Can exposure to manganese and extremely low frequency magnetic fields affect some important elements in the rat teeth?

B. Ince 1, Z. Akdag 2, E. Bahsi 1, S. Erdogan 3, S. Celik 2, Z. Akkus 4, M. Dalli 1, C. Sahbaz 1, M. Akdogan 1, R. Kara 1, Y. Yavuz 1, V. Gullu 1, A. Gunay 5, K. Guven 6

1 Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir (Turkey)
2 Department of Biophysics, Medical Faculty of Dicle University, Diyarbakir (Turkey)
3 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir (Turkey)
4 Department of Biostatistics, Medical Faculty of Dicle University, Diyarbakir (Turkey)
5 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir (Turkey)
6 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dicle University, Diyarbakir (Turkey)

---

• Dentistry

BACKGROUND: Length and level of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is increasing in association with the widespread use of electrical and electronic devices and technological progress. The undesirable effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on health have attracted considerable interest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four four-month-old male Wistar rats divided into eight groups of eight rats each were used. Seven groups were exposed to varying dosages of manganese (Mn) and a 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) of approximately 1 mT, while the last group was set aside as the cage control group and not subjected to any procedure.
This study was intended to investigate the interactions between the application of MF and Mn and the elements Ca, Zn, Mg, and P thought to be involved in caries, in rat teeth.

RESULTS: Levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, and P in the experimental group rats were different to those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that ELF-MF and Mn can have significant effects on levels of elements in rat teeth. Further experimental and epidemiological studies of ELF-MF and Mn are needed in order to evaluate their dental effects.

Corresponding Author: Bayram Ince, MD; e-mail: bayram2077@hotmail.com