Oxidative stress and nadph oxidase: Connecting electromagnetic fields, cation channels and biological effects

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) disrupt the electrochemical balance of biological mem-branes, thereby causing abnormal cation movement and deterioration of the function of membrane voltage-gated ion channels. These can trigger an increase of oxidative stress (OS) and the impair-ment of all cellular functions, including DNA damage and subsequent carcinogenesis. In this review we focus on the main mechanisms of OS generation by EMF-sensitized NADPH oxidase (NOX), the involved OS biochemistry, and the associated key biological effects.