Epigenetic dysregulation in various types of cells exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (Review)

Cell and tissue research · 2021 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 1099

Study snapshot

PublicationCell and tissue research · 2021

Study typereview

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Epigenetic dysregulation in various types of cells exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (Review) Gianfranco Giorgi, Brunella Del Re. Epigenetic dysregulation in various types of cells exposed to extremely low- frequency magnetic fields. Cell Tissue Res. 2021 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s00441-021-03489-6. Abstract Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence, and establish cell-type- specific temporal and spatial expression patterns. Alterations of epigenetic marks have been observed in several pathological conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that a variety of environmental factors may cause epigenetic alterations and eventually influence disease risks. Humans are increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), which in 2002 were classified as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the link between the exposure to ELF-MFs and epigenetic alterations in various cell types. In spite of the limited number of publications, available evidence indicates that ELF-MF exposure can be associated with epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, modifications of histones and microRNA expression. Further research is needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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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 typereview

Effect directionmixed

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

This review summarizes evidence on links between extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure and epigenetic alterations across various cell types. It reports that, despite a limited number of publications, available evidence indicates ELF-MF exposure can be associated with changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression, and notes that further research is needed on underlying mechanisms.

Outcomes measured

DNA methylation
histone modifications
microRNA expression
epigenetic alterations (general)

Limitations

Limited number of publications available
Mechanisms underlying observed epigenetic changes remain unclear (further research needed)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "DNA methylation",
    "histone modifications",
    "microRNA expression",
    "epigenetic alterations (general)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "This review summarizes evidence on links between extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure and epigenetic alterations across various cell types. It reports that, despite a limited number of publications, available evidence indicates ELF-MF exposure can be associated with changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression, and notes that further research is needed on underlying mechanisms.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Limited number of publications available",
    "Mechanisms underlying observed epigenetic changes remain unclear (further research needed)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low-frequency magnetic fields",
    "ELF-MF",
    "epigenetics",
    "DNA methylation",
    "histone modification",
    "microRNA",
    "carcinogen classification",
    "IARC"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.3,
      "reason": "Mentions IARC classification of ELF-MFs as possible carcinogens (context for health risk assessment)."
    }
  ]
}

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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: 10.1007/s00441-021-03489-6
PubMed: 34287715

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