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Electromagnetic fields enhance the stress response at elevated temperatures in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Bioelectromagnetics · 2000 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 5356

In an experimental setup allowing exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields (0–150 microT) with precise temperature control, ELF-EMF strongly enhanced heat-shock–related reporter gene expression under defined conditions when combined with mild heat shock.

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2000
Study typeanimal
Reported directionMixed
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

We have studied the effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) in the presence of a second stressor (mild heat shock) on the expression of a lacZ reporter gene under the control of hsp16 or hsp70 promoters in two transgenic strains of C. elegans. The expression of the reporter gene was studied by scoring animals with induced beta-galactosidase activity after staining in toto or by biochemical quantitation of the enzyme activity, respectively. In our experimental setup we were able to expose the animals to 50 Hz magnetic flux density of 0-150 microT and at the same time control temperature with high precision (+/-0.1 degrees C). Experimental conditions were defined for which EMF strongly enhances the expression of the reporter gene.

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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 typeanimal
Effect directionmixed
PopulationTransgenic strains of Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode) with lacZ reporter under hsp16 or hsp70 promoters
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureELF · 5e-05 MHz
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In an experimental setup allowing exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields (0–150 microT) with precise temperature control, ELF-EMF strongly enhanced heat-shock–related reporter gene expression under defined conditions when combined with mild heat shock.

Outcomes measured

  • Expression of lacZ reporter gene under hsp16 promoter
  • Expression of lacZ reporter gene under hsp70 promoter
  • Beta-galactosidase activity (staining in toto)
  • Biochemical quantitation of beta-galactosidase enzyme activity

Limitations

  • Exposure duration not reported in abstract
  • Sample size not reported in abstract
  • Specific temperature/heat-shock conditions producing enhancement not detailed in abstract
  • No health or organism-level endpoints described beyond reporter gene expression
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 5e-05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Transgenic strains of Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode) with lacZ reporter under hsp16 or hsp70 promoters",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Expression of lacZ reporter gene under hsp16 promoter",
    "Expression of lacZ reporter gene under hsp70 promoter",
    "Beta-galactosidase activity (staining in toto)",
    "Biochemical quantitation of beta-galactosidase enzyme activity"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In an experimental setup allowing exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields (0–150 microT) with precise temperature control, ELF-EMF strongly enhanced heat-shock–related reporter gene expression under defined conditions when combined with mild heat shock.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Exposure duration not reported in abstract",
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Specific temperature/heat-shock conditions producing enhancement not detailed in abstract",
    "No health or organism-level endpoints described beyond reporter gene expression"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "ELF-EMF",
    "50 Hz",
    "magnetic flux density",
    "microtesla",
    "heat shock",
    "stress response",
    "hsp16",
    "hsp70",
    "lacZ",
    "beta-galactosidase",
    "Caenorhabditis elegans",
    "transgenic"
  ],
  "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: 10.1002/(sici)1521-186x(200002)21:2<100::aid-bem4>3.0.co;2-u
PubMed: 10653620

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