Effect of millimeter waves on cyclophosphamide induced suppression of T cell functions

The non-ionizing electromagnetic stimulation enhanced antibody production (NESEAP) effect - Discovery and technological applications

The rise of biological therapeutics in the global pharmaceuticals market has escalated the demand for quality monoclonal antibodies for healthcare and scientific applications. Reducing costs while enhancing production yields without compromising quality are the main challenges to the growth of this industry today. Over the last two decades non-ionizing radiation has been demonstrated to elicit targeted biological responses in a frequency and dose dependent manner. We hypothesize and design a millimeter wave radiation procedure to enhance the yields of antibody-producing hybridoma cell lines. We demonstrate this method enhances the production of IgA and IgG antibodies from MOPC315.BM and U13.6 cells by a factor of 24.05 ± 3.32 and 1.41 ± 0.03 respectively relative to untreated cells. No treatment associated cytotoxicity was observed in either cell line corroborating physiological viability of irradiated cells. Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept of a novel technique to significantly enhance antibody yields from hybridoma cells which could lead to a reduction in antibody production costs. Further studies will focus on scaling up of this technology and employment of non-contact, tuned electromagnetic stimulation of biological systems for targeted responses.

Physiological effects of millimeter-waves on skin and skin cells: an overview of the to-date published studies

The currently ongoing deployment if the fifth generation of the wireless communication technology, the 5G technology, has reignited the health debate around the new kind of radiation that will be used/emitted by the 5G devices and networks - the millimeter-waves. The new aspect of the 5G technology, that is of concern to some of the future users, is that both, antennas and devices will be continuously in a very close proximity of the users' bodies. Skin is the only organ of the human body, besides the eyes, that will be directly exposed to the mm-waves of the 5G technology. However, the whole scientific evidence on the possible effects of millimeter-waves on skin and skin cells, currently consists of only some 99 studies. This clearly indicates that the scientific evidence concerning the possible effects of millimeter-waves on humans is insufficient to devise science-based exposure limits and to develop science-based human health policies. The sufficient research has not been done and, therefore, precautionary measures should be considered for the deployment of the 5G, before the sufficient number of quality research studies will be executed and health risk, or lack of it, scientifically established.

Evaluation of the Effect of Chronic 94 GHz Exposure on Gene Expression in the Skin of Hairless Rats In Vivo

Millimeter waves (MMW) are broadband frequencies that have recently been used in several applications in wireless communications, medical devices and nonlethal weapons [i.e., the nonlethal weapon, Active Denial Systems, (ADS) operating at 94-95 GHz, CW]. However, little information is available on their potential effects on humans. These radio-frequencies are absorbed and stopped by the first layer of the skin. In this study, we evaluated the effects of 94 GHz on the gene expression of skin cells. Two rat populations consisting of 17 young animals and 14 adults were subjected to chronic long-term 94 GHz MMW exposure. Each group of animals was divided into exposed and sham subgroups. The two independent exposure experiments were conducted for 5 months with rats exposed 3 h per day for 3 days per week to an incident power density of 10 mW/cm², which corresponded to twice the ICNIRP limit of occupational exposure for humans. At the end of the experiment, skin explants were collected and RNA was extracted. Then, the modifications to the whole gene expression profile were analyzed with a gene expression microarray. Without modification of the animal's temperature, long-term chronic 94 GHz-MMW exposure did not significantly modify the gene expression of the skin on either the young or adult rats.

5G Wireless Communication and Health Effects-A Pragmatic Review Based on Available Studies Regarding 6 to 100 GHz

The introduction of the fifth generation (5G) of wireless communication will increase the number of high-frequency-powered base stations and other devices. The question is if such higher frequencies (in this review, 6-100 GHz, millimeter waves, MMW) can have a health impact. This review analyzed 94 relevant publications performing in vivo or in vitro investigations. Each study was characterized for: study type (in vivo, in vitro), biological material (species, cell type, etc.), biological endpoint, exposure (frequency, exposure duration, power density), results, and certain quality criteria. Eighty percent of the in vivo studies showed responses to exposure, while 58% of the in vitro studies demonstrated effects. The responses affected all biological endpoints studied. There was no consistent relationship between power density, exposure duration, or frequency, and exposure effects. The available studies do not provide adequate and sufficient information for a meaningful safety assessment, or for the question about non-thermal effects. There is a need for research regarding local heat developments on small surfaces, e.g., skin or the eye, and on any environmental impact. Our quality analysis shows that for future studies to be useful for safety assessment, design and implementation need to be significantly improved.

