Epidemiological study (observational study)

Case-only study of interactions between DNA repair genes (hMLH1, APEX1, MGMT, XRCC1 and XPD) and low-frequency electromagnetic fields in childhood acute leukemia epidem.

By: Yang Y, Jin X, Yan C, Tian Y, Tang J, Shen X

Published in: Leuk Lymphoma 2008; 49 (12): 2344-2350

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-only study was conducted among ethnic Han Chinese children in China to investigate the role of interactions between low-frequency electromagnetic fields and DNA repair enzymes in childhood leukemia.

Further details

The hypothesis should be tested whether genetic variations of DNA repair genes could contribute to the individual susceptibility to childhood leukemia.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

DNA repair genes (hMLH1, APEX1, MGMT, XRCC1 and XPD)

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- also other exposures without EMF
- power transmission line
- electrical substation
- PC/TV monitor
- other domestic appliance
- microw. oven/heating device
- residential

Assessment

interview: presence of TV set, refrigerator, microwave oven in child's room, telecommunication transmitter, electric transformers or power lines around the house
measurement: magnetic field intensities

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	electric transformers and powerlines within 500 m from houses: no
Group 2	electric transformers and powerlines within 500 m from houses: yes
Reference group 3	electric transformers and powerlines within 100 m from houses: no
Group 4	electric transformers and powerlines within 100 m from houses: yes
Reference group 5	electric transformers and powerlines within 50 m from houses: no
Group 6	electric transformers and powerlines within 50 m from houses: yes

Population

Group:
- children
Age: 0–14 years
Characteristics: ethnic Han Chinese with acute leukemia, histologically verified
Observation period: May 2006 - August 2007
Study location: China (Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces)
Data source: Childrens' Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China

Study size

Type	Value
Total	123

Statistical analysis method:

unconditional logistic regression

(adjustment:

age
sex
parental age and occupation, indoor and outdoor pesticides use; TV set, refrigerator, or microwave oven in child's room

)

Results (acc. to author)

The combined analyses of DNA repair genes and environment showed that an interaction existed between electric transformers and power lines situated within 100 m of the houses and the presence of XRCC1 Ex9+16A allele in childhood acute leukemia (case-only OR 4.31, CI 1.54-12.08), within 50 m the OR was increased further (case-only OR 4.39, CI 1.42-13.54). No significant interactions between the proximity of the electric transformers and power lines and the other genotypes of DNA repair genes were observed.
The results suggested a possible association between electric transformers and power lines and the presence of XRCC1 Ex9+16A allele in patients with childhood acute leukemia.

Comments on this article

Sharma M et al. (2008): DNA repair genes, electromagnetic fields and susceptibility to acute leukemia?

Amoon AT et al. (2022): Pooled analysis of recent studies of magnetic fields and childhood leukemia
Núñez-Enríquez JC et al. (2020): Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Childhood B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a City With High Incidence of Leukemia and Elevated Exposure to ELF Magnetic Fields
Bunch KJ et al. (2016): Epidemiological study of power lines and childhood cancer in the UK: further analyses
Tabrizi MM et al. (2015): Role of electromagnetic field exposure in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and no impact of urinary alpha-amylase - a case control study in Tehran, Iran
Tabrizi MM et al. (2015): Increased risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by prenatal and postnatal exposure to high voltage power lines: a case control study in Isfahan, Iran
Salvan A et al. (2015): Childhood Leukemia and 50 Hz Magnetic Fields: Findings from the Italian SETIL Case-Control Study
Swanson J et al. (2014): Childhood cancer and exposure to corona ions from power lines: an epidemiological test
Bunch KJ et al. (2014): Residential distance at birth from overhead high-voltage powerlines: childhood cancer risk in Britain 1962-2008
Zhao L et al. (2014): Magnetic fields exposure and childhood leukemia risk: a meta-analysis based on 11,699 cases and 13,194 controls
Pedersen C et al. (2014): Distance from residence to power line and risk of childhood leukemia: a population-based case-control study in Denmark
Sermage-Faure C et al. (2013): Childhood leukaemia close to high-voltage power lines--the Geocap study, 2002-2007
Schüz J et al. (2012): Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and survival from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an international follow-up study
Jirik V et al. (2012): Association between Childhood Leukaemia and Exposure to Power-frequency Magnetic Fields in Middle Europe
Swanson J et al. (2012): Could the geomagnetic field be an effect modifier for studies of power-frequency magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia?
Wünsch Filho V et al. (2011): Exposure to magnetic fields and childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sohrabi MR et al. (2010): Living near overhead high voltage transmission power lines as a risk factor for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case-control study
Kroll ME et al. (2010): Childhood cancer and magnetic fields from high-voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case-control study
Kheifets L et al. (2010): Pooled analysis of recent studies on magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia
Malagoli C et al. (2010): Risk of hematological malignancies associated with magnetic fields exposure from power lines: a case-control study in two municipalities of northern Italy
Kabuto M et al. (2006): Childhood leukemia and magnetic fields in Japan: a case-control study of childhood leukemia and residential power-frequency magnetic fields in Japan
Draper G et al. (2005): Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case-control study
Greenland S et al. (2000): A pooled analysis of magnetic fields, wire codes, and childhood leukemia. Childhood Leukemia-EMF Study Group
Ahlbom A et al. (2000): A pooled analysis of magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia