1
|
Gou D, Huang K, Liu Y, Shi H, Wu Z. Molecular Dynamics Research of Spatial Orientation and Kinetic Energy of Active Site Collision of Carnosine under Weak Microwave Irradiation. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7686-7700. [PMID: 36134752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c03930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of the microwave nonthermal effect is still not clear. This work investigated the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of active site collision of carnosine, a natural bioactive dipeptide, under the weak microwave irradiation using the molecular dynamics simulation. Our results showed the influences of the temperature, microwave intensity, microwave frequency, and microwave polarization mode (linear polarization and circular polarization) on the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of active site collision of carnosine. First, under the constant intensity and frequency of linear polarization microwave irradiation, the increment of the collision probability between the 6N atom of carnosine and the 28H atom of the other carnosine at effective space angle decreases from 85.0% to 3.5% with increasing temperature. Second, with the increase of microwave intensity, the change of spatial orientation and kinetic energy becomes more and more significant. However, the change of circular polarization microwaves on the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of collision is weaker than that of linear polarization. Third, under the constant intensity of linear polarization microwave irradiation, the collision probability between the 6N atom and the 28H atom at effective space angle decreases from 70.2% to 14.7% with increasing frequency. Finally, under the microwave polarization, the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of molecular collision are changed, which is summarized as the microwave postpolarization effect (MWPPE). The dependence of MWPPE on temperature, microwave intensity, microwave frequency, and polarization mode is very complicated. In the end, this effect can provide a new insight into the molecular mechanism of the microwave nonthermal effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Gou
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kama Huang
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hongxiao Shi
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhiyan Wu
- College of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lai H. Neurological effects of static and extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields. Electromagn Biol Med 2022; 41:201-221. [DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2022.2064489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Noble BB, Todorova N, Yarovsky I. Electromagnetic bioeffects: a multiscale molecular simulation perspective. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:6327-6348. [PMID: 35245928 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp05510k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Electromagnetic bioeffects remain an enigma from both the experimental and theoretical perspectives despite the ubiquitous presence of related technologies in contemporary life. Multiscale computational modelling can provide valuable insights into biochemical systems and predict how they will be perturbed by external stimuli. At a microscopic level, it can be used to determine what (sub)molecular scale reactions various stimuli might induce; at a macroscopic level, it can be used to examine how these changes affect dynamic behaviour of essential molecules within the crowded biomolecular milieu in living tissues. In this review, we summarise and evaluate recent computational studies that examined the impact of externally applied electric and electromagnetic fields on biologically relevant molecular systems. First, we briefly outline the various methodological approaches that have been employed to study static and oscillating field effects across different time and length scales. The practical value of such modelling is then illustrated through representative case-studies that showcase the diverse effects of electric and electromagnetic field on the main physiological solvent - water, and the essential biomolecules - DNA, proteins, lipids, as well as some novel biomedically relevant nanomaterials. The implications and relevance of the theoretical multiscale modelling to practical applications in therapeutic medicine are also discussed. Finally, we summarise ongoing challenges and potential opportunities for theoretical modelling to advance the current understanding of electromagnetic bioeffects for their modulation and/or beneficial exploitation in biomedicine and industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Noble
