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The toxic oxygen free radicals are extremely reactive and can cause considerable damage to biomolecules, such as RNA, enzymes, membranes, proteins, and lipids, which may in turn lead to various pathological consequences. Lipid peroxidation, evaluated by determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) is the free radical-induced oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Normally, the oxygen free radicals are neutralized by highly efficient systems in the body. These include antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). In a healthy subject, there is a balance between free radicals and levels of antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine lipid peroxidation and SOD levels in plasma, liver, lung and kidney tissues exposed to different intensities, directions and exposure periods of static and 50 Hz alternating electric fields. Electric field intensities ranging from 0.3 kV/m to 1.8 kV/m were applied in vertical or horizontal direction in exposure periods of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. The increase in SOD and TBARS levels of plasma, liver, lung, and kidney tissues was found to depend significantly on the type of electric field and the exposure period.

The effects of electric fields of different intensities and directions on the collagen synthesis of guinea pigs was studied. The effects of vertical and horizontal electric fields of 1.9 kV/m and 0.9 kV/m, generated with voltages of 300 V and 150 V DC, respectively, on collagen synthesis, was evaluated by assessing the amount of hydroxyproline in the liver tissue, and by histological examination of tissue samples. The Stegemann-Stalder method was used to determine hydroxyproline content of the tissues. While the 0.9 kV/m vertical and horizontal electric fields substantially decreased the amount of hydroxyproline in the liver, the 1.9 kV/m electric fields in both directions increased the hydroxyproline content. The vertical electric field was more effective than the horizontal one both in the increases and the decreases. These findings were verified histologically.