Suppression of natural killer cell activity on Candida stellatoidea by a 50 Hz magnetic field.

Abstract

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is ubiquitous for almost all individuals living in industrialized countries. Epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest that exposure to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) EMF increase cancer risk. The immune system functions as one of the body's main protective mechanisms, and Natural Killer (NK) cells are a subset of lymphocytes that can destroy several types of tumor cells. In this study, we investigated, NK cell activity after exposure to a 50 Hertz (Hz), 2 mT magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz Coil. Nineteen male, 10-12 week old guinea pigs were used, and NK cytotoxic activity of splenocytes was measured in vitro by natural anticandidial colorimetric index. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied for statistical analysis. NK cell cytotoxic activity was decreased in exposed compared to controls. Our data suggests that part of the immune system, the NK cell, can be suppressed by a 50 Hz magnetic field.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

NK cell cytotoxic activity of splenocytes was decreased in guinea pigs exposed to a 50 Hz, 2 mT magnetic field compared with controls.

Outcomes measured

• Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity of splenocytes (in vitro; natural anticandidial colorimetric index against Candida stellatoidea)

Limitations

• Exposure duration not reported in abstract
• Outcome measured in vitro from splenocytes rather than in vivo immune function
• Single animal model and sex (male guinea pigs)
• Limited sample size (n=19)

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.25)
  Study involves ELF (50 Hz) magnetic-field exposure, relevant to contexts where such fields occur (e.g., power-frequency environments), though no specific occupational setting is described.

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "other",
        "frequency_mhz": 0.05000000000000000277555756156289135105907917022705078125,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Male guinea pigs (10–12 weeks old)",
    "sample_size": 19,
    "outcomes": [
        "Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity of splenocytes (in vitro; natural anticandidial colorimetric index against Candida stellatoidea)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "NK cell cytotoxic activity of splenocytes was decreased in guinea pigs exposed to a 50 Hz, 2 mT magnetic field compared with controls.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure duration not reported in abstract",
        "Outcome measured in vitro from splenocytes rather than in vivo immune function",
        "Single animal model and sex (male guinea pigs)",
        "Limited sample size (n=19)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "ELF EMF",
        "50 Hz",
        "magnetic field",
        "2 mT",
        "Helmholtz coil",
        "natural killer cells",
        "NK activity",
        "immune suppression",
        "guinea pig",
        "Candida stellatoidea"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.25,
            "reason": "Study involves ELF (50 Hz) magnetic-field exposure, relevant to contexts where such fields occur (e.g., power-frequency environments), though no specific occupational setting is described."
        }
    ]
}

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