A 50 Hz 0 . 5 mT magnetic field induces cytogenetic effects and biological alterations in Wistar rat

The effects of continuous whole body exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) (50 Hz,0.5 mT for 30 days24 hrs) on cytogenecity, bone parameters and some hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated.Male rats were exposed continuously to ELF-MF for a period of 30 days. The exposure effects were assessed by measurements of micronucleus formation, DNA fragmentation and bone parameters. Additionally the levels of some liver and blood parameters were calculated. Moreover, osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was also considered.Exposure to ELF-MF resulted in a 6.5 fold increase in the micronucleus formation and a decrease in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) ratio, in addition to a significant increase in the level ofaspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), Magnesium (Mg)and uric acid in serum was observed. However, 0.5 mT ELF-MF was unable to cause either direct DNA primary damage or changes in bone parametersand erythrocytes lyses percent.The present results provide evidence that continuous exposure to ELF-MF causes micronucleus formation and some physiological disturbance but had no effect on DNA structure and bone parameters.Furthermore, the levels of glucose, creatinine, cholesterol and the percentage of erythrocytes lyses were not affected. [Reem H. El-Gebaly, Nihal S. El-Bialy, Monira M. Rageh. A 50 Hz 0.5 mT magnetic field induces cytogenetic effects and biological alterations in Wistar rat. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):1875-1881] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 285