Proteomic Analysis of Extremely Low-Frequency ElectroMagnetic Field (ELF-EMF) With Different Intensities in Rats Hippocampus

Our previous study determined the alteration in behavioral test-related memory and movement in male rats exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF). The molecular mechanism of the effect of ELF-EMF on brain damage of rat has not yet fully understood, thus the current study investigated the effect of ELF-EMFs on hippocampus of male rats by the proteomics approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 50 Hz ELF-EMF at 0.5 and 1 mT 50 Hz for 2 and 4 weeks on male rats and determined protein expression of the hippocampus.
Effects of 0.5 and 1 mT exposures for 2 and 4 weeks on protein expression was determined via proteomics techniques. Statistical analysis of proteome was performed using the Progensis Same Spots software. Bioinformatics analysis based on network was used for determining the mechanism.
Two-DE electrophoresis gels determined the effect of ELF-EMF on rat hippocampus, indicating that protein expression was overall down-regulated by increasing ELF-EMF intensity and time. The detected differentially expressed proteins between the groups comprised of Sptan1, Dpysl2, Tpi1, Lap3, Vdac1, and Tppp. Almost all were cytoskeletal proteins, most of which were increased by intensity and time. These proteins attributed to impairment in short memory of hippocampus after exposure to ELF-EMF. The GO analysis based on network, enriched two important biological process, cytoskeletal neurons and metabolic process.
This study determined the effect of ELF-EMF, which led to change in protein expression related to the cytoskeleton that contributes to major processes in brain damage.