one or several of the enzymes involved in lipid homeostatis, perhaps triglyceride lipase. The 1-2 day
latency suggested that the action of the EMF involved an enzyme precursor, not the enzyme itself (the
EMF influence would then be felt only after existing enzyme stores had been depleted).
Fig. 8.1. Average serum triglyceride levels of exposed and control subjects.
There are several other studies involving low-frequency magnetic field. There are several other
studies involving low-frequency magnetic field effects on fat metabolism (19, 20). Rabbits that were
maintained on a high-cholesterol diet were exposed to the field for 5 weeks and then examined for
serum lipid levels and aortic plaque formation (19). A reduction of both cholesterinemia and plaque
formation was found in the exposed animals. A reduction in blood cholesterol (50 mg/ml on the
average) was also reported in ten human subjects following local application of a magnetic field (20).
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in the nonoxidative degradation of amino acids, synthesis
of unsaturated fats, and the hydrolysis of glycogen. Exposure of rats to 570 µW/cm2, 2 GHz, for 15
days (3 hr./day) led to a decrease in vitamin B6 levels in blood, brain, liver, kidney, and heart; the
levels of the vitamin in skeletal muscle increased (21) (Table 8.3).
Table 8.3. EFFECT OF EMF ON VITAMIN B
6
LEVELS IN RAT TISSUES
Trace levels of many metallic elements are found in body tissues; they are known to take part in
enzyme activation, formation of proteins, redox reactions, and possibly in other biochemical processes.
Both high- and low-frequency EMFs have been found capable of altering body trace-element
ELECTROMAGNETISM & LIFE - 105