@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2252-0805    The Horizon of Medical Sciences 2014;20(2):127-132

Background
Despite the fact that some cancers such as leukemia, brain tumors and breast cancer have been regarded as outcomes of electromagnetic fields, nowadays devices with electromagnetic field radiation are developed [1, 2]. Results of some studies show damaging effects of the fields on embryos of the animals [3-8], and melatonin reduction caused by the fields [2, 11-13]. Other results show increase in cell proliferation and cell diameter and volume, as well as tissue repair [9, 10]. There are also reports on the impacts of radiations of the mobile phones on tissues and hormone system leading to different cancers [17].
Previous Studies
According to results of some studies, there is significant reduction in the number of spermatids and spermatozoa in adult rats exposed to electromagnetic fields. In addition, there is significant reduction in the number of different types of reproductive cells in groups exposed to the fields [14]. Electromagnetic fields lead to electric current, and as a result, there will be increase in the process of contraction and ejection of sperm. In addition, it has been proved that, after exposure of the electromagnetic fields, there will be local secretion of oxytocin. The protein factor increases seminiferous tubule contractile activity [15]. Arginine vasopressin protein factor, secreted from Leydig cells, can increase contraction power in epididymis [16]. … [18, 19] There are some researches on the effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields on growth and development of B1/6Jc mice, showing developmental abnormalities in the rat eyes [20]. In addition, the fields lead to increase in glucose and in LDH, AST, and ALT activities in rats exposed to 50Hz and 128mT static electromagnetic fields for 30 days continuously (1 hour per day) [21]. … [22] Despite the fact that powerful electromagnetic fields jeopardize the health, there is still no study on impacts of low-intensity electromagnetic fields on health [23]. … [24-37]
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 50Hz uniform electromagnetic fields on P_448 and P_450 cytochromes and gonadal steroid hormones in male NMRI mice.
Research type
Non-declared
Research society, place and time
Adult male NMRI rats, bought from Pasteur Institute of Iran and transferred into Animal Home at Payam-e-Noor University (Birjand; Iran), were studied.
Sampling method and number
12 rats were brought under study.
Used devices&materials
The rats were housed in the animal room (65±7% wet and 23±1℃) with proper light (12 hours light and 12 hours dark). The rats had access to plenty of food and water. After two weeks care, the rats, aged 8 weeks with 24-30g weight, were randomly divided into two groups of 6, including control and experiment groups. To produce electromagnetic field, solenoid coils system (1cm wire diameter, 50cm wire length, 1000 rounds, and 12cm field diameter) was used. The frequency and intensity of the field were 50Hz and 0.06mT, respectively. At every experiment, 6 rats, put into a small cage of dry plastic, were placed at the center of the coils. Experiment group underwent 50Hz and 0.06mT electromagnetic field. Experiment group having undergone the specified electromagnetic field for 28 days and 4 consecutive hours per day, 2ml of rat blood were taken; and FSH, LH, and testosterone were measured with Gamma Counter device (LKB-WALAC; South Korea). To investigate genotoxic effects of electromagnetic fields on P_450 and P_448 cytochromes in liver hepatocytes, Ames test was done. Salmonella typhimurium TA_100 mutant bacteria (need to histidine) were used for Ames test. Appropriate concentration of the bacteria was considered 1-2×〖10〗^9cells per ml. Ames test included fresh overnight culture of TA_100(50 ml), histidine solution (0.5ml) (Sigma; Germany), and biotin solution (0.5ml) (Sigma; Germany) in a tube containing 10ml of top agar (50g/lit of NaCl+50g/lit of agar) and 1.5mg/ml of carcinogen sodium azide (Sigma; Germany). Then, after 3 seconds shaking, content of the tube was spread on medium level of glucose agar (at least 40% glucose), and it was put into 37℃ incubator for 48 hours. To produce liver microsome (S_9 ), the rats were starved for 24 hours, leading to increase in secretion of the liver enzymes stimulated by starvation. The animal having been killed, its liver was removed with sterile forceps.To remove red blood cells which hinder the activity of P_450 cytochrome enzymes, the livers were washed for several times in sterile and fresh-prepared cold KCl (0.15mol). Of 0.15mol KCl, 3cc per 1g of the liver of rat was added to the liver; and a homogeneous mixture having formed, it was distributed in sterile centrifuge tube, centrifuged for 10 minutes and with 8700rpm speed (900g) at 4℃. The separated supernatant (S_9) was mixed with the required cofactors (NADP and glucose-6-phosphate), and 0.5mlit was added to the top agar mixture. 3 repetitions per treatment were intended. In the test, after 48-hour 37℃ incubation, the returned colonies were numerated in experimental plates (distilled water and sodium azide). Using SPSS 16 software, the results of changes in levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH hormones, as well as carcinogenicity of the electromagnetic fields after angular transformation, were compared with each other through Independent-T test.
Findings by Text
Level of LH hormone (9.17±1.01mg/ml) in experiment group increased, compared to control group (6.83±0.06mg/ml ). However, level of testosterone hormone (52.67±1.54mg/ml) in experiment group decreased, compared to control group (57.50±1.64mg/ml). These changes were statistically significant. There was no significant change in the level of FSH hormone between control group(34.33±3.11mg/ml) and experiment group(33.67±1.89mg/ml). The number of the colonies in experiment group increased, compared to control group, observed both by carcinogen combination and by distilled water.
Main comparison to the similar studies
Non-declared
Suggestions
Since the mechanism of electromagnetic fields leading to specific biological changes is unknown, further researches ought to be conducted to determine operation mechanism of the fields and their impacts on organisms and to form a specific pattern to take care of humans and other creatures.
Limitations
Impacts of different biological and environmental factors on organisms were of the limitations for the present study.
Conclusions
50Hz and 0.06mT electromagnetic fields lead to change in the level of gonadal steroid hormones and performance of P_450 and P_448 cytochromes in male NMRI mice.
Acknowledgments
The researchers feel grateful to the personnel of biology laboratory of Sciences Faculty of Payam-e-Noor University.
Conflict of interest
Non-declared
Ethical Permissions
Non-declared
Funding Sources
Non-declared