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia. .,Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| | - Nevena Todorova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia. .,Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia. .,Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ren HC, Ji LX, Chen TN, Yuan JN, Huang YY, Wei DQ, Ji GF, Zhang ZM. Quasi-Static Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectra of the Carboxyhemoglobin Subsystem under Electric Fields: A Theoretical Study. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:9570-9578. [PMID: 33073576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c06251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is no doubt that electric fields of a specific frequency and intensity could excite certain vibrational modes of a macromolecule, which alters its mode coupling and conformation. Motivated by recent experiments and theories, we study the mode coupling between the Fe-CO mode and CO-stretch mode and vibration energy transfer among the active site and proteins in carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) under different electric fields using the quasi-static two-dimensional infrared spectra. This study uses iron-porphyrin-imidazole-CO and two distal histidines in HbCO as the subsystem. The potential energy and dipole moment surfaces of the subsystem are calculated using an all-electron ab initio (B3LYP-D3(BJ)) method with the basis set Lanl2dz for the Fe atom and 6-31G(d,p) for C, H, O, and N atoms. Although the subsystem is reduced dimensionally, the anharmonic frequency and anharmonicity of the CO-stretch mode show excellent agreement with experimental values. We use the revealing noncovalent interaction method to confirm the hydrogen bond between the Hε atom of the His63 and the CO molecule. Our study confirms that the mode coupling between the Fe-CO mode and CO-stretch mode does not exist when the subsystem is free of electric field perturbation, which is coupled when the electric field is -0.5142 V/nm. In addition, with the increases of distance between the active site and the His92, there is no vibrational energy transfer between them when the electric field is 1.028 V/nm. We believe that our work could provide new ideas for increasing the dissociation efficiency of the Fe-CO bond and theoretical references for experimental research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Chao Ren
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230000, China.,National Key Laboratory for Shock Wave and Detonation Physics Research, Institute of Fluid Physics, Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621999, China
| | - Lin Xiang Ji
- Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E2, Canada
| | - Tu Nan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiao Nan Yuan
- College of Science, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yao Yao Huang
- National Key Laboratory for Shock Wave and Detonation Physics Research, Institute of Fluid Physics, Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621999, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China.,College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guang Fu Ji
- National Key Laboratory for Shock Wave and Detonation Physics Research, Institute of Fluid Physics, Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621999, China
| | - Zeng Ming Zhang
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Correlation of Blood Oxidative Stress Parameters to Indoor Radiofrequency Radiation: A Cross Sectional Study in Jordan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17134673. [PMID: 32610554 PMCID: PMC7369753 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17134673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Electromagnetic pollution is a general health concern worldwide, as cell phone towers are ubiquitous and are located adjacent to or on the roof of schools, and hospitals. However, the health risks are still inconclusive. This cross-sectional study evaluated the potential effect of electromagnetic radiation generated from various resources including cell phone towers on blood glutathione S transferase activity (e-GST) and total antioxidant activity of the Jordanian population. Methods: The power density of three districts in the city of Irbid, Jordan was mapped to generate “outside the houses” and “inside the houses” maps. The effect of categorical variables (gender, using a cell phone, presence of Wi-Fi modem, previous exposure to medical imaging) and continuous variables (distance from the base station, the elevation of the house, the duration of stay in the house, power density outside houses, power density inside houses) on e-GST and total antioxidant activity were investigated. Results: The EMR generated outside the houses—including cell phone towers—did not reach inside the houses at the same power and had no significant influence on e-GST activity. The EMR inside the house, which primarily came from internal resources, has a significant effect on e-GST activity. The duration of stay inside the house, the use of cell phones, and the presence of a Wi-Fi modem had a proportional effect on e-GST activity. The total antioxidant activity was statistically equal between the tested and control groups. Conclusions: Several factors such as building materials restricted the penetration of EMR reaching inside the houses. EMR generated inside rather than outside the houses had a proportional effect on e-GST. The differences in e-GST were compensated successfully by other antioxidant mechanisms. Further research is needed to identify other possible sources of antioxidants, and to evaluate long-term effects and genetic polymorphism.
Collapse
|
6
|
Todorova N, Bentvelzen A, Yarovsky I. Electromagnetic field modulates aggregation propensity of amyloid peptides. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:035104. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5126367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Todorova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| | - A. Bentvelzen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| | - I. Yarovsky
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Altun G, Deniz ÖG, Yurt KK, Davis D, Kaplan S. Effects of mobile phone exposure on metabolomics in the male and female reproductive systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 167:700-707. [PMID: 29884548 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
With current advances in technology, a number of epidemiological and experimental studies have reported a broad range of adverse effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health. Multiple cellular mechanisms have been proposed as direct causes or contributors to these biological effects. EMF-induced alterations in cellular levels can activate voltage-gated calcium channels and lead to the formation of free radicals, protein misfolding and DNA damage. Because rapidly dividing germ cells go through meiosis and mitosis, they are more sensitive to EMF in contrast to other slower-growing cell types. In this review, possible mechanistic pathways of the effects of EMF exposure on fertilization, oogenesis and spermatogenesis are discussed. In addition, the present review also evaluates metabolomic effects of GSM-modulated EMFs on the male and female reproductive systems in recent human and animal studies. In this context, experimental and epidemiological studies which examine the impact of mobile phone radiation on the processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis are examined in line with current approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Altun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ömür Gülsüm Deniz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kıymet Kübra Yurt
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey; Environmental Health Trust, 7100 N Rachel Way Unit 6 Eagles Rest, Teton Village, WY 83025, United States
| | - Devra Davis
- Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Isreal and Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey; Environmental Health Trust, 7100 N Rachel Way Unit 6 Eagles Rest, Teton Village, WY 83025, United States
| | - Süleyman Kaplan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lian HY, Lin KW, Yang C, Cai P. Generation and propagation of yeast prion [URE3] are elevated under electromagnetic field. Cell Stress Chaperones 2018; 23:581-594. [PMID: 29214607 PMCID: PMC6045541 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-017-0867-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we studied the effect of 2.0 GHz radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on prion generation and propagation using two budding yeast strains, NT64C and SB34, as model organisms. Under exposure to RF-EMF or ELF-EMF, the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prions [URE3] were elevated in both strains. The elevation increased over time, and the effects of ELF-EMF occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The transcription and expression levels of the molecular chaperones Hsp104, Hsp70-Ssa1/2, and Hsp40-Ydj1 were not statistically significantly changed after exposure. Furthermore, the levels of ROS, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were significantly elevated after short-term, but not long-term exposure. This work demonstrated for the first time that EMF exposure could elevate the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prions and supports the hypothesis that ROS may play a role in the effects of EMF on protein misfolding. The effects of EMF on protein folding and ROS levels may mediate the broad effects of EMF on cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yong Lian
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
- College of Life Sciences and Ecology, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, 1 Yucai Road, Sanya, 572022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kang-Wei Lin
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanjun Yang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Cai
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kocaman A, Altun G, Kaplan AA, Deniz ÖG, Yurt KK, Kaplan S. Genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 163:71-79. [PMID: 29427953 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adem Kocaman
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Gamze Altun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Arife Ahsen Kaplan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ömür Gülsüm Deniz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kıymet Kübra Yurt
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Süleyman Kaplan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Todorova N, Bentvelzen A, English NJ, Yarovsky I. Electromagnetic-field effects on structure and dynamics of amyloidogenic peptides. J Chem Phys 2016; 144:085101. [PMID: 26931725 DOI: 10.1063/1.4941108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ever-present, and so is the need to better understand their influence on human health and biological matter in general. The interaction between a molecular system and external EMF can alter the structure, and dynamical behaviour, and, hence, biological function of proteins with uncertain health consequences. This urges a detailed investigation of EMF-induced effects on basic protein biophysics. Here, we used all-atom non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to understand and quantify the response mechanisms of the amyloidogenic apoC-II(60-70) peptides to non-ionising radiation by modelling their behaviour under external electromagnetic and electric fields of different strengths. Our simulations show high strength fields (>0.04 V/nm) cause structural changes in apoC-II(60-70) due to the peptide dipole alignment along the applied field direction, which disrupts the inherent β-hairpin conformation known to be the intermediate state for fibril formation. The intermediate field-strength range (0.04-0.004 V/nm) causes a significant acceleration in peptide dynamics, which leads to the increased population of structures with fibril-inhibiting characteristics, such as the separated N- and C-termini and colocation of the aromatic residues at the same peptide face. In contrast, lower field strengths (<0.004 V/nm) promote the formation of the amyloid-prone hairpin structures relative to the ambient conditions. These findings suggest that intermediate-strength electromagnetic fields could be considered for designing alternative treatments of amyloid diseases, while the very high and low field strengths could be employed for engineering well-ordered fibrillar aggregates for non-medicinal applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Todorova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alan Bentvelzen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niall J English
- School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Starkey SJ. Inaccurate official assessment of radiofrequency safety by the Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:493-503. [PMID: 27902455 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR) 2012 report forms the basis of official advice on the safety of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the United Kingdom and has been relied upon by health protection agencies around the world. This review describes incorrect and misleading statements from within the report, omissions and conflict of interest, which make it unsuitable for health risk assessment. The executive summary and overall conclusions did not accurately reflect the scientific evidence available. Independence is needed from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the group that set the exposure guidelines being assessed. This conflict of interest critically needs to be addressed for the forthcoming World Health Organisation (WHO) Environmental Health Criteria Monograph on Radiofrequency Fields. Decision makers, organisations and individuals require accurate information about the safety of RF electromagnetic signals if they are to be able to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities and protect those for whom they have legal responsibility.