Long-term exposure to a 40-GHz electromagnetic field does not affect genotoxicity or heat shock protein expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells

Millimeter waves are used in various fields, and the risks of this wavelength range for human health must be carefully evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of millimeter waves on genotoxicity and heat shock protein expression in human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells. We exposed the cells to 40-GHz millimeter waves at 1 mW/cm2 for 24 h. We observed no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency or the level of DNA strand breaks in cells exposed to 40-GHz millimeter waves relative to sham-exposed and incubator controls. Heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also exhibited no statistically significant response to the 40-GHz exposure. These results indicate that exposure to 40 GHz millimeter waves under these conditions has little or no effect on MN formation, DNA strand breaks, or Hsp expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the contribution of thermal and the specific effects in cellular response to millimeter wave exposure

Radiofrequency radiations constitute a new form of environmental pollution. Among them, millimeter waves (MMW) will be widely used in the near future for high speed communication systems. This study aimed therefore to evaluate the biocompatibility of MMW at 60 GHz. For this purpose, we used a whole gene expression approach to assess the effect of acute 60 GHz exposure on primary cultures of human keratinocytes. Controls were performed to dissociate the electromagnetic from the thermal effect of MMW. Microarray data were validated by RT-PCR, in order to ensure the reproducibility of the results. MMW exposure at 20 mW/cm², corresponding to the maximum incident power density authorized for public use (local exposure averaged over 1 cm²), led to an increase of temperature and to a strong modification of keratinocyte gene expression (665 genes differentially expressed). Nevertheless, when temperature is artificially maintained constant, no modification in gene expression was observed after MMW exposure. However, a heat shock control did not mimic exactly the MMW effect, suggesting a slight but specific electromagnetic effect under hyperthermia conditions (34 genes differentially expressed). By RT-PCR, we analyzed the time course of the transcriptomic response and 7 genes have been validated as differentially expressed: ADAMTS6, NOG, IL7R, FADD, JUNB, SNAI2 and HIST1H1A. Our data evidenced a specific electromagnetic effect of MMW, which is associated to the cellular response to hyperthermia. This study raises the question of co-exposures associating radiofrequencies and other environmental sources of cellular stress.

Effect of millimeter waves and cyclophosphamide on cytokine regulation

We have reported previously that millimeter waves (MMWs) protect T-cell functions from the toxic side effects of cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anticancer drug. Since the effect of MMWs has been reported to be mediated by endogenous opioids, the present study was undertaken to investigate the role of endogenous opioids in protection of T-cell functions by MMWs. The effect of MMWs (42.2 GHz, incident power density = 38 mW/cm²) was studied on CPA-induced suppression of cytokine release by T cells in the presence of selective opioid receptor antagonists (ORA). Production of cytokines was measured in CD4 T cells isolated from splenocytes. Treatment of mice with CPA suppressed the formation of Th1 cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2), shifting the overall balance toward Th2 (IL-4 and IL-5). MMW irradiation of CPA-treated groups up-regulated the production of Th1 cytokines suppressed by CPA. Treatment of the CPA+MMW group with selective kappa (κ) ORA further potentiated this effect of MMWs on Th1 cytokine production, whereas treatment with μ or δ ORA increased the imbalance of cytokine production in the Th2 direction. These results provide further evidence that endogenous opioids are involved in immunomodulation by MMWs.

