Adverse and beneficial effects in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells following radiofrequency exposure

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency LTE signal and coexposure to mitomycin-C in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast V79 cells

This study aims to investigate the cellular effects of radiofrequency exposure, 1950 MHz, long-term evolution (LTE) signal, administered alone and in combination with mitomycin-C (MMC), a well-known cytotoxic agent. Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79) cells were exposed/sham exposed in a waveguide-based system under strictly controlled conditions of both electromagnetic and environmental parameters, at specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.3 and 1.25 W/kg. Chromosomal damage (micronuclei formation), oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS] formation), and cell cycle progression were analyzed after exposure and coexposure. No differences between exposed samples and sham-controls were detected following radiofrequency exposure alone, for all the experimental conditions tested and biological endpoints investigated. When radiofrequency exposure was followed by MMC treatment, 3 h pre-exposure did not modify MMC-induced micronuclei. Pre-exposure of 20 h at 0.3 W/kg did not modify the number of micronuclei induced by MMC, while 1.25 W/kg resulted in a significant reduction of MMC-induced damage. Absence of effects was also detected when CW was used, at both SAR levels. MMC-induced ROS formation resulted significantly decreased at both SAR levels investigated, while cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were not affected by coexposures. The results here reported provide no evidence of direct effects of 1950 MHz, LTE signal. Moreover, they further support our previous findings on the capability of radiofrequency pre-exposure to induce protection from a subsequent toxic treatment, and the key role of the modulated signals and the experimental conditions adopted in eliciting the effect.

Quantitative proteomics reveals effects of environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on embryonic neural stem cells

The effects of environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on embryonic neural stem cells have not been determined, particularly at the proteomic level. This study aims to elucidate the effects of environmental levels of RF-EMF radiation on embryonic neural stem cells. Neuroectodermal stem cells (NE-4C cells) were randomly divided into a sham group and an RF group, which were sham-exposed and continuously exposed to a 1950 MHz RF-EMF at 2 W/kg for 48 h. After exposure, cell proliferation was determined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, protein abundance was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We did not detect differences in cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis between the two groups. However, we detected differences in the abundance of 23 proteins between the two groups, and some of these differences were consistent with alterations in transcript levels determined by qRT-PCR (P < 0.05). A bioinformatics analysis indicated that the differentially regulated proteins were mainly enriched in 'localization' in the cellular process category; however, no significant pathway alterations in NE-4C cells were detected. We conclude that under the experimental conditions, low-level RF-EMF exposure was not neurotoxic but could induce minor changes in the abundance of some proteins involved in neurodevelopment or brain function.

Genotoxic Risks to Male Reproductive Health from Radiofrequency Radiation

During modern era, mobile phones, televisions, microwaves, radio, and wireless devices, etc., have become an integral part of our daily lifestyle. All these technologies employ radiofrequency (RF) waves and everyone is exposed to them, since they are widespread in the environment. The increasing risk of male infertility is a growing concern to the human population. Excessive and long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation may cause genetic health effects on the male reproductive system which could be a primitive factor to induce cancer risk. With respect to the concerned aspect, many possible RFR induced genotoxic studies have been reported; however, reports are very contradictory and showed the possible effect on humans and animals. Thus, the present review is focusing on the genomic impact of the radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) underlying the male infertility issue. In this review, both in vitro and in vivo studies have been incorporated explaining the role of RFR on the male reproductive system. It includes RFR induced-DNA damage, micronuclei formation, chromosomal aberrations, SCE generation, etc. In addition, attention has also been paid to the ROS generation after radiofrequency radiation exposure showing a rise in oxidative stress, base adduct formation, sperm head DNA damage, or cross-linking problems between DNA & protein.

Investigation of extremely low-frequency (1 Hz-400 kHz) pollution frequently encountered in social life: a case study of a shopping mall

It is important to periodically measure, analyze, and map electromagnetic radiation levels due to potential risks. This study aims to draw attention to new electromagnetic pollution caused by radio frequencies and extremely low frequencies. For this reason, electric field and magnetic field measurements were carried out in the 1-Hz-400-kHz frequency band in a shopping mall, where electronic devices cause low-frequency electromagnetic radiation intensively. The measurements were performed with the EHP-50F device for 24 h a day for a week. The measurements were made at 10 points in the shopping mall, and the measurement results were evaluated over five different sectors: electronics, clothing and accessories (male-female), personal care and cosmetics, supermarket, and the playland for children. Magnetic maps of each sector were produced. In addition, the specific absorption rates (SAR) of male and female customers in these workplaces were determined. This is the first study carried out to find SAR caused by low-frequency radiation. Although the safe limit value of SAR for the whole body is 0.08 W/kg, the SAR values calculated in the playland and electronics sectors were obtained to be 0.763 and 0.39 W/kg, respectively. Results clearly demonstrate how especially small children are exposed to danger in the long term.

