Impact of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Skeletal Muscle of Sedentary Adult Mice: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are ubiquitous in industrialized environments due to the continuous use of electrical devices. Our previous studies demonstrated that ELF-EMFs affect muscle cells by modulating oxidative stress and enhancing myogenesis. This pilot study investigated these effects on the skeletal muscles of sedentary adult mice, assessing physiological responses to ELF-EMF exposure and potential modulation by antioxidant supplementation. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ELF-EMFs (0.1 or 1.0 mT) for 1 h/day for up to 5 weeks and fed a standard diet without or with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). The results showed transient increases in muscle strength (after 2 weeks of exposure at 1.0 mT), potentially linked to muscle fiber recruitment and activation, revealed by higher PAX7 and myosin heavy chain (MyH) expression levels. After ELF-EMF exposure, oxidative status assessment revealed transient increases in the expression levels of SOD1 and catalase enzymes, in total antioxidant capacity, and in protein carbonyl levels, markers of oxidative damage. These effects were partially reduced by NAC. In conclusion, ELF-EMF exposure affects skeletal muscle physiology and NAC supplementation partially mitigates these effects, highlighting the complex interactions between ELF-EMFs and antioxidant pathways in vivo. Further investigations on ELF-EMFs as a therapeutic modality for muscle health are necessary.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Male C57BL/6 mice exposed to ELF-EMFs (0.1 or 1.0 mT, 1 h/day up to 5 weeks) showed a transient increase in muscle strength after 2 weeks at 1.0 mT, alongside higher PAX7 and MyH expression. Exposure was associated with transient increases in SOD1 and catalase expression, total antioxidant capacity, and protein carbonyl levels; these effects were partially reduced by NAC supplementation.

Outcomes measured

• Muscle strength
• PAX7 expression
• Myosin heavy chain (MyH) expression
• SOD1 expression
• Catalase expression
• Total antioxidant capacity
• Protein carbonyl levels (oxidative damage marker)
• Effect modification by N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) supplementation

Limitations

• Pilot study
• Sample size not reported in provided abstract
• Frequency of ELF-EMF not specified in provided abstract
• Findings described as transient (time-dependent effects)

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.25)
  Background notes ELF-EMFs are ubiquitous in industrialized environments due to electrical devices, though this is an animal study rather than an occupational cohort.

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "1 h/day for up to 5 weeks"
    },
    "population": "Male C57BL/6 mice (sedentary adults)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Muscle strength",
        "PAX7 expression",
        "Myosin heavy chain (MyH) expression",
        "SOD1 expression",
        "Catalase expression",
        "Total antioxidant capacity",
        "Protein carbonyl levels (oxidative damage marker)",
        "Effect modification by N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) supplementation"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Male C57BL/6 mice exposed to ELF-EMFs (0.1 or 1.0 mT, 1 h/day up to 5 weeks) showed a transient increase in muscle strength after 2 weeks at 1.0 mT, alongside higher PAX7 and MyH expression. Exposure was associated with transient increases in SOD1 and catalase expression, total antioxidant capacity, and protein carbonyl levels; these effects were partially reduced by NAC supplementation.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Pilot study",
        "Sample size not reported in provided abstract",
        "Frequency of ELF-EMF not specified in provided abstract",
        "Findings described as transient (time-dependent effects)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "ELF-EMF",
        "skeletal muscle",
        "mouse",
        "muscle strength",
        "oxidative stress",
        "antioxidant",
        "N-acetyl-cysteine",
        "PAX7",
        "myosin heavy chain",
        "SOD1",
        "catalase",
        "protein carbonyls"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.25,
            "reason": "Background notes ELF-EMFs are ubiquitous in industrialized environments due to electrical devices, though this is an animal study rather than an occupational cohort."
        }
    ]
}

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