Protein changes in macrophages induced by plasma from rats exposed to 35 GHz millimeter waves

A macrophage assay and proteomic screening were used to investigate the biological activity of soluble factors in the plasma of millimeter wave-exposed rats. NR8383 rat macrophages were incubated for 24 h with 10% plasma from male Sprague-Dawley rats that had been exposed to sham conditions, or exposed to 42 °C environmental heat or 35 GHz millimeter waves at 75 mW/cm² until core temperature reached 41.0 °C. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, image analysis, and Western blotting were used to analyze approximately 600 protein spots in the cell lysates for changes in protein abundance and levels of 3-nitrotyrosine, a marker of macrophage stimulation. Proteins of interest were identified using peptide mass fingerprinting. Compared to plasma from sham-exposed rats, plasma from environmental heat- or millimeter wave-exposed rats increased the expression of 11 proteins, and levels of 3-nitrotyrosine in seven proteins, in the NR8383 cells. These altered proteins are associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism. Findings of this study indicate both environmental heat and 35 GHz millimeter wave exposure elicit the release of macrophage-activating mediators into the plasma of rats.

Efficacy of the IZL-2003 immunotherapeutic system in patients with liver cancer: an analysis of 40 cases

AIM: To evaluate the curative effect of the IZL-2003 immunotherapeutic system in patients with liver cancer.

METHODS: Sixty-one patients with liver cancer were divided into treatment group (n = 40) and control group (n = 21). The patients in the treatment group were treated with liver-protecting drugs in combination with 35-42.8-GHz millimeter wave. The patients in the control group were treated only with liver-protecting drugs. Routine blood tests and liver function tests were performed within two weeks before treatment. T-cell subgroup detection, B-mode ultrasonic scan or computed tomography (CT) were performed within one month before treatment. Routine blood tests were performed again within two weeks after treatment, and T-cell subgroups were retested within three months after treatment.

RESULTS: Millimeter-wave radiation significantly increased white cell count and hemoglobin level in patients with decreased white cell count (P = 0.028 and 0.017, respectively), but had no significant impact on blood platelet count. The counts of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in patients with liver cancer were less than normal level (486.45 ± 255.35 and 350.05 ± 246.26 cells/μL, respectively). Millimeter-wave radiation significantly increased the counts of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. In patients with CD4⁺ cell count less than 400 cells/μL, both the counts of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells significantly increased after millimeter-wave radiation (P = 0.03 and 0.067, respectively). Millimeter-wave radiation could effectively improve the symptoms in patients with liver cancer, and the effective rate was above 80% (P < 0.05). Millimeter-wave radiation could also improve Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score and life quality in liver cancer patients.

CONCLUSION: Millimeter-wave radiation used in the IZL-2003 immunotherapeutic system can enhance immunity, increase white cell count and hemoglobin level, improve life quality, and prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis in patients with liver cancer.

Features of anti-inflammatory effects of modulated extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation

Using a model of acute zymosan-induced paw edema in NMRI mice, we test the hypothesis that anti-inflammatory effects of extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EHF EMR) can be essentially modified by application of pulse modulation with certain frequencies. It has been revealed that a single exposure of animals to continuous EHF EMR for 20 min reduced the exudative edema of inflamed paw on average by 19% at intensities of 0.1-0.7 mW/cm(2) and frequencies from the range of 42.2-42.6 GHz. At fixed effective carrier frequency of 42.2 GHz, the anti-inflammatory effect of EHF EMR did not depend on modulation frequencies, that is, application of different modulation frequencies from the range of 0.03-100 Hz did not lead to considerable changes in the effect level. On the contrary, at "ineffective" carrier frequencies of 43.0 and 61.22 GHz, the use of modulation frequencies of 0.07-0.1 and 20-30 Hz has allowed us to restore the effect up to a maximal level. The results obtained show the critical dependence of anti-inflammatory action of low-intensity EHF EMR on carrier and modulation frequencies. Within the framework of this study, the possibility of changing the level of expected biological effect of modulated EMR by a special selection of combination of carrier and modulation frequencies is confirmed.

Immunotropic Influence of 900 MHz Microwave GSM Signal on Human Blood Immune Cells Activated in Vitro

In an earlier study we reported that G(o) phase peripheral blood mononulclear cells (PBMC) exposed to low-level (SAR = 0.18 W/kg) pulse-modulated 1300 MHz microwaves and subsequently cultured, demonstrate changed immune activity (Dabrowski et al., 2003). We investigated whether cultured immune cells induced into the active phases of cell cycle (G(1), S) and then exposed to microwaves will also be sensitive to electromagnetic field. An anechoic chamber of our design containing a microplate with cultured cells and an antenna emitting microwaves (900 MHz simulated GSM signal, 27 V/m, SAR 0.024 W/kg) was placed inside the ASSAB incubator. The microcultures of PBMC exposed to microwaves demonstrated significantly higher response to mitogens and higher immunogenic activity of monocytes (LM index) than control cultures. LM index, described in detail elsewhere (Dabrowski et al., 2001), represents the monokine influence on lymphocyte mitogenic response. The results suggest that immune activity of responding lymphocytes and monocytes can be additionally intensified by 900 MHz microwaves.

Effects of 100 GHz radiation on alkaline phosphatase activity and antigen-antibody interaction

Equipment that generates microwave radiation (MWR) spanning the frequency range of 300 MHz-100 GHz is becoming more common. While MWR lacks sufficient energy to break chemical bonds, the disagreement as to whether MWR exposure is detrimental to cellular dysfunction may be difficult to clarify using complex systems such as whole animals, cells, or cell extracts. Recently, the high frequency range of terahertz (THz) radiation has been explored and sources of radiation and its detectors have been developed. THz radiation is associated with the frequency interval from 100 GHz to 20 THz and constitutes the next frontier in imaging science and technology. In the present study, we investigated the effect of radiation in the low frequency THz range (100 GHz) on two defined molecular interactions. First, the interaction of soluble or immobilized calf alkaline phosphatase with the substrate p-nitrophenylphosphate and second, the interaction between an antibody (mouse monoclonal anti-DNP) and its antigen (DNP). Irradiation of enzyme either prior to addition of substrate or during the enzymatic reaction resulted in small but significant reductions in enzyme activity. These differences were not observed if the enzyme had previously been immobilized onto plastic microwells. Exposure of immobilized antigen to radiation did not influence the ability of the antigen to interact with antibody. However, irradiation appeared to decrease the stability of previously formed antigen-antibody complexes. Our data suggest that 100 GHz radiation can induce small but statistically significant alterations in the characteristics of these two types of biomolecular interactions.

Absence of direct effect of low-power millimeter-wave radiation at 60.4 GHz on endoplasmic reticulum stress

Millimeter waves (MMW) at frequencies around 60 GHz will be used in the very near future in the emerging local wireless communication systems and the potential health hazards of artificially induced environmental exposures represent a major public concern. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of low-power MMW radiations on cellular physiology. To this end, the human glial cell line, U-251 MG, was exposed to 60.4 GHz radiation at a power density of 0.14 mW/cm(2) and potential effect of MMW radiations on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was investigated. ER is very sensitive to environmental insults and its homeostasis is altered in various pathologies. Through several assay systems, we found that exposure to 60.4 GHz does not modify ER protein folding and secretion, nor induces XBP1 or ATF6 transcription factors maturation. Moreover, expression of ER-stress sensor, BiP/GRP78 was examined by real-time PCR, in exposed or non-exposed cells to MMW radiations. Our data demonstrated the absence of significant changes in mRNA levels for BiP/GRP78. Our results showed that ER homeostasis does not undergo any modification at molecular level after exposure to low-power MMW radiation at 60.4 GHz. This report is the first study of ER-stress induction by MMW radiations.

Electromagnetic millimeter wave induced hypoalgesia: frequency dependence and involvement of endogenous opioids

Millimeter wave treatment (MMWT) is based on the systemic biological effects that develop following local skin exposure to low power electromagnetic waves in the millimeter range. In the present set of experiments, the hypoalgesic effect of this treatment was analyzed in mice. The murine nose area was exposed to MMW of "therapeutic" frequencies: 42.25, 53.57, and 61.22 GHz. MMWT-induced hypoalgesia was shown to be frequency dependent in two experimental models: (1) the cold water tail-flick test (chronic non-neuropathic pain), and (2) the wire surface test (chronic neuropathic pain following unilateral constriction injury to the sciatic nerve). Maximum hypoalgesic effect was obtained when the frequency was 61.22 GHz. Other exposure parameters were: incident power density = 13.3 mW/cm(2), duration of each exposure = 15 min. Involvement of delta and kappa endogenous opioids in the MMWT-induced hypoalgesia was demonstrated using selective blockers of delta- and kappa-opioid receptors and the direct ELISA measurement of endogenous opioids in CNS tissue. Possible mechanisms of the effect and the perspectives of the clinical application of MMWT are discussed.

Anti-inflammatory effects of low-intensity extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation: frequency and power dependence

Using a model of acute zymosan-induced footpad edema in NMRI mice, the frequency and power dependence of anti-inflammatory effect of low-intensity extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EHF EMR) was found. Single whole-body exposure of animals to EHF EMR at the intensity of 0.1 mW/cm(2) for 20 min at 1 h after zymosan injection reduced both the footpad edema and local hyperthermia on average by 20% at the frequencies of 42.2, 51.8, and 65 GHz. Some other frequencies from the frequency range of 37.5-70 GHz were less effective or not effective at all. At fixed frequency of 42.2 GHz and intensity of 0.1 mW/cm(2), the effect had bell-shaped dependence on exposure duration with a maximum at 20-40 min. Reduction of intensity to 0.01 mW/cm(2) resulted in a change of the effect dependence on exposure duration to a linear one. Combined action of cyclooxygenase inhibitor sodium diclofenac and EHF EMR exposure caused a partial additive effect of decrease in footpad edema. Combined action of antihistamine clemastine and EHF EMR exposure caused a dose-dependent abolishment of the anti-inflammatory effect of EHF EMR. The results obtained suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites and histamine are involved in realization of anti-inflammatory effects of low-intensity EHF EMR.

Effect of cyclophosphamide and 61.22 GHz millimeter waves on T-cell, B-cell, and macrophage functions

The present study was undertaken to investigate whether millimeter waves (MMWs) at 61.22 GHz can modulate the effect of cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anti-cancer drug, on the immune functions of mice. During the exposure each mouse's nose was placed in front of the center of the antenna aperture (1.5 x 1.5 cm) of MMW generator. The device produced 61.22 +/- 0.2 GHz wave radiation. Spatial peak Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at the skin surface and spatial peak incident power density were measured as 885 +/- 100 W/kg and 31 +/- 5 mW/cm(2), respectively. Duration of the exposure was 30 min each day for 3 consecutive days. The maximum temperature elevation at the tip of the nose, measured at the end of 30 min, was 1 degrees C. CPA injection (100 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally on the second day of exposure to MMWs. The animals were sacrificed 2, 5, and 7 days after CPA administration. MMW exposure caused upregulation in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in peritoneal macrophages suppressed by CPA administration. MMWs also caused a significant increase in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by splenocytes and enhanced proliferative activity of T-cells. Conversely, no changes were observed in interleukin-10 (IL-10) level and B-cell proliferation. These results suggest that MMWs accelerate the recovery process selectively through a T-cell-mediated immune response.

Effect of millimeter wave irradiation on tumor metastasis

One of the major side effects of chemotherapy in cancer treatment is that it can enhance tumor metastasis due to suppression of natural killer (NK) cell activity. The present study was undertaken to examine whether millimeter electromagnetic waves (MMWs) irradiation (42.2 GHz) can inhibit tumor metastasis enhanced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anticancer drug. MMWs were produced with a Russian-made YAV-1 generator. Peak SAR and incident power density were measured as 730 +/- 100 W/kg and 36.5 +/- 5 mW/cm(2), respectively. Tumor metastasis was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice, an experimental murine model commonly used for metastatic melanoma. The animals were divided into 5 groups, 10 animals per group. The first group was not given any treatment. The second group was irradiated on the nasal area with MMWs for 30 min. The third group served as a sham control for group 2. The fourth group was given CPA (150 mg/kg body weight, ip) before irradiation. The fifth group served as a sham control for group 4. On day 2, all animals were injected, through a tail vein, with B16F10 melanoma cells, a tumor cell line syngeneic to C57BL/6 mice. Tumor colonies in lungs were counted 2 weeks following inoculation. CPA caused a marked enhancement in tumor metastases (fivefold), which was significantly reduced when CPA-treated animals were irradiated with MMWs. Millimeter waves also increased NK cell activity suppressed by CPA, suggesting that a reduction in tumor metastasis by MMWs is mediated through activation of NK cells.

