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Effects of electromagnetic fields on cells: physiological and therapeutical approaches and molecular mechanisms of interaction. A review.

This review concentrates on findings described in the recent literature on the response of cells and tissues to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Models of the causal interaction between different forms of EMF and ions or biomolecules of the cell will be presented together with our own results in cell surface recognition. Naturally occurring electric fields are not only important for cell-surface interactions but are also pivotal for the normal development of the organism and its physiological functions. A further goal of this review is to bridge the gap between recent cell biological studies (which, indeed, show new data of EMF actions) and aspects of EMF-based therapy, e.g., in wounds and bone fractures.

Animals↗

Effect of microwaves on the activity of murine macrophages in vitro.

The effect of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range was studied on the adherence, opsonization, phagocytosis, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity of peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. After 15 min of irradiation with microwaves modulated in pulses at a frequency of 2,450 MHz and a power density of 32 mW/cm2, an increase in all the parameters studied was observed. The use of microwaves as a possible tool for the stimulation of the immune system is discussed.

Animals↗

Low-energy shock wave for enhancing recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells: a new modality to increase efficacy of cell therapy in chronic hind limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Stem and progenitor cell therapy is a novel approach to improve neovascularization and function of ischemic tissue. Enhanced tissue expression of chemoattractant factors such as stromal cell-derived factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor is crucial for the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) during acute ischemia. In chronic ischemia, however, expression of these chemoattractants is less pronounced, which results in insufficient EPC recruitment into the target tissue. Therefore, we investigated the effect of targeted extracorporeal shock wave (SW) application in order to facilitate EPC recruitment into nonischemic and chronic ischemic tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hind limb adductor muscles of nude rats were treated with 500, 1000, and 2000 impulses of focused low-energy SW (flux density level: 0.05 mJ/mm2). Twenty-four hours later, mRNA expression of the chemoattractant stromal cell-derived factor 1 was significantly increased with 1000 impulses (stromal cell-derived factor 1/GAPDH: 0.95+/-0.09) and 2000 impulses (stromal cell-derived factor 1/GAPDH: 1.17+/-0.24; both P<0.05 versus untreated). Histologically, the number of vascular endothelial growth factor-positive endothelial cells per myocyte was significantly increased with 2000 impulses (0.24+/-0.05 versus 0.09+/-0.02; P<0.01). This preconditioning effect resulted in significantly enhanced recruitment and homing of EPCs that were intravenously infused 24 hours after SW treatment (P<0.05). In a rat model of chronic hind limb ischemia, SW-facilitated EPC treatment resulted in a significant increase in relative blood flow recovery as assessed by laser Doppler imaging (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preconditioning of both nonischemic and chronic ischemic tissue with low-energy SW improves recruitment of circulating EPCs via enhanced expression of chemoattractant factors. Thus, SW-facilitated cell therapy may improve the efficacy of EPC treatment in patients with chronic ischemia.

Animals↗

Epidemiological studies on occupational eye pathology.

We examined 522 persons exposed to different types of non-ionizing radiation (UV, IR lasers) in the working environment. The control group consisted of 250 persons. The clinico-statistical analysis of occupational eye pathology depending on etiological factors, exposure time and age is presented. Specific cataracts were found in 38.37% of electric welders and in 11.4% of metal workers. The number of cataracts increased with exposure time and in elderly workers. We also observed six macular incidents when working with lasers. The results show the potential hazardous factors of the working environment and the corresponding eye impairments.

Adult↗

Safety assessment of near infrared light emitting diodes for diffuse optical measurements.

BACKGROUND: Near infrared (NIR) light has been used widely to monitor important hemodynamic parameters in tissue non-invasively. Pulse oximetry, near infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse optical tomography are examples of such NIR light-based applications. These and other similar applications employ either lasers or light emitting diodes (LED) as the source of the NIR light. Although the hazards of laser sources have been addressed in regulations, the risk of LED sources in such applications is still unknown. METHODS: Temperature increase of the human skin caused by near infrared LED has been measured by means of in-vivo and in-vitro experiments. Effects of the conducted and radiated heat in the temperature increase have been analyzed separately. RESULTS: Elevations in skin temperature up to 10 degrees C have been observed. The effect of radiated heat due to NIR absorption is low--less than 0.5 degrees C--since emitted light power is comparable to the NIR part of sunlight. The conducted heat due to semiconductor junction of the LED can cause temperature increases up to 9 degrees C. It has been shown that adjusting operational parameters by amplitude modulating or time multiplexing the LED decreases the temperature increase of the skin significantly. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrate that the major risk source of the LED in direct contact with skin is the conducted heat of the LED semiconductor junction, which may cause serious skin burns. Adjusting operational parameters by amplitude modulating or time multiplexing the LED can keep the LED within safe temperature ranges.

Adult↗

The biological effects of diagnostic cardiac imaging on chronically exposed physicians: the importance of being non-ionizing.

Ultrasounds and ionizing radiation are extensively used for diagnostic applications in the cardiology clinical practice. This paper reviewed the available information on occupational risk of the cardiologists who perform, every day, cardiac imaging procedures. At the moment, there are no consistent evidence that exposure to medical ultrasound is capable of inducing genetic effects, and representing a serious health hazard for clinical staff. In contrast, exposure to ionizing radiation may result in adverse health effect on clinical cardiologists. Although the current risk estimates are clouded by approximations and extrapolations, most data from cytogenetic studies have reported a detrimental effect on somatic DNA of professionally exposed personnel to chronic low doses of ionizing radiation. Since interventional cardiologists and electro-physiologists have the highest radiation exposure among health professionals, a major awareness is crucial for improving occupational protection. Furthermore, the use of a biological dosimeter could be a reliable tool for the risk quantification on an individual basis.

Body Burden↗

Radiation hormesis: its historical foundations as a biological hypothesis.

This paper represents the first systematic effort to describe the historical foundations of radiation hormesis. Spanning the years from 1898 to the early 1940's the paper constructs and assesses the early history of such research and evaluates how advances in related scientific fields affected the course of hormetic related research. The present effort was designed to not only address this gap in current knowledge, but to offer a toxicological basis for how the concept of hormetic dose-response relationships may affect the nature of the bioassay and its role in the risk assessment process.

Animals↗

Biological effects of ultrasound.

In summary, there are many deficiencies and gaps in the current data base for ultrasound-induced bioeffects. More information is needed on the effects of low intensity ultrasound, the effects of pulsed ultrasound, the relationship between peak intensities and average intensities of pulsed ultrasound, the possibility of cumulative effects, and the possibility of long-term effects. Also, very little of the data, either positive or negative, has been verified by other laboratories. Although there is presently no evidence to indicate that diagnostic ultrasound involves a significant risk, the evidence is insufficient to justify an unqualified acceptance of safety. The potential for acute adverse effects has not been systematically explored, and the potential for delayed effects has been virtually ignored. Because of the difficulties involved in searching for and defining potential risks from exposure to low levels of chemicals, radiation, or other forms of energy, it is unreasonable to expect that in the near future, the degree of risk, if any, will be clearly defined for diagnostic ultrasound. As in other areas (e.g., the effects of ionizing radiation) no single study, epidemiological or experimental, can accomplish this goal. In the meantime, a prudent public health policy calls for judicious use of diagnostic ultrasound, using it only when diagnostic benefits to patients are indicated, and keeping any exposure to diagnostic ultrasound as low as practicable, consistent with its intended purpose.

Animals↗

Low-energy extracorporeal shock-wave treatment (ESWT) for tendinitis of the supraspinatus. A prospective, randomised study.

We have performed a controlled, randomised study to analyse the effects of low-energy shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on function and pain in tendinitis of the supraspinatus without calcification. There were 20 patients in the treatment group and 20 in the control group. The former group received 6,000 impulses (energy flux density, 0.11 mJ/mm2) in three sessions after local anaesthesia. The control group had 6000 impulses of sham ESWT after local anaesthesia. The patients were examined at six and 12 weeks after treatment by an independent observer who evaluated the Constant score and level of pain. We found an increase in function and a reduction of pain in both groups (p < or = 0.001). Statistical analysis showed no difference between the groups for the Constant score and for pain. We therefore do not recommend ESWT for the treatment of tendinitis of supraspinatus.

Adult↗

Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation: a study of carcinogenic and cancer treatment potential.

Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIEMR), particularly the magnetic field component, has been implicated in the development of human neoplasia. Research suggests that if these fields are part of the carcinogenic pathway, they may act as a promoter or in the progression of established cancer. Active progression of cancer cells by NIEMR negate the possible early detection of clinically silent neoplasms. We have observed the effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on an established breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7, and found no stimulation of growth when exposed to a low-frequency magnetic field. The same magnetic field has been used as an adjuvant to anti-neoplastic chemotherapeutic agents. The results of this study have shown an improvement in the neoplastic cell kill by antineoplastic chemotherapy when coupled with a low frequency magnetic field. Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation may be involved in the carcinogenic process; however, the answer to this question awaits further studies. We are exploring new methods of cancer treatment using non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.

Animals↗

Stereological analysis of thyroid mast cells in rats after exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and the following "off" field period.

Influence of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on thyroid gland mast cells was investigated on male Mill Hill rats. Animals were exposed to EMF (50 Hz, 50 microT to 500 microT, 10 V/m) from 24 hours after birth, 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for three months when a part of animals (group I) was sacrificed, while the rest of them were subjected to recovery evaluation and sacrificed after one (group II), two (group II) and three (group IV) weeks following the exposure. Stereological analysis on toluidine blue-stained paraffin sections showed increased volume density of degranulated mast cells in all groups and, except in group III, and numerical density as well, implicating the sensitivity of thyroidal mast cells to power frequency EMFs. Since in our previous investigations, morphofunctional alterations of thyroid gland in rats exposed to ELF-EMF were found the contribution of released mast cell mediators to these changes could be presumed.

Animals↗

[Norms and standards for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in Latin America: guidelines for exposure limits and measurement protocols].

New technologies that use electromagnetic fields (EMF) have proved greatly beneficial to humankind. EMF are used in a variety of ways in the transmission of electrical energy and in telecommunications, industry, and medicine. However, some studies have shown that EMF could be detrimental to one's health, having found an association between exposure to EMF on the one hand, and the incidence of some types of cancer as well as behavioral changes on the other. Although so far there is no concrete proof that exposure to low-intensity EMF is hazardous, researchers continue to study the issue in an attempt to reach a consensus opinion and to establish safety standards. While developing and establishing such norms and standards have traditionally been the responsibility of international specialized agencies, national health authorities should take an active part in this process. Currently the Pan American Health Organization is promoting scientific research, often in the form of epidemiologic studies, in order to propose uniform norms and standards. Some Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela, have already enacted incomplete or partial legislation based on recommended international standards. This article describes the norms established in Latin America and the particular approach taken by each country.

Electromagnetic Fields↗

Effect of low-intensity infrared and millimeter radiation on higher plants' biopotentials.

This article studies the effect of local low-intensity electromagnetic radiation on the bioelectric responses of plants. In our investigation, we used thirty-three wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectrurm regions as well as three wavelengths in the millimeter spectrum region. As a result, we obtained the bioelectric responses of plants to electromagnetic radiation not only in the absorption region of cellular pigments (such as chlorophyll, flavin, and phytochrome) but also in the absorption region of water molecules.

Absorption↗