Collapse
|
12
|
Loughran SP, Al Hossain MS, Bentvelzen A, Elwood M, Finnie J, Horvat J, Iskra S, Ivanova EP, Manavis J, Mudiyanselage CK, Lajevardipour A, Martinac B, McIntosh R, McKenzie R, Mustapic M, Nakayama Y, Pirogova E, Rashid MH, Taylor NA, Todorova N, Wiedemann PM, Vink R, Wood A, Yarovsky I, Croft RJ. Bioelectromagnetics Research within an Australian Context: The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E967. [PMID: 27690076 PMCID: PMC5086706 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mobile phone subscriptions continue to increase across the world, with the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by these devices, as well as by related technologies such as Wi-Fi and smart meters, now ubiquitous. This increase in use and consequent exposure to mobile communication (MC)-related EMF has led to concern about possible health effects that could arise from this exposure. Although much research has been conducted since the introduction of these technologies, uncertainty about the impact on health remains. The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR) is a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence that is undertaking research addressing the most important aspects of the MC-EMF health debate, with a strong focus on mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and exposure dosimetry. This research takes as its starting point the current scientific status quo, but also addresses the adequacy of the evidence for the status quo. Risk communication research complements the above, and aims to ensure that whatever is found, it is communicated effectively and appropriately. This paper provides a summary of this ACEBR research (both completed and ongoing), and discusses the rationale for conducting it in light of the prevailing science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Loughran
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Md Shahriar Al Hossain
- Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Material (ISEM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Alan Bentvelzen
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Mark Elwood
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1072, New Zealand.
| | - John Finnie
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre for Neurological Diseases, and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Joseph Horvat
- Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Material (ISEM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Steve Iskra
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Chief Technology Office, Telstra Corporation, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Elena P Ivanova
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Jim Manavis
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre for Neurological Diseases, and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Chathuranga Keerawella Mudiyanselage
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Alireza Lajevardipour
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Boris Martinac
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia.
| | - Robert McIntosh
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Chief Technology Office, Telstra Corporation, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Raymond McKenzie
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Canberra 2603, Australia.
| | - Mislav Mustapic
- Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Material (ISEM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | | | - Elena Pirogova
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - M Harunur Rashid
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Nigel A Taylor
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Nevena Todorova
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Peter M Wiedemann
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Robert Vink
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre for Neurological Diseases, and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Andrew Wood
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Rodney J Croft
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Asghari A, Khaki AA, Rajabzadeh A, Khaki A. A review on Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the reproductive system. Electron Physician 2016; 8:2655-62. [PMID: 27648194 PMCID: PMC5014506 DOI: 10.19082/2655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, such as electromagnetic waves, induce biological and genetic effects. One of the most important physiological systems involved with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is the genital system. This paper reviews the effects of EMFs on human reproductive organs, female animals, fetus development and the importance of two types of natural antioxidants, i.e., vitamin E and fennel. The studies presented in this review referred to the effects of different exposures to EMFs on the reproductive system, and we tried to show the role of natural antioxidants in reducing the effects of the exposures. Many studies have been done on the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic waves on the cell line of spermatogenesis, sexual hormones, and the structure of the testes. Also, about the hormonal cycle, folliculogenesis and female infertility related to EMF have been given more consideration. In particular, attention is directed to pregnant women due to the importance of their fetuses. However, in addition to the studies conducted on animals, further epidemiological research should be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- M.Sc. of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Afshin Khaki
- Ph.D. of Human Medical Embryology and Fellowship of IVF, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asghar Rajabzadeh
- Ph.D. of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoram Abad, Iran
