Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields do not alter responses of inflammatory genes and proteins in human monocytes and immune cell lines med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2012; 33 (3): 226-237

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of two low frequency electromagnetic fields (a complex, continuously changing field, and a commonly applied 50 Hz sine wave signal) on gene expression and protein expression of cytokines in three different cell types.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min
Exposure 2: 320 Hz–2.6 kHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup coil system consisting of two concentric polymethyl methacrylate cylinders; inner cylinder supports two copper wire solenoid coils, one of these has windings across the whole length, the other on both ends of the cylinder; the outer cylinder supports a third coil with windings on both ends of the cylinder; field deviation in the exposure area ≤ 4%; samples placed in plates with 12 wells in the center of the coil system; exposure system placed inside an incubator at 37°C and 5% CO2
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5 µT - measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 320 Hz–2.6 kHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min
Additional info 320 Hz, 730 Hz, 880 Hz, 2600 Hz complex waveform with sharp edges and peaks
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 5 µT - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed that neither 30 minutes exposure to a complex, multiple waveform signal, nor 30 minutes exposure to a 50 Hz sine wave signal induced any modulatory effects in cytokine gene expression or protein expression in an LPS-stimulated monocyte/macrophage cell line, freshly isolated monocytes, or a pharyngeal epithelial cell line. Therefore, the authors do not expect that these exposure conditions will modulate immune signaling pathways.

Study character:

Study funded by

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