Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure alters DNA methylation levels in the endometrium of pigs during the peri-implantation period.

Abstract

CONTEXT: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) emission is increasing due to substantial technological progress. The results of previous research provided evidence that ELF-EMF may exert changes in molecular mechanisms that control female reproduction. AIMS: We hypothesised that short-term ELF-EMF treatment alters the DNA methylation level of genes in the endometrium. Hence, the research aimed to determine the methylation level of selected genes whose expression was altered in response to ELF-EMF radiation in the endometrium of pigs during the peri-implantation period (days 15-16 of pregnancy). METHODS: Porcine endometrial slices (100±5mg) were collected during the peri-implantation period and exposed to ELF-EMF at a frequency of 50Hz for 2h in vitro . The control endometrium was not exposed to ELF-EMF. The level of DNA methylation in the promoter regions of EGR2 , HSD17B2 , ID2 , IL1RAP, MRAP2, NOS3, PTGER4, SERPINE1, VDR and ZFP57 was tested using qMS-PCR. KEY RESULTS: In the endometrium exposed to ELF-EMF, the level of methylation of HSD17B2 , MRAP2 , SERPINE1, VDR and ZFP57 was not altered; the level of methylation of EGR2 , ID2 and PTGER4 increased, and the level of methylation of IL1RAP and NOS3 decreased. CONCLUSIONS: ELF-EMF may alter the level of DNA methylation in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period. IMPLICATIONS: Changes in the DNA methylation induced by ELF-EMF may affect the transcriptomic profile of the endometrium and disturb physiological processes accompanying implantation and embryo development.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Porcine endometrial slices exposed in vitro to 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 2 h showed increased promoter methylation for EGR2, ID2, and PTGER4, decreased promoter methylation for IL1RAP and NOS3, and no change for HSD17B2, MRAP2, SERPINE1, VDR, and ZFP57 compared with unexposed controls.

Outcomes measured

• DNA methylation levels in promoter regions of EGR2, HSD17B2, ID2, IL1RAP, MRAP2, NOS3, PTGER4, SERPINE1, VDR, ZFP57 (qMS-PCR)

Limitations

• In vitro exposure model (endometrial slices) may not reflect in vivo peri-implantation physiology
• Short-term exposure duration (2 h)
• Exposure intensity/dose metrics not reported (e.g., field strength)
• Sample size not reported
• Only selected genes assessed; genome-wide methylation not evaluated

Suggested hubs

• elf-emf (0.9)
  Study examines 50 Hz extremely low-frequency EMF exposure and biological effects.
• reproduction-fertility (0.75)
  Focus on endometrium during peri-implantation and potential implications for implantation/embryo development.

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 5.00000000000000023960868011929647991564706899225711822509765625e-5,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "2 h"
    },
    "population": "Porcine endometrial slices collected during peri-implantation period (days 15–16 of pregnancy)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "DNA methylation levels in promoter regions of EGR2, HSD17B2, ID2, IL1RAP, MRAP2, NOS3, PTGER4, SERPINE1, VDR, ZFP57 (qMS-PCR)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Porcine endometrial slices exposed in vitro to 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 2 h showed increased promoter methylation for EGR2, ID2, and PTGER4, decreased promoter methylation for IL1RAP and NOS3, and no change for HSD17B2, MRAP2, SERPINE1, VDR, and ZFP57 compared with unexposed controls.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro exposure model (endometrial slices) may not reflect in vivo peri-implantation physiology",
        "Short-term exposure duration (2 h)",
        "Exposure intensity/dose metrics not reported (e.g., field strength)",
        "Sample size not reported",
        "Only selected genes assessed; genome-wide methylation not evaluated"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "ELF-EMF",
        "50 Hz",
        "endometrium",
        "pig",
        "peri-implantation",
        "DNA methylation",
        "qMS-PCR",
        "promoter methylation",
        "female reproduction"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "elf-emf",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Study examines 50 Hz extremely low-frequency EMF exposure and biological effects."
        },
        {
            "slug": "reproduction-fertility",
            "weight": 0.75,
            "reason": "Focus on endometrium during peri-implantation and potential implications for implantation/embryo development."
        }
    ]
}

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