Publication date: 24-Mar-2023

In Germany, the expansion of the power grid and the construction of several new high-voltage lines across the country are a result of the switch to renewable energy sources. In addition, the new 5G mobile communications standard and the introduction of digital technologies in almost all scenarios of daily life are imminent. This leads to changed exposure conditions of the population and the environment to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) of all frequency ranges. As a result, public concern about possible health effects from EMF could increase. In scientific and public debates, oxidative stress is often postulated as an EMF-induced mechanism affecting biological systems. The term oxidative stress describes the imbalance between the production of reactive (oxidizing) chemical species and the breakdown of such chemical species by antioxidant defense mechanisms. The WHO has commissioned several systematic reviews dealing with possible health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. One of these systematic reviews addresses the topic of radiofrequency fields and biomarkers for oxidative stress. As part of the international workshop, the current state of research was comprehensively examined with international experts in a three-day event in order to approach the topic from different scientific perspectives, identify gaps in knowledge and, where necessary, initiate new research.

http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0221-2023032336903

PDF of the meeting:

https://doris.bfs.de/jspui/bitstream/urn:nbn:de:0221-2023032336903/4/BfS_2023_3621EMF104_Anlagen.pdf

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Numerous studies have shown that radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) may negatively affect human health. We detected the effect of 3500 MHz RF-EMR on anxiety-like behavior and the auditory cortex (ACx) in guinea pigs. Forty male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to a continuous wave of 3500 MHz RF-EMF at an average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0, 2, 4, or 10 W/kg for 72 h. After exposure, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, anxiety-like behavior, hearing thresholds, cell ultrastructure, and apoptosis were detected. Our results revealed that hearing thresholds and basic indexes of animal behavior did not change significantly after exposure (P > 0.05). However, the MDA levels of ACx were increased (P < 0.05), and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities were decreased (P < 0.05) in the exposure groups compared to the sham group. Ultrastructural changes of ACx, including swollen mitochondria and layered myelin sheaths, were observed. Cytochrome-c relocalization, caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 activation were detected in the exposure groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that oxidative stress is an important mechanism underlying the biological effects of RF-EMR, which can induce ultrastructural damage to the ACx and cell apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent mechanism. Moreover, oxidative stress, apoptosis induction and ultrastructural damage increase in a SAR-dependent manner. However, RF-EMR does not increase hearing thresholds or induce anxiety. Bioelectromagnetics. 43:106–118, 2022. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.22388

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General Information

In Germany, the expansion of the power grid and the construction of several new high voltage power lines across the country is a result of the switch to renewable energy sources. Moreover, the new 5G mobile communication standard and the introduction of digital techniques into almost all scenarios of the everyday life are imminent. This leads to changing exposure conditions of the population and the environment to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) of all frequency ranges. In consequence, there might be an increased concern of the population regarding potential health effects of EMFs. In scientific and public debates oxidative stress is often postulated as a mechanism induced by EMF that affects biological systems. The term oxidative stress describes the imbalance between the production of reactive (oxidizing) chemical species and the reduction of such chemical species by anti-oxidant defense mechanisms.

The WHO has commissioned several systematic reviews dealing with potential health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as part of an ongoing project to assess potential health effects of radiofrequency fields. One of these systematic reviews covers the topic of radiofrequency fields and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

In order to summarize the current state of scientific knowledge, to discuss known and possible effects of EMF on oxidative stress and to provide information on the WHO systematic review, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) organizes the International Workshop “Impact of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields on oxidative stress”. The workshop will cover static, low frequency and especially radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, the measurement of oxidative stress, possible biophysical mechanisms and aspects of the methodology of systematic reviews. Gaps in knowledge will be identified and emerging topics of interest in the field of oxidative stress and EMF will be discussed. 

Topics

• Basics of Oxidative Stress – Knowns and Unknowns
• Measurements of Oxidative Stress as major criteria of study quality
• Systematic Reviews
• Biophysical Mechanisms for oxidative stress
• RF-EMFs and oxidative stress
• ELF-EMFs and oxidative stress

https://www.bfs-internationalworkshop.de/general-information

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Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is conjectured to be related to many diseases. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that radiofrequency fields may induce oxidative stress in various cell types and thereby compromise human and animal health. This systematic review (SR) aims to summarize and evaluate the literature related to this hypothesis.

Objectives: The main objective of this SR is to evaluate the associations between the exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and oxidative stress in experimental models (in vivo and in vitro).

Methods: The SR framework has been developed following the guidelines established in the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and the Handbook for Conducting a Literature-Based Health Assessment). We will include controlled in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies that assess the effects of an exposure to RF-EMF on valid markers for oxidative stress compared to no or sham exposure. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO. We will search the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the EMF-Portal. The reference lists of included studies and retrieved review articles will also be manually searched.

Study appraisal and synthesis method: Data will be extracted according to a pre-defined set of forms developed in the DistillerSR online software and synthesized in a meta-analysis when studies are judged sufficiently similar to be combined. If a meta-analysis is not possible, we will describe the effects of the exposure in a narrative way.

Risk of bias: The risk of bias will be assessed with the NTP/OHAT risk of bias rating tool for human and animal studies. We will use GRADE to assess the certainty of the conclusions (high, moderate, low, or inadequate) regarding the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and oxidative stress.

Funding: This work was funded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Registration: The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO webpage on July 8, 2021.

Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34662800/

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Abstract

Hypogonadism is an endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate serum testosterone production by the Leydig cells of the testis. It is triggered by alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common disorder in men that involves an alteration in erectile response–organic, relational, or psychological. The incidence of hypogonadism and ED is common in men aged over 40 years. Hypogonadism (including late-onset hypogonadism) and ED may be linked to several environmental factors-induced oxidative stresses. The factors mainly include exposure to pesticides, radiation, air pollution, heavy metals and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These environmental risk factors may induce oxidative stress and lead to hormonal dysfunctions. To better understand the subject, the study used many keywords, including “hypogonadism”, “late-onset hypogonadism”, “testosterone”, “erectile dysfunction”, “reactive oxygen species”, “oxidative stress”, and “environmental pollution” in major online databases, such as SCOPUS and PUBMED to extract relevant scientific information. Based on these parameters, this review summarizes a comprehensive insight into the important environmental issues that may have a direct or indirect association with hypogonadism and ED in men. The study concludes that environmental factors-induced oxidative stress may cause infertility in men. The hypothesis and outcomes were reviewed critically, and the mechanistic approaches are applied through oxidant-sensitive pathways. This study also provides recommendations on future therapeutic interventions and protective measures against such adverse environmental factors-induced hypogonadism and ED.

Extract

7. Conclusions

Proper functioning of the HPG axis is crucial for reproductive wellbeing. It is regulated by a complex interplay of neural, hormonal and metabolic signals, which may be disrupted by age-related hormone deficiency and environmental toxicants, including pesticides, radiations, air pollutants and plastic-originated agents and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals induced oxidative stress [44]. These disturbances may lead to impaired sexual potency, eventually causing disruption of psychological health in affected males. These environmental issues that may remain cryptic at times may become major mediators in the etiological context of LOH [80]. In conclusion, the present review attempts to identify the important environmental issues that may have a direct or indirect association with clinical hypogonadism and ED in men. The review also aims to incorporate the important environmental factors, such as pesticides, radiations, air pollution, plastic-originated agents, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, into the routine workup algorithm of clinicians to manage such patients, who may benefit.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128012994000165

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NIEHS News Environmental Factor May 2021

During almost four decades at the institute, he brought innovation to many complex issues, such as reducing animal use in research.

BY JESSE SAFFRON

John Bucher, Ph.D., senior scientist in the NIEHS Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), retired in April after nearly four decades at the institute. His scientific achievements, innovative thinking, and mentorship will leave a lasting influence, according to colleagues.

Throughout his career, Bucher advanced knowledge on the health effects of numerous environmental agents, such as fluoride and cell phone radiation. He also expanded understanding and adoption of nonanimal approaches to toxicological research.

Reducing use of animals

After earning his undergraduate degree in biology from Knox College in Illinois, Bucher received a master’s in biochemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then took up pharmacology as a doctoral student at the University of Iowa.

Later, Bucher drew insights from pharmacology when developing ways to reduce the use of animals in toxicological research and study chemicals more rapidly and efficiently. He said that his achievements in this regard are especially rewarding.

“Traditional toxicology studies often are too expensive and time-consuming, and it can take years for findings to be disseminated,” said Bucher. “I am proud that my colleagues and I recognized that this was unsustainable and worked to advance novel experimental approaches.”

Read the article at:

https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2021/5/awards-recognition/bucher/index.htm

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Abstract

Presently, there is a rise in the use of mobile phones, laptops, and wireless internet technologies such as Wi-Fi and 5G routers/modems across the globe; these devices emit a considerable amount of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) which could interact with the male reproductive system either by thermal or nonthermal mechanisms. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of mobile phone use on male fertility. Related studies that reported on the effects of EMR from mobile phones on male fertility from 2003 to 2020 were evaluated. PubMed database was used. The Medical Subject Heading system was used to extract relevant research studies from PubMed. Based on the outcomes of both human and animal studies analyzed in this review, animal and human spermatozoa exposed to EMR emitted by mobile phones had reduced motility, structural anomalies, and increased oxidative stress due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Scrotal hyperthermia and increased oxidative stress might be the key mechanisms through which EMR affects male fertility. However, these negative effects appear to be associated with the duration of mobile phone use.

Excerpt

Recent findings from human experimentation

Long-term exposure to EMR emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices, might play a role in male infertility because of an increased production of ROS in exposed cells [Figures ​[Figures22–​-55].[16]

https://europepmc.org/article/MED/33311902

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Abstract

Environmental studies, metabolic research, and state of the art research in neurobiology point towards the reduced amount of natural day and sunlight exposure of the developing child, as a consequence of increasingly long hours spent indoors online, as the single unifying source of a whole set of health risks identified worldwide, as is made clear in this review of currently available literature. Over exposure to digital environments, from abuse to addiction, now concerns even the youngest (ages 0 to 2) and triggers, as argued on the basis of clear examples herein, a chain of interdependent negative and potentially long-term metabolic changes. This leads to a deregulation of the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter pathways in the developing brain, currently associated with online activity abuse and/or internet addiction, and akin to that found in severe substance abuse syndromes. A general functional working model is proposed under the light of evidence brought to the forefront in this review.

View full-text https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/9/3240/htm

Excerpt:

4. Conclusions

This exploratory focused review of critical elements from the current literature shows quite unequivocally that the projection of increasingly excessive time spent online indoors [167] by increasingly younger children is likely to put their physical and psychological development and general health at risk, in both the short and long term. Early childhood myopia, disturbed circadian rhythms, sleep loss, depression, and ultimately, addiction and the deregulation of central control functions in the brain, initiated by lack of exposure to healthy outdoor light conditions, are the main risks identified here.

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Full report:

EMFSA: Note, from the report below:

“A trend is emerging, which becomes clear even when taking these methodological weaknesses into account, i.e., that EMF exposure, even in the low dose range, may well lead to changes in cellular oxidative balance.”

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