Association between ELF and RF electromagnetic field and Leukemia

Abstract

Extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (ELF-EMFs) are widely employed in electrical appliances and different equipment such as television sets, ELF-EMFs can affect biological systems by increasing production ROS. The altered balance between ROS generation and elimination plays a critical role in a variety of pathologic conditions. ROS levels have been observed in several hematopoietic malignancies including acute and chronic myeloid leukemia. ELF-EMFs exposure significantly decreased Nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression Lower levels of NO have been demonstrated to exert a protective function in leukemic and melanoma cells and to inhibit effector caspases by S-nitrosylation. Also ELF-EMFs can decrease melatonin production by effects on N-acetyltransferase. Melatonin is an antioxidant, effective in protecting nuclear DNA. Transmitters emitting radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are usually not located in populated areas but some epidemiology studies showed association distance transmitters from residential area and leukemia.