficial, hormetic effects on mitochondrial energy production, antioxidant capacity, and mitochondrial dynamics in a mouse model of depression. These results suggest a strong link between electromagnetic field exposure and neurobiological health, indicating that ELF-EMF may have therapeutic potential for mood disorders such as depression. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize and continue to study all health risks associated with EMF exposure.

ELF-EMF depression mitochondria electron transport chain oxidative stress mouse model brain health
← Back to Stats