| | - Arash Khaki
- Ph.D. of Pathobiological Sciences, Women Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tanvir S, Thuróczy G, Selmaoui B, Silva Pires Antonietti V, Sonnet P, Arnaud-Cormos D, Lévêque P, Pulvin S, de Seze R. Effects of 3G cell phone exposure on the structure and function of the human cytochrome P450 reductase. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 111:62-9. [PMID: 27243445 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell phones increase exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Whether EMFs exert specific effects on biological systems remains debatable. This study investigated the effect of cell phone exposure on the structure and function of human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). CPR plays a key role in the electron transfer to cytochrome P450, which takes part in a wide range of oxidative metabolic reactions in various organisms from microbes to humans. Human CPR was exposed for 60min to 1966-MHz RF inside a transverse electromagnetic cell (TEM-cell) placed in an incubator. The specific absorption rate (SAR) was 5W·kg(-1). Conformation changes have been detected through fluorescent spectroscopy of flavin and tryptophan residues, and investigated through circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and microelectrophoresis. These showed that CPR was narrowed. By using cytochrome C reductase activity to assess the electron flux through the CPR, the Michaelis Menten constant (Km) and the maximum initial velocity (Vmax) decreased by 22% as compared with controls. This change was due to small changes in the tertiary and secondary structures of the protein at 37°C. The relevance of these findings to an actual RF exposure scenario demands further biochemical and in-vivo confirmation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Tanvir
- Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, FRE CNRS 3580, CS60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex. France
| | - György Thuróczy
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des RISques (INERIS), Parc ALATA BP2, 60 550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; PériTOX, UPJV, Faculté de Médecine, 80 000 Amiens, France
| | - Brahim Selmaoui
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des RISques (INERIS), Parc ALATA BP2, 60 550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; PériTOX, UPJV, Faculté de Médecine, 80 000 Amiens, France
| | - Viviane Silva Pires Antonietti
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Laboratoire de Glycochimie, des Antimicrobiens et des Agroressources, UMR CNRS 7378, UFR de Pharmacie, 80 037, Amiens, France
| | - Pascal Sonnet
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Laboratoire de Glycochimie, des Antimicrobiens et des Agroressources, UMR CNRS 7378, UFR de Pharmacie, 80 037, Amiens, France
| | | | - Philippe Lévêque
- Université de Limoges, CNRS, XLIM, UMR 7252, F-87000, Limoges, France
| | - Sylviane Pulvin
- Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, FRE CNRS 3580, CS60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex. France
| | - René de Seze
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des RISques (INERIS), Parc ALATA BP2, 60 550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; PériTOX, UPJV, Faculté de Médecine, 80 000 Amiens, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang PK. Effect of external electrostatic field on the stability of β sheet structures. Biopolymers 2016; 101:861-70. [PMID: 24459117 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To explore the effect of an external electrostatic field (EEF) on the stability of protein conformations, the molecular dynamic modeling approach was applied to evaluate the effect of an EEF along the x or y direction on a water cluster containing a parallel or antiparallel β sheet structure. The β sheet structure contained two strands with a (Gly)3 sequence separated by a distance d along the x direction. The mean forces between the two strands along the x direction were computed from the trajectories of molecular dynamics simulations. In the absence of the EEF, the forces between the two strands in vacuum were repulsive and attractive in the parallel and antiparallel β sheet structures, respectively. In contrast, the mean forces between the two strands in water were attractive in both the parallel and antiparallel β sheet structures. This is because the electric interactions between the two strands were shielded by water, and the hydrophobic effect dominated the interaction between the two strands. When an EEF >50 MV/cm was applied to the water cluster, the attractive force between the two strands in the parallel and antiparallel β sheet structures decreased and increased, respectively. Further, the binding affinity between the two strands in the parallel and antiparallel β sheet structures also decreased and increased, respectively. This is because the large EEF leads to dielectric saturation, and consequently reduces the effects of the dielectric shielding and hydrophobic interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Kun Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-SHOU University, Kaohsiung 840, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Seada MA, Elkholy SE, Meshrif WS. Does the cellphone radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation during ringing or talking modes induce locomotor disturbance inDrosophila melanogaster? AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2016.1151828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
17
|
