Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The Influence of 50 Hz Magnetic Field on Liver Function med./bio.

Published in: Romanian J Biophys 2008; 18 (2): 113-122

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of a whole body exposure of rats to 50 Hz magnetic fields with different intensities on liver values and oxidative stress in liver tissue should be investigated.

Background/further details

80 rats were divided into five groups of 16 animals each. Group 1 was sham exposed, groups 2 - 5 were exposed to a magnetic field with different intensities, respectively. After exposure, the rats were killed, blood samples were taken and the livers were removed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: two h/day for one week
Exposure 2: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: two h/day for one week
Exposure 3: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: two h/day for one week
Exposure 4: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: two h/day for one week

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration two h/day for one week
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber rats housed four per cage with cages exposed in an area of a constant magnetic field
Setup two Helmholtz coils distant by 15 cm, each one with a diameter of 30 cm and 250 turns; diameter of coil wires 0.7mm
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.2 mT - measured - group 2

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration two h/day for one week
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.6 mT - measured - group 3

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration two h/day for one week
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT - measured - group 4

Exposure 4

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration two h/day for one week
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1.4 mT - measured - group 5

Reference articles

  • Ibrahim MA (2003): Effect of 50 Hz, 0.85 mT magnetic field on some biochemical and hematological parameters

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

All investigated liver values showed significant increases in groups 4 and 5 compared to sham exposure (group 1). For alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, significant higher values could already be measured in group 3 (0.6 mT). Liver lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in groups 3, 4 and 5, while the glutathione levels were significantly decreased in these groups compared to sham exposure, indicating oxidative stress.
The authors conclude that a whole body exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields with intensities from 0.6 mT has significant effects on liver values and oxidative stress in rat liver.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles