Role of Insulin/Glucagon Ratio and Cell Redox State in the Hyperglycaemia Induced by Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields in Rats.

Abstract

The exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with a might adversely affect the endocrine system and reproductive functions. Nonetheless, the use of EMFs in the form of magneto-therapy exerts beneficial actions in human medicine, but also affecting glucose and lipids metabolism, inducing hyperglycaemia and a “diabetic” response. Therefore, we used fed or fasted male rats for a single exposure to 60-Hz EMFs, determining serum levels of glucose, lipids, and indicators of cellular redox state and energy parameters. A single exposure to EMFs induced hyperglycaemia in both, fed and fasted rats, accompanied by an attenuated second serum insulin peak. In addition, EMFs also decreased serum levels of free fatty acids and lactate, while they increased those of pyruvate and acetoacetate. Changes in blood glucose level were related with a more oxidized cellular redox state and with the insulin/glucagon ratio. Moreover, rat’s glucose metabolism also coincided with variations in insulin and glucagon secretion, probably depending on cell redox state. The EMFs effects were not modified in animals previously subjected to a chronic exposure (14 days). In conclusion, increased serum glucose levels and glucose metabolism induced by EMFs exposure were closely related with the cellular redox state and with the insulin/glucagon ratio.