Millimeter wave induced reversible externalization of phosphatidylserine molecules in cells exposed in vitro

In vitro exposure of refrigerated samples (4 degrees C) of anti-coagulated blood with millimeter waves (MMWs) at incident power densities (IPDs) between 0.55 and 1.23 W/cm2 has been found to induce clot formation. We found a small but statistically significant change in clot size with increasing IPD value. MMW exposure of blood samples starting at room temperature (22 degrees C) did not induce blood coagulation; neither did conventional heating at temperatures up to 40 degrees C. Since cell-free plasma did not clot upon MMW exposure, the role of blood cells was particularly analyzed. Experiments on various mixtures of blood cells with plasma revealed an important role of red blood cells (RBC) in the coagulation process. Plasma coagulation also developed within the MMW beam above dense keratinocyte (HaCaT) monolayers suggesting it lacked cell-type specificity. We hypothesized that alteration of the membrane surface in exposed cells might be responsible for the circumscribed coagulation. The thrombogenic role of externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) molecules is well known. Therefore, we carried out experiments for immunolabeling PS molecules with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated Annexin V on exposed cells. Fluorescence microscopy of the adherent human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and murine melanoma cells (B16F10) showed that MMW exposure at an IPD of 1.23 W/cm2 is capable of inducing reversible externalization of PS molecules in cells within the beam area without detectable membrane damage. Nonadherent Jurkat cells exposed to MMW at an IPD of 34.5 mW/cm2 also showed reversible PS externalization with flow cytometry, whether the cell temperature was held constant or permitted to rise. These results suggest that certain biological effects induced by MMWs could be initiated by membrane changes in exposed cells.

Effect of millimeter waves on natural killer cell activation

Millimeter wave therapy (MMWT) is being widely used for the treatment of many diseases in Russia and other East European countries. MMWT has been reported to reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the immune system. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether millimeter waves (MMWs) can modulate the effect of cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anticancer drug, on natural killer (NK) cell activity. NK cells play an important role in the antitumor response. MMWs were produced with a Russian-made YAV-1 generator. The device produced modulated 42.2 +/- 0.2 GHz radiation through a 10 x 20 mm rectangular output horn. Mice, restrained in plastic tubes, were irradiated on the nasal area. Peak SAR at the skin surface and peak incident power density were measured as 622 +/- 100 W/kg and 31 +/- 5 mW/cm2, respectively. The maximum temperature elevation, measured at the end of 30 min, was 1 degrees C. The animals, restrained in plastic tubes, were irradiated on the nasal area. CPA injection (100 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally on the second day of 3-days exposure to MMWs. All the irradiation procedures were performed in a blinded manner. NK cell activation and cytotoxicity were measured after 2, 5, and 7 days following CPA injection. Flow cytometry of NK cells showed that CPA treatment caused a marked enhancement in NK cell activation. The level of CD69 expression, which represents a functional triggering molecule on activated NK cells, was increased in the CPA group at all the time points tested as compared to untreated mice. However, the most enhancement in CD69 expression was observed on day 7. A significant increase in TNF-alpha level was also observed on day 7 following CPA administration. On the other hand, CPA caused a suppression of the cytolytic activity of NK cells. MMW irradiation of the CPA treated groups resulted in further enhancement of CD69 expression on NK cells, as well as in production of TNF-alpha. Furthermore, MMW irradiation restored CPA induced suppression of the cytolytic activity of NK cells. Our results show that MMW irradiation at 42.2 GHz can up-regulate NK cell functions.

