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Effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field on antioxidant activity in plasma and red blood cells in spot welders

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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine a possible relation between exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and the human antioxidant activity.

Methods

The total serum antioxidant status (TAS), red blood cells (RBCs) glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in 46 spot welders who were occupationally exposed to ELF-MF (magnetic field strength = 8.8–84 microTesla (μT), frequency = 50 Hertz (Hz) and electric field strength = 20–133 V/m). The results were compared with a nonexposed ELF-MF control group. The correlation between magnetic field strength and antioxidant activity in RBCs and plasma was then assessed.

Results

No significant differences in TAS levels were observed (P value = 0.065). However, in RBCs of exposed group, a significant decrease in SOD and GPX activities was observed (P value = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). This decrease was measured as 22 and 12.3%, respectively. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between SOD/GPX activities and magnetic field intensity was observed (coefficients of SOD: −0.625, significance: 0.0001 and coefficients of GPX: −0.348, significance: 0.018).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that ELF-MF could influence the RBC antioxidant activity and might act as an oxidative stressor. Intracellular antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GPX were found to be the most important markers involving in this process. The influence of magnetic field on the antioxidant activity of RBCs might occur even at the recommended levels of exposure.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran for providing the financial support for this study. We also would like to thank the SAIPA Car Company in Iran, especially Mr. Rahimi, Mr. Hesamian and Mr Hoorzad, the managers of occupational health at this company, for assisting us in performing this research on their workers. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Z. Chiti who linguistically revised our manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Poursina, Shanzdah Azar, Tehran, 1417613151, Islamic Republic of Iran

    Akbar Sharifian, Marjan Gharavi & Omid Aminian

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Tehran University of Medical Science, Poursina, Shanzdah Azar, Tehran, 1417613151, Islamic Republic of Iran

    Parvin Pasalar

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  1. Akbar Sharifian
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  2. Marjan Gharavi
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  3. Parvin Pasalar
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  4. Omid Aminian
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Correspondence to Marjan Gharavi.

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Sharifian, A., Gharavi, M., Pasalar, P. et al. Effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field on antioxidant activity in plasma and red blood cells in spot welders. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 82, 259–266 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0332-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0332-2

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