Electromagnetic fields and autoimmune diseases

Abstract

SummaryIntroduction: experimental studies demonstrated that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) modify ion calcium fluxes in the membranes of blood mononuclear cells and induce changes in metabolism and surface marker expression. There is also evidence of autoimmune diseases in subjects with genetic predisposition, following exposure to physical, chemical or biological noxious agents or perception of stressful situations. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. Materials and Methods: all papers published in scientific journal from 1979 to 2013 were examined for inclusion in the systematic review. The research was conducted using the following key-words: electromagnetic fields, immune response, autoimmunity, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. 37 studies were included in this article. Discussion: it is demonstrated that there is absorption of energy in organisms exposed to EMFs; the effects of the EMFs (more elevated on the immune and nervous systems) are similar to those induced by stress stimulations. We suggest that the adaptation of tissues to the EMFs, in genetically predisposed subjects, may stimulate the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases.