Some epidemiologic studies have suggested that extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) might affect human health, and, in particular, that the incidence of certain types of cancer might increase among individuals exposed to such fields. The present study was designed to look for possible effects of acute exposure to 50-Hz magnetic fields (10 µT) on the serum concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, some of which may be producing changes in the immune system favoring a variety of chronic disease states including cancer.
Thirty-two diurnally active young men (20 - 30 years old) were studied twice over a 24 hour span with blood drawing during each session at 11:00, 17:00, 22:00, 01:00, 04:00, 06:00 and 08:00. In one session, a subgroup of 16 subjects was exposed between 23:00 and 08:00 to the effects of a continuous linearly polarized magnetic field and in the other session to an intermittent field (1 hr “on” and 1 hr “off” with the field switched “on” and “off” every 15 seconds). The other subgroup of 16 underwent two sham treatment sessions.
Interleukin (IL)-1 beta (IL-1b), IL-2, IL-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SolIL-2R) were assayed.
Results analyzed by one-way ANOVA showed that exposure over 9 hours to an intermittent oscillatory 50-Hz magnetic field significantly increases the serum concentrations of IL-6, an interleukin with complex pro- and anti-inflammatory actions. There was no effect after exposure to a continuous 50-Hz electromagnetic field and no effect upon IL-1b, IL-2, and IL-1RA. The SolIL-2R was at all timepoints lower in the exposed subjects of both subgroups.