Molecular biomarkers in Electrohypersensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: How They Can Help Diagnosis, Follow-Up, and in Etiopathologic Understanding

Abstract

Overview

Electrohypersensitivty (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are newly emerging neurologic disorders associated with sensitivity-related environmental pathology. This study confirms and expands upon previous findings, demonstrating that EHS and MCS share clinically identical symptoms and can often coexist as a single, common syndrome in approximately 25% of cases.

Findings

• Biochemical Profile: Both EHS and MCS (individually or as a combined syndrome) show similar biochemical changes. In about 90% of cases, there is a decreased production of 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate in urine.
• Inflammation & Blood-Brain Barrier: Increased levels of histamine and heat shock proteins (HSP27 and/or HSP70), protein S100B, and nitrotyrosine in peripheral blood are self-reported in 30-50% of cases. Histamine and HSP rise indicates low-grade inflammation, while S100B and nitrotyrosine suggest blood-brain barrier disruption.
• Autoimmunity: Circulating anti-myelin autoantibodies, indicative of an autoimmune response, were detected in about 15% of cases.
• Diagnosis Methods: The sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of these biomarker-based biochemical tests are analyzed. In select cases with undetectable biological changes, diagnosis was supported through cerebral neurotransmitter analysis in urine and brain imaging.

Conclusion

The study suggests that EHS and/or MCS should be considered new brain disorders, likely generated via a common etiopathogenic mechanism. The biological data establish a strong link between exposure to EMF and chemicals with neuroinflammation, autoimmunity, and blood-brain barrier disruption. These findings reinforce the health risks associated with electromagnetic field exposure.