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The consequences of the extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on physiological processes in the uterus: novel insights and implications

Frontiers in Physiology · 2026 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 6811

ELF-EMF exposure is linked to molecular and cellular changes in the uterus that may disrupt physiological processes such as contractility, hormonal signalling, and tissue integrity. Although direct evidence of tumorigenesis is lacking, the exposure influences…

Study snapshot

PublicationFrontiers in Physiology · 2026
Study typereview
Reported directionHarm
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF), ranging from 1 Hz to 300 Hz, is prevalent in modern environments, yet its biological effects on the production remain insufficiently explored. This mini-review summarizes recent findings on ELF-EMF-induced alterations in the biological processes involved the uterus. It has been documented that the exposure to the ELF-EMF has been linked to significant changes in alterations of transcriptomic profile, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and microRNA pathways in the uterus, which may disrupt uterine contractility, secretory activity and hormonal signalling. Furthermore, the ELF-EMF influences myometrial and endometrial steroidogenesis, interferes with calcium ion channel regulation, elevates oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell proliferation, raising concerns about uterine tissues integrity. While direct evidence of ELF-EMF-induced tumorigenesis in the myometrium and the endometrium is lacking, its potential role in disrupting the mRNA transcript abundance involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell proliferation underscores the need for further investigation. This review highlights the potential reproductive risks associated with the ELF-EMF exposure and calls for additional in vivo studies to elucidate its long-term effects on female fertility and reproductive health. Effect: Harm

Machine Enhanced Logic

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 directionharm
Populationuterine tissue / female reproductive system
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureELF
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 40% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

ELF-EMF exposure is linked to molecular and cellular changes in the uterus that may disrupt physiological processes such as contractility, hormonal signalling, and tissue integrity. Although direct evidence of tumorigenesis is lacking, the exposure influences pathways related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell proliferation, indicating potential reproductive risks.

Outcomes measured

  • transcriptomic profile alterations
  • histone modifications
  • DNA methylation changes
  • microRNA pathway alterations
  • disrupted uterine contractility
  • altered secretory activity
  • hormonal signalling disruption
  • myometrial and endometrial steroidogenesis changes
  • calcium ion channel regulation interference
  • elevated oxidative stress
  • increased apoptosis
  • increased cell proliferation
  • potential disruption of uterine tissue integrity

Limitations

  • Review summarizes existing studies but direct causal evidence in vivo is lacking
  • Lack of direct evidence for tumorigenesis in uterine tissues
  • Calls for further in vivo studies to clarify long-term effects
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "uterine tissue / female reproductive system",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "transcriptomic profile alterations",
    "histone modifications",
    "DNA methylation changes",
    "microRNA pathway alterations",
    "disrupted uterine contractility",
    "altered secretory activity",
    "hormonal signalling disruption",
    "myometrial and endometrial steroidogenesis changes",
    "calcium ion channel regulation interference",
    "elevated oxidative stress",
    "increased apoptosis",
    "increased cell proliferation",
    "potential disruption of uterine tissue integrity"
  ],
  "main_findings": "ELF-EMF exposure is linked to molecular and cellular changes in the uterus that may disrupt physiological processes such as contractility, hormonal signalling, and tissue integrity. Although direct evidence of tumorigenesis is lacking, the exposure influences pathways related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell proliferation, indicating potential reproductive risks.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Review summarizes existing studies but direct causal evidence in vivo is lacking",
    "Lack of direct evidence for tumorigenesis in uterine tissues",
    "Calls for further in vivo studies to clarify long-term effects"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.4,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "ELF-EMF",
    "uterus",
    "reproductive health",
    "oxidative stress",
    "apoptosis",
    "steroidogenesis",
    "epigenetic modifications"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.6,
      "reason": "ELF-EMF exposure is common in modern environments, including occupational settings."
    }
  ]
}
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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: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1753084
PubMed: Not supplied

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