Investigation of the Properties of Linen Fibers and Dressings

In antiquity, flax was used as a dressing for healing wounds. Currently, work is underway on the genetic modification of flax fibers to improve their properties. Genetic modifications have resulted in an increased content of antioxidants and more favorable mechanical properties. The works published so far have presented independent tests of fibers and dressings after appropriate technological treatments in cell cultures. This study aimed to compare the properties of the fibers and the dressing produced in cell cultures—hamster fibroblasts—V79. The research material was traditional NIKE fibers; genetically modified M, B, and MB fibers; and linen dressings obtained from these fibers. The extract from 48-h incubation of 40 mg of fiber in the culture medium, which was desolved into 10, 20, and 30 mg, was administered to the cell culture. On the other hand, a linen dressing was placed on cells with an area of 0.5 cm², 1 cm², 1.5 cm², and 2 cm². Cells with fiber or dressing were incubated for 48 h, and then, biological tests were performed, including cell viability (in propidium iodide staining), cell proliferation (in the SRB assay), evaluation of the intracellular free radical level (in the DCF-DA assay), genotoxicity (in the comet assay), assessment of the apoptotic and necrotic cells (in staining anexin-V and iodide propidium), the course of the cell cycle, and the scratch test. The correlation between apoptosis and genotoxicity and the levels of free radicals and genotoxicity were determined for the tested linen fibers and fabrics. The tests presented that the fibers are characterized by the ability to eliminate damaged cells in the elimination phase. However, the obtained fabrics gain different properties during the technological processing of the fibers into linen dressings. Linen fabrics have better regenerative properties for cells than fibers. The linseed dressing made of MB fiber has the most favorable regenerative properties.

Inhibition of Autophagy Negates Radiofrequency-Induced Adaptive Response in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

In the last years, radiofrequency (RF) has demonstrated that it can reduce DNA damage induced by a subsequent treatment with chemical or physical agents in different cell types, resembling the adaptive response, a phenomenon well documented in radiobiology. Such an effect has also been reported by other authors both in vitro and in vivo, and plausible hypotheses have been formulated, spanning from the perturbation of the cell redox status, to DNA repair mechanisms, and stress response machinery, as possible cellular mechanisms activated by RF pre-exposure. These mechanisms may underpin the observed phenomenon, and require deeper investigations. The present study aimed to determine whether autophagy contributes to RF-induced adaptive response. To this purpose, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 20 h to 1950 MHz, UMTS signal, and then treated with menadione. The results obtained indicated a reduction in menadione-induced DNA damage, assessed by applying the comet assay. Such a reduction was negated when autophagy was inhibited by bafilomycin A1 and E64d. Moreover, CRISPR SH-SY5Y cell lines defective for ATG7 or ATG5 genes did not show an adaptive response. These findings suggest the involvement of autophagy in the RF-induced adaptive response in human neuroblastoma cells; although, further investigation is required to extend such observation at the molecular level.

Non-ionizing radiation as possible carcinogen

The advent of wireless technologies has revolutionized the way we communicate. The steady upsurge in the use of mobile phone all over the world in the last two decades, while triggered economic growth, has caused substantial damage to the environment, both directly and indirectly. The electromagnetic radiation generated from mobile phones, radio-based stations, and phone towers, high-voltage power lines have been reported which leads to the variety of health scares such as the risk of cancer in human beings and adverse effects in animals, birds, etc. Though the usage of such radiation emitting from mobile phones has risen steeply, there is a lack of proper knowledge about the associated risks. The review provides the latest research evidence based both on in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and possible gaps in our knowledge. Moreover, the present review also summarizes available literature in this subject, reports and studies which will help to form guidelines for its exposure limits to the public.Abbreviations: Continuous Wave: CW; Code Division Multiple Access: CDMA; Global System for Mobile Communications: GSM; Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell: PBMC; Radiofrequency: RF; Radiofrequency radiation: RFR; Universal Mobile Telecommunications System: UMTS; Wideband Code Division Multiple Access: WCDMA; Specific Absorption Rate: SAR; National Toxicology Program: NTP; amplitude-modulated or amplitude-modulation: AM; Electromagnetic frequencies: EMF; confidence interval: CI; Gigahertz: GHz; odds ratio: OR; incidence ratio: IR; reactive oxygen species: ROS; specific absorption rate: SAR; International Agency of Research on Cancer: IARC; single-strand breaks: SSB; double-strand breaks: DSB (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene): DMBA; Hour: h; international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection: ICNIRP; extremely low frequency: ELFl; microtesla: mT; Gigahertz: GHz; hertz: Hz; decibel: dB; kilometer: Km; Watt per square meter: W/m²; Hour: h; positron emission tomography: PET.

Evidence of bystander effect induced by radiofrequency radiation in a human neuroblastoma cell line

In previous studies we demonstrated that radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) is able to reduce DNA damage induced by a subsequent treatment with genotoxic agents, resembling the adaptive response, a phenomenon well known in radiobiology. In this study we report on the capability of the culture medium from SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to 1950 MHz to elicit, in recipient non-exposed cells, a reduction of menadione-induced DNA damage (P < 0.05; comet assay), indicating the capability of non-ionizing radiation to elicit a bystander effect. A comparable reduction was also detected in cultures directly exposed to the same EMF conditions (P < 0.05), confirming the adaptive response. In the same exposure conditions, we also evidenced an increase of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) in culture medium of cells exposed to RF with respect to sham exposed ones (P < 0.05; western blot analysis), while no differences were detected in the intracellular content of hsp70. On the whole, our results evidence a protective effect of RF against menadione-induced DNA damage in directly and non-directly exposed cells, and suggest hsp70 pathway to be investigated as one of the potential candidate underpinning the interaction between RF exposure and biological systems.

Genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

This is a review of the research on the genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic field (EMF), mainly on radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and static and extremely low frequency EMF (ELF-EMF). The majority of the studies are on genotoxicity (e.g., DNA damage, chromatin conformation changes, etc.) and gene expression. Genetic effects of EMF depend on various factors, including field parameters and characteristics (frequency, intensity, wave-shape), cell type, and exposure duration. The types of gene expression affected (e.g., genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and stress responses, heat-shock proteins) are consistent with the findings that EMF causes genetic damages. Many studies reported effects in cells and animals after exposure to EMF at intensities similar to those in the public and occupational environments. The mechanisms by which effects are induced by EMF are basically unknown. Involvement of free radicals is a likely possibility. EMF also interacts synergistically with different entities on genetic functions. Interactions, particularly with chemotherapeutic compounds, raise the possibility of using EMF as an adjuvant for cancer treatment to increase the efficacy and decrease side effects of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. Other data, such as adaptive effects and mitotic spindle aberrations after EMF exposure, further support the notion that EMF causes genetic effects in living organisms.

DNA-Related Modifications in a Mixture of Human Lympho-Monocyte Exposed to Radiofrequency Fields and Detected by Raman Microspectroscopy Analysis

Human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has risen considerably during the last decades, because of the industrial and technical development and the consequent increase of artificial EMFs sources. In particular, blood is largely involved in the environmental EMF exposure, because it is located everywhere in the human body. Lympho-monocyte cells are blood components that protect the human organism against infections. In this study, we investigate biochemical changes in lympho-monocyte cells extracted from human peripheral blood after exposure to EMFs at 1.8 GHz frequency and 200 V/m electric field strength for times ranging from 5 to 20 h inside a reverberation chamber. Some mixtures of cells, coming from many human subjects, were exposed and successively investigated by means of Raman micro-spectroscopy technique and principal components analysis. The spectral analysis was able to detect variations of the biochemical composition of the nucleus of exposed cells. Such modifications are mainly detectable as an intensity decrease of some DNA and nucleic acid Raman peaks with respect to the intensity of some protein peaks and they were most evident in the case of 20 h exposed samples. These results were in agreement with the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, observed in the exposed cells. Overall, the obtained results point out that EMFs exposure may induce modifications of the DNA in some blood cells of long-term exposed people.

