The 50 Hertz Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic and the T-helper Balance

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are developing in scientific areas while biologic and immunologic effects have been proven in many studies. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of 50 Hz EMFs in the manner of the whole body exposure on the T-helper balance (Th1/Th2) in rats.

This experimental research evaluated the impact of the EMF on T-helper balance, including 30 rats that were randomly divided into 3 groups. The control group and experimental groups were exposed to 50 Hz EMF with the intensity of 0.5 mT for one and two month(s), respectively. At the end of the exposure period, blood samples were collected from the left ventricle of the hearts of the rats and the serum levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared in all three groups.

The level of IL-4 and INF-γ showed a notable change (P=0.032) during one month of EMF exposure, indicating a shift of T-helper balance toward the Th2 arm, meaning more strong allergic reactions and weaker immune responses against tumors and many other diseases. After 2 months, the levels of cytokines and the balance of the T-helper came close to the baseline (the control group samples), representing the adaptive trends of T-helper balance in longer exposures.

The results of the present research revealed that EMFs produced important changes in IL-4 and INF-γ levels and affected the T-helper balance shift toward the Th2 arm, implying stronger allergic reactions and weaker defense against tumor and various other diseases. However, understanding the true nature of these changes and their actual health effects requires further studies.