Combined millimeter wave and cyclophosphamide therapy of an experimental murine melanoma

The objective of the present studies was to investigate whether millimeter wave (MMW) therapy can increase the efficacy of cyclophosphamide (CPA), a commonly used anti-cancer drug. The effect of combined MMW-CPA treatment on melanoma growth was compared to CPA treatment alone in a murine model. MMWs were produced with a Russian made YAV-1 generator. The device produced 42.2 +/- 0.2 GHz modulated wave radiation through a 10 x 20 mm rectangular output horn. The animals, SKH-1 hairless female mice, were irradiated on the nasal area. Peak SAR and incident power density were measured as 730 +/- 100 W/kg and 36.5 +/- 5 mW/cm2, respectively. The maximum skin surface temperature elevation measured at the end of 30 min irradiation was 1.5 degrees C. B16F10 melanoma cells (0.2 x 10(6)) were implanted subcutaneously into the left flank of mice on day 1 of the experiment. On days 4-8, CPA was administered intraperitoneally (30 mg/kg/day). MMW irradiation was applied concurrently with, prior to or following CPA administration. A significant reduction (P < .05) in tumor growth was observed with CPA treatment, but MMW irradiation did not provide additional therapeutic benefit as compared to CPA alone. Similar results were obtained when MMW irradiation was applied both prior to and following CPA treatment.

Millimeter wave-induced suppression of B16 F10 melanoma growth in mice: involvement of endogenous opioids

Millimeter wave treatment (MMWT) is widely used in Eastern European countries, but is virtually unknown in Western medicine. Among reported MMWT effects is suppression of tumor growth. The main aim of the present "blind" and dosimetrically controlled experiments was to evaluate quantitatively the ability of MMWT to influence tumor growth and to assess whether endogenous opioids are involved. The murine experimental model of B16 F10 melanoma subcutaneous growth was used. MMWT characteristics were: frequency, 61.22 GHz; average incident power density, 13.3 x 10(-3) W/cm2; single exposure duration, 15 min; and exposure area, nose. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, 30 min prior to MMWT) was used as a nonspecific blocker of opioid receptors. Five daily MMW exposures, if applied starting at the fifth day following B16 melanoma cell injection, suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth. Pretreatment with naloxone completely abolished the MMWT-induced suppression of melanoma growth. The same course of 5 MMW treatments, if started on day 1 or day 10 following tumor inoculations, was ineffective. We concluded that MMWT has an anticancer therapeutic potential and that endogenous opioids are involved in MMWT-induced suppression of melanoma growth in mice. However, appropriate indications and contraindications have to be developed experimentally before recommending MMWT for clinical usage.

Micronuclei in Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Cells of Mice Exposed to 42 GHz Electromagnetic Millimeter Waves

The genotoxic potential of 42.2 +/- 0.2 GHz electromagnetic millimeter-wave radiation was investigated in adult male BALB/c mice. The radiation was applied to the nasal region of the mice for 30 min/day for 3 consecutive days. The incident power density used was 31.5 +/- 5.0 mW/cm2. The peak specific absorption rate was calculated as 622 +/- 100 W/kg. Groups of mice that were injected with cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg body weight), a drug used in the treatment of human malignancies, were also included to determine if millimeter-wave radiation exposure had any influence on drug-induced genotoxicity. Concurrent sham-exposed and untreated mice were used as controls. The extent of genotoxicity was assessed from the incidence of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells collected 24 h after treatment. The results indicated that the incidence of micronuclei in 2000 polychromatic erythrocytes was not significantly different among untreated, millimeter wave-exposed, and sham-exposed mice. The group mean incidences were 6.0 +/- 1.6, 5.1 +/- 1.5 and 5.1 +/- 1.3 in peripheral blood and 9.1 +/- 1.1, 9.3 +/- 1.6 and 9.1 +/- 1.6 in bone marrow cells, respectively. Mice that were injected with cyclophosphamide exhibited significantly increased numbers of micronuclei, 14.6 +/- 2.7 in peripheral blood and 21.3 +/- 3.9 in bone marrow cells (P< 0.0001). The drug-induced micronuclei were not significantly different in millimeter wave-exposed and sham-exposed mice; the mean incidences were 14.3 +/- 2.8 and 15.4 +/- 3.0 in peripheral blood and 23.5 +/- 2.3 and 22.1 +/- 2.5 in bone marrow cells, respectively. Thus there was no evidence for the induction of genotoxicity in the peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of mice exposed to electromagnetic millimeter-wave radiation. Also, millimeter-wave radiation exposure did not influence cyclophosphamide-induced micronuclei in either type of cells.