Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Do 100- and 500-µT ELF magnetic fields alter beta-amyloid protein, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde in rat brains? med./bio.

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2013; 32 (3): 363-372

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 100 µT and 500 µT extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on levels of beta-amyloid protein, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde in rat brain. The aim of this study was to illuminate the interaction between biomolecules and extremely low-frequency magnetic fields.

Background/further details

30 rats were divided into 3 groups: 2 exposure groups (100 µT and 500 µT) and 1 sham exposure group (each group n=10).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 2 h/day for 10 months
Exposure 2: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 2 h/day for 10 months

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 2 h/day for 10 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber exposures were carried out in methacrylate cages; rats moved freely in the cages during exposure
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils of 25 cm diameter in a Faraday cage (130 X 65 x 80 cm), with shielding grounded to protect against stray environmental electrical fields; coils were placed horizontally facing one another, and the distance between coils was 25 cm
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 100 µT spatial average measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 2 h/day for 10 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 500 µT spatial average measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Protein carbonyl group and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased by the exposure to 100 µT and 500 µT extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. However, beta-amyloid protein level was not significantly affected. In conclusion, the data showed that long-term exposure (2 h/day for 10 months) can affect some biological macromolecules such as proteins and lipids.

Study character:

Study funded by

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