Effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen type IV and E-cadherin expression levels in the rat kidney: an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on kidney tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 9): control group, sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) group, and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) group. The SEMF and PEMF groups (pulse time 25 microsn, pulse frequency 50 Hz) were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded kidney tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Gomori and periodic acid-Schiff. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9), E-cadherin and collagen type IV expression levels were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Thickening of glomerular basement membranes was evident in electromagnetic fields, especially in the SEMF group. In addition, expression levels of E-cadherin were decreased with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. The expression level of MMP-9 increased, and MMP-2 and collagen type IV expression levels were not altered with EMF exposure. CONCLUSION: Both EMFs changed the molecular component of the kidney adversely.

The effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field on the conjunctiva and goblet cells.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF MF) on the conjunctiva and goblet cells density. METHODS: Thirty adult female Spraque Dawley rats were assigned to one of two groups, each containing 15 rats. The experimental group received magnetic field 4 hr/day for 7 days. The second group received standard laboratory care and served as a control. The specimens were evaluated by light microscopy for goblet cell density, conjunctival edema, inflammation, and fibroblast proliferation. RESULTS: In ELF MF exposure group rats, the number of goblet cells was less than the control group. We also observed a significant difference between ELF MF exposure group and control group in terms of goblet cell density (p = 0.010). The ELF MF exposure group manifested conjunctival edema and inflammation compared to the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003). There was no statistical difference between the groups for fibroblast proliferation (p = 0.422). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ELF MF exposure leads to morphological alterations of the conjunctiva and reductions in the number of goblet cells. We believe that ELF MF may cause dry eye symptoms.