Cytokine profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to 50 Hz EMF.

Abstract

The effect of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on the immune system was assessed by measuring the cytokine production of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (h-PBMCs) of a healthy individual. The h-PBMCs were exposed in vitro to varying magnetic flux densities of 1, 3, 10, and 30 milli Tesla for 3 days. Changes in cytokine production of IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha were studied using the ELISA method. Significant reduction in TNF-alpha production by the EMF-exposed h-PBMCs, in comparison with the non-exposed cells, was detected at all exposure levels (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Significant increase in IL-1 beta production and decrease in IFN-gamma production were also detected at some exposure strength. No significant differences were detected between the control and the EMF-exposed cells in the production of the other cytokines.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Human PBMCs exposed in vitro to 50 Hz EMF at 1, 3, 10, and 30 mT for 3 days showed a significant reduction in TNF-α production at all exposure levels versus non-exposed controls. Significant increases in IL-1β and decreases in IFN-γ were observed at some exposure strengths, while IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 showed no significant differences.

Outcomes measured

• Cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α) measured by ELISA

Limitations

• In vitro study (cell culture), not an in vivo health outcome
• Cells derived from a single healthy individual (generalizability limited)
• Details on replication/sample size not provided in abstract

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.35)
  Study uses 50 Hz magnetic field exposure (ELF) relevant to power-frequency environments, though no specific workplace source is stated.

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 0.05000000000000000277555756156289135105907917022705078125,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "3 days"
    },
    "population": "Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (h-PBMCs) from a healthy individual",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α) measured by ELISA"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Human PBMCs exposed in vitro to 50 Hz EMF at 1, 3, 10, and 30 mT for 3 days showed a significant reduction in TNF-α production at all exposure levels versus non-exposed controls. Significant increases in IL-1β and decreases in IFN-γ were observed at some exposure strengths, while IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 showed no significant differences.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro study (cell culture), not an in vivo health outcome",
        "Cells derived from a single healthy individual (generalizability limited)",
        "Details on replication/sample size not provided in abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "very_low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "50 Hz",
        "ELF-EMF",
        "peripheral blood mononuclear cells",
        "PBMC",
        "cytokines",
        "ELISA",
        "TNF-alpha",
        "IL-1 beta",
        "IFN-gamma",
        "immune system",
        "magnetic flux density",
        "milliTesla"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.34999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Study uses 50 Hz magnetic field exposure (ELF) relevant to power-frequency environments, though no specific workplace source is stated."
        }
    ]
}

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