ABSTRACT This paper summarizes studies on changes in cellular free radical activities from exposure to static and extremely-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly magnetic fields. Changes in free radical activities, including levels of cellular reactive oxygen (ROS)/nitrogen (RNS) species and endogenous antioxidant enzymes and compounds that maintain physiological free radical concentrations in cells, is one of the most consistent effects of EMF exposure. These changes have been reported to affect many physiological functions such as DNA damage; immune response; inflammatory response; cell proliferation and differentiation; wound healing; neural electrical activities; and behavior. An important consideration is the effects of EMF-induced changes in free radicals on cell proliferation and differentiation. These cellular processes could affect cancer development and proper growth and development in organisms. On the other hand, they could cause selective killing of cancer cells, for instance, via the generation of the highly cytotoxic hydroxyl free radical by the Fenton Reaction. This provides a possibility of using these electromagnetic fields as a non-invasive and low side-effect cancer therapy. Static- and ELF-EMF probably play important roles in the evolution of living organisms. They are cues used in many critical survival functions, such as foraging, migration, and reproduction. Living organisms can detect and respond immediately to low environmental levels of these fields. Free radical processes are involved in some of these mechanisms. At this time, there is no credible hypothesis or mechanism that can adequately explain all the observed effects of static- and ELF-EMF on free radical processes. We are actually at the impasse that there are more questions than answers.

中文翻译：

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暴露于静态和极低频电磁场和细胞自由基

摘要 本文总结了暴露于静态和极低频 (ELF) 电磁场 (EMF)，特别是磁场后细胞自由基活动变化的研究。自由基活动的变化，包括细胞活性氧 (ROS)/氮 (RNS) 种类和内源性抗氧化酶和维持细胞中生理自由基浓度的化合物的水平，是 EMF 暴露最一致的影响之一。据报道，这些变化会影响许多生理功能，例如 DNA 损伤；免疫反应; 炎症反应; 细胞增殖和分化；伤口愈合; 神经电活动; 和行为。一个重要的考虑因素是 EMF 诱导的自由基变化对细胞增殖和分化的影响。这些细胞过程可能会影响癌症的发展以及生物体的正常生长和发育。另一方面，它们可以导致选择性杀死癌细胞，例如，通过芬顿反应产生高细胞毒性的羟基自由基。这提供了使用这些电磁场作为非侵入性和低副作用癌症治疗的可能性。静态和 ELF-EMF 可能在生物体的进化中发挥重要作用。它们是用于许多关键生存功能的线索，例如觅食、迁徙和繁殖。生物体可以检测到这些场的低环境水平并立即做出反应。其中一些机制涉及自由基过程。此时，没有可信的假设或机制可以充分解释静态和 ELF-EMF 对自由基过程的所有观察到的影响。我们实际上陷入了问题多于答案的僵局。