Effects of electromagnetic field with 25, 50 and 100 Hz frequency on serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activity in mice

Background: The widespread use of electric power results in exposure of humans to low level
50/60 Hz electric and magnetic fields. There are some controversial reports about the impact of
electromagnetic field (EMF) on biological systems. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate
transaminase (AST) are nonspecific enzymes of plasma whose elevations are an indicator of
cellular damage. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of low frequency EMF
exposure on activities of serum ALT and AST of mice.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study twenty four male mice weighting 30 ± 5 g were
divided into four groups each of six animals. The treatment groups were exposed to electromagnetic
field (EMF) tensity of 250 microtesla and with frequency of 25, 50 and 100 Hz for one hour per day
for thirty days. The control group was in the similar situation without exposure to EMF. The blood
samples were taken after thirty days. ALT and AST activities were determined at 37oC by kinetic
method. The data were analyzed by SPSS (version 11.5) computer software.
Results: Mice serum ALT activity was 84.3 ± 6.2 , 89.8 ± 14.3 and 84.8 ± 10.8 IU/L and AST
activity was 183.8 ± 9.1 , 185.5 ± 10.5 and 163.5 ± 15.7 IU/L in groups exposed to 25, 50 and 100
Hz electromagnetic fields respectively. Significant differences were detected in ALT and AST
activities between exposed groups and control group (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: In this study, 250 microTesla intensity EMF with 25, 50 and 100 Hz frequency
increased the mice serum ALT and AST activities. Serum ALT and AST activities enhancement can
be due the electromagnetic fields effect on liver.