The effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure on apoptosis, neurodegeneration and trace element levels in the rat brain

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Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 1mT, 1.5 mT, and 2 mT extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, which were within the limits for public environmental and occupational magnetic field exposure guidelines, on apoptosis, neurodegeneration and trace elements in rat brain cells. Material and Method: A total of 35 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into four main groups: Group 1 (n=8) was healthy controls; Group 2 (n=9) was exposed to 1 mT extremely low-frequency magnetic field; Group 3 (n=9) was exposed to 1.5 mT extremely low-frequency magnetic field and Group 4 (n=9) was exposed to 2 mT extremely low-frequency magnetic field. All the rats in the exposure groups were exposed to 50 Hz extremely low-frequency magnetic field for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week for 30 days in the Helmholtz coils. After the exposure, rats were sacrificed and rat brains were evaluated for histopathological and immunohistochemical changes as well as about the trace element levels in the brain. Results: Different levels of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field doses caused increases in Ca levels and increased apoptosis in the rat brain. As the applied extremely low-frequency magnetic field levels increased, so did the apoptosis and Ca levels in the brain tissues. Conclusion: Extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure caused neurodegeneration in rat brain tissue, increased apoptosis, and increased Ca concentration. These changes may cause various biological damage, especially cancer in healthy tissues and measures should be taken to minimize extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure in daily life in terms of protecting public health.