The effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on spatial memory of mice and rats: A systematic review

2023 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 455

Study snapshot

Publicationmanual · 2023

Study typesystematic_review

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on spatial memory of mice and rats: A systematic review Abkhezr H, Mohaddes G, Nikniaz Z, Farhangi MA, Heydari H, Nikniaz L. The effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on spatial memory of mice and rats: A systematic review. Learning and Motivation. 81, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.lmot.2023.101873. Abstract Today, everyone is inevitably faced with electromagnetic field (EMF), especially extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF). The results of various studies on the effects of ELF-EMF on memory are controversial, and in some cases contradictory. Hence, this study aimed to systematically review the published literature assessing the effects of ELF-EMF on spatial memory and hippocampal changes in mice and rats. To identify the relevant studies, articles published in such databases as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to July 13, 2022. According to our results, 46.66% of the studies reported no significant effect on the spatial memory after exposure to ELF-EMF, 33.33% reported impaired spatial memory and increased oxidative stress and free radicals, and 20% reported improved spatial memory, increased neurogenesis, and reduced oxidative stress. Thus, it can be concluded that the effect of ELF-EMF on the spatial memory of mice and rats depends on the duration of exposure. In other words, the spatial memory impairment increases by increasing the exposure time to ELF-EMF. Excerpt Finally, 15 articles were included in the study (Fig. 1). The characteristics and features of the included studies are presented in Table 2. Conclusion At low frequencies and for short periods of time, ELF-EMF can be ineffective or have positive effects on memory. In this regard, it can be used for therapeutic purposes. However, with increasing the frequency, intensity, and especially exposure duration, EMF can have devastating effects on spatial memory. Accordingly, the effect of ELF-EMF on spatial memory depends on the exposure duration. Further studies with different exposure times (especially long-term exposure) are needed to confirm our results. sciencedirect.com

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typesystematic_review

Effect directionmixed

PopulationMice and rats

Sample size15

ExposureELF · Varied; review suggests effects depend on exposure duration (short vs longer-term)

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Across 15 included animal studies, 46.66% reported no significant effect of ELF-EMF on spatial memory, 33.33% reported impaired spatial memory with increased oxidative stress/free radicals, and 20% reported improved spatial memory with increased neurogenesis and reduced oxidative stress. The review concludes that effects on spatial memory depend on exposure duration, with impairment increasing as exposure time increases.

Outcomes measured

Spatial memory
Hippocampal changes
Oxidative stress/free radicals
Neurogenesis

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "systematic_review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "Varied; review suggests effects depend on exposure duration (short vs longer-term)"
  },
  "population": "Mice and rats",
  "sample_size": 15,
  "outcomes": [
    "Spatial memory",
    "Hippocampal changes",
    "Oxidative stress/free radicals",
    "Neurogenesis"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Across 15 included animal studies, 46.66% reported no significant effect of ELF-EMF on spatial memory, 33.33% reported impaired spatial memory with increased oxidative stress/free radicals, and 20% reported improved spatial memory with increased neurogenesis and reduced oxidative stress. The review concludes that effects on spatial memory depend on exposure duration, with impairment increasing as exposure time increases.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low frequency",
    "ELF-EMF",
    "electromagnetic field",
    "spatial memory",
    "hippocampus",
    "mice",
    "rats",
    "oxidative stress",
    "neurogenesis",
    "systematic review"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2023.101873
PubMed: Not supplied

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