Treatment with 3-Aminobenzamide Negates the Radiofrequency-Induced Adaptive Response in Two Cell Models

In previous investigations, we demonstrated that pre-exposure of different cell cultures to radiofrequency fields can reduce the damage induced by genotoxic agents, an effect resembling the so-called adaptive response. In this study, we pre-exposed human peripheral blood lymphocytes and Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line to 1950 MHz, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) signal, for 20 h, and then treated cultures with Mitomycin-C. After confirming the induction of an adaptive response in terms of the reduction of micronuclei formation, we observed that such a response was negated by treatments with 3-aminobenzamide. Since 3-aminobenzamide is an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme, which is involved in DNA repair, these results support the possible involvement of DNA repair mechanisms in radiofrequency-induced adaptive response.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 50 Hz 1 mT electromagnetic field on larval rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Baltic clam (Limecola balthica) and common ragworm (Hediste diversicolor)

The aim of this research was to assess genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses in aquatic animals exposed to 50 Hz 1 m T electromagnetic field (EMF). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at early stages of development were exposed to EMF for 40 days, whereas marine benthic invertebrates - the common ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the Baltic clam Limecola balthica - for 12 days. To define genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses in selected animals, assays of nuclear abnormalities in peripheral blood erythrocytes of O. mykiss, coelomocytes of H. diversicolor and gill cells of L. balthica were performed. Induction of formation of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB), nuclear buds on filament cells (NBf) and cells with blebbed nuclei (BL) were assessed as genotoxicity endpoints, and 8-shaped nuclei, fragmented (Fr), apoptotic (Ap) and binucleated (BN) cells as cytotoxicity endpoints. Exposure to EMF affected all studied species but with varying degrees. The strongest responses to EMF treatment were elicited in L. balthica, in which six out of the total eight analyzed geno- and cytotoxicity endpoints were significantly elevated. Significantly induced frequencies of MN were detected in O. mykiss and H. diversicolor cells, NBf and BL only in gill cells of L. balthica, and NB in analyzed tissues of all the test species. As cytotoxicity endpoints, a significant elevation in frequencies of cells with 8-shaped nuclei was found in O. mykiss and L. balthica, while Ap and BN was observed only in L. balthica. EMF exposure did not induce any significant cytotoxic activity in H. diversicolor coelomocytes. The present study is the first to reveal the genotoxic and cytotoxic activity of 1 m T EMF in aquatic animals, and, consequently, the first one to report the adverse effect of this factor on common marine invertebrates and early life stages of fish.

Protective effect of 1950 MHz electromagnetic field in human neuroblastoma cells challenged with menadione

This study aims to assess whether a 1950 MHz radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field could protect human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against a subsequent treatment with menadione, a chemical agent inducing DNA damage via reactive oxygen species formation. Cells were pre-exposed for 20 h to specific absorption rate of either 0.3 or 1.25 W/kg, and 3 h after the end of the exposure, they were treated with 10 µM menadione (MD) for 1 h. No differences were observed between sham- and RF-exposed samples. A statistically significant reduction in menadione-induced DNA damage was detected in cells pre-exposed to either 0.3 or 1.25 W/kg (P < 0.05). Moreover, our analyses of gene expression revealed that the pre-exposure to RF almost inhibited the dramatic loss of glutathione peroxidase-based antioxidant scavenging efficiency that was induced by MD, and in parallel strongly enhanced the gene expression of catalase-based antioxidant protection. In addition, RF abolished the MD-dependent down-regulation of oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, which is a critical DNA repairing enzyme. Overall, our findings suggested that RF pre-exposure reduced menadione-dependent DNA oxidative damage, most probably by enhancing antioxidant scavenging efficiency and restoring DNA repair capability. Our results provided some insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the RF-induced adaptive response in human neuroblastoma cells challenged with menadione.

Biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields: Two sides of a coin

Controversial, sensational and often contradictory scientific reports have triggered active debates over the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in literature and mass media the last few decades. This could lead to confusion and distraction, subsequently hampering the development of a univocal conclusion on the real hazards caused by EMFs on humans. For example, there are lots of publications indicating that EMF can induce apoptosis and DNA strand-breaks in cells. On the other hand, these effects could rather be beneficial, in that they could be effectively harnessed for treatment of various disorders, including cancer. This review discusses and analyzes the results of various in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies on the effects of non-ionizing EMFs on cells and organs, including the consequences of exposure to the low and high frequencies EM spectrum. Emphasis is laid on the analysis of recent data on the role of EMF in the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, the impact of EMF on the reproductive system has been discussed, as well as the relationship between EM radiation and blood cancer. Apart from adverse effects, the therapeutic potential of EMFs for clinical use in different pathologies is also highlighted.

Genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

New technologies in electronics and communications are continually emerging. An increasing use of these electronic devices such as mobile phone, computer, wireless fidelity connectors or cellular towers is raising questions concerning whether they have an adverse effect on the body. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is frequently suggested to have adverse health effects on humans and other organisms. This idea has been reported in many studies. In contrast, the therapeutic effects of EMF on different organs have also been reported. Research findings are inconsistent. This has given rise to very profound discrepancies. The duration and frequency of mobile phone calls and the association observed with various health effects has raised serious concerns due to the frequency with which these devices are used and the way they are held close to the head. The present review assesses the results of in vitro, in vivo, experimental, and epidemiological studies. The purpose of the study is to assess data concerning the carcinogenic and genotoxic effects of non-ionizing EMF. The major genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of EMF, divided into subsections as low frequency effects and radiofrequency effects, were reviewed. The inconsistent results between similar studies and the same research groups have made it very difficult to make any comprehensive interpretation. However, evaluation of current studies suggests that EMF may represent a serious source of concern and may be hazardous to living organisms.

A wide-band bio-chip for real-time optical detection of bioelectromagnetic interactions with cells

The analytical and numerical design, implementation, and experimental validation of a new grounded closed coplanar waveguide for wide-band electromagnetic exposures of cells and their optical detection in real-time is reported. The realized device fulfills high-quality requirements for novel bioelectromagnetic experiments, involving elevated temporal and spatial resolutions. Excellent performances in terms of matching bandwidth (less than -10 dB up to at least 3 GHz), emission (below 1 × 10^-6 W/m²) and efficiency (around 1) have been obtained as revealed by both numerical simulations and experimental measurements. A low spatial electric field inhomogeneity (coefficient of variation of around 10 %) has been achieved within the cell solutions filling the polydimethylsiloxane reservoir of the conceived device. This original bio-chip based on the grounded closed coplanar waveguide concept opens new possibilities for the development of controlled experiments combining electromagnetic exposures and sophisticated imaging using optical spectroscopic techniques.

Assessing Exposures to Magnetic Resonance Imaging's Complex Mixture of Magnetic Fields for In Vivo, In Vitro, and Epidemiologic Studies of Health Effects for Staff and Patients

A complex mixture of electromagnetic fields is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): static, low-frequency, and radio frequency magnetic fields. Commonly, the static magnetic field ranges from one to three Tesla. The low-frequency field can reach several millitesla and with a time derivative of the order of some Tesla per second. The radiofrequency (RF) field has a magnitude in the microtesla range giving rise to specific absorption rate values of a few Watts per kilogram. Very little attention has been paid to the case where there is a combined exposure to several different fields at the same time. Some studies have shown genotoxic effects in cells after exposure to an MRI scan while others have not demonstrated any effects. A typical MRI exam includes muliple imaging sequences of varying length and intensity, to produce different types of images. Each sequence is designed with a particular purpose in mind, so one sequence can, for example, be optimized for clearly showing fat water contrast, while another is optimized for high-resolution detail. It is of the utmost importance that future experimental studies give a thorough description of the exposure they are using, and not just a statement such as “An ordinary MRI sequence was used.” Even if the sequence is specified, it can differ substantially between manufacturers on, e.g., RF pulse height, width, and duty cycle. In the latest SCENIHR opinion, it is stated that there is very little information regarding the health effects of occupational exposure to MRI fields, and long-term prospective or retrospective cohort studies on workers are recommended as a high priority. They also state that MRI is increasingly used in pediatric diagnostic imaging, and a cohort study into the effects of MRI exposure on children is recommended as a high priority. For the exposure assessment in epidemiological studies, there is a clear difference between patients and staff and further work is needed on this. Studies that explore the possible differences between MRI scan sequences and compare them in terms of exposure level are warranted.