English NJ, Waldron CJ. Perspectives on external electric fields in molecular simulation: progress, prospects and challenges. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 17:12407-40. [PMID: 25903011 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp00629e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this review, the application of a wide variety of external electric fields in molecular simulation shall be discussed, including time-varying and electromagnetic, as well as the utility and potential impact and prospects for exploitation of such simulations for real-world and industrial end use. In particular, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics will be discussed, as well as challenges in addressing adequate thermostatting and scaling field amplitudes to more experimentally relevant levels. Attention shall be devoted to recent progress and advances in external fields in ab initio molecular simulation and dynamics, as well as elusive challenges thereof (and, to some extent, for molecular dynamics from empirical potentials), such as timescales required to observe low-frequency and intensity field effects. The challenge of deterministic molecular dynamics in external fields in sampling phase space shall be discussed, along with prospects for application of fields in enhanced-sampling simulations. Finally, the application of external electric fields to a wide variety of aqueous, nanoscale and biological systems will be discussed, often motivated by the possibility of exploitation in real-world applications, which serve to underpin our molecular-level understanding of field effects in terms of microscopic mechanisms, and possibly with a view to control thereof.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niall J English
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang H, Schütte C. Building Markov State Models for Periodically Driven Non-Equilibrium Systems. J Chem Theory Comput 2015; 11:1819-31. [DOI: 10.1021/ct500997y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation, Beijing, China
- Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christof Schütte
- Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), Berlin, Germany
- Institute
for Mathematics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kuo SM, Yang PK. Factors altering the affinity of protein-ligand binding in an external electrostatic field. Bioelectrochemistry 2015; 104:17-25. [PMID: 25681551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of an external electric field on the binding affinity for protein-ligand complexes was determined by applying electric field E(ext) to a water cluster containing two electric dipoles separated by a certain distance. The mean forces on these two dipoles were computed from the trajectories of molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the mean attractive force and the binding affinity between these two dipoles decreased with increasing E(ext). Two factors governing the effects of E(ext) on the binding affinity of protein-ligand interactions were proposed. (1) When E(ext) is applied to a water cluster containing protein-ligand complexes, the water molecules neighboring ligand will be repelled from the ligand; the mean van der Waals repulsive force exerted on the ligand by these water molecules would decrease, leading to a decrease in the binding affinity between the protein and the ligand. (2) The mean electrostatic force exerted on the ligand by the water molecules polarized by E(ext) is thought to result from the dielectric polarization (P(protein)) in the region occupied by the protein, where P(protein) is proportional to -E(ext).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyh-Ming Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, I-SHOU University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Kun Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, I-SHOU University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fasseas MK, Fragopoulou AF, Manta AK, Skouroliakou A, Vekrellis K, Margaritis LH, Syntichaki P. Response of Caenorhabditis elegans to wireless devices radiation exposure. Int J Radiat Biol 2015; 91:286-93. [PMID: 25488006 DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2014.995384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the impact of electromagnetic radiation, produced by GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) mobile phones, Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) routers and wireless DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) phones, on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. MATERIALS AND METHODS We exposed synchronized populations, of different developmental stages, to these wireless devices at E-field levels below ICNIRP's (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) guidelines for various lengths of time. WT (wild-type) and aging- or stress-sensitive mutant worms were examined for changes in growth, fertility, lifespan, chemotaxis, short-term memory, increased ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) production and apoptosis by using fluorescent marker genes or qRT-PCR (quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction). RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found between the exposed and the sham/control animals in any of the experiments concerning lifespan, fertility, growth, memory, ROS, apoptosis or gene expression. CONCLUSIONS The worm appears to be robust to this form of (pulsed) radiation, at least under the exposure conditions used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Fasseas
- Basic Research II, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Barteri M, De Carolis R, Marinelli F, Tomassetti G, Montemiglio LC. Effects of microwaves (900 MHz) on peroxidase systems: A comparison between lactoperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase. Electromagn Biol Med 2015; 35:126-33. [PMID: 25577980 DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2014.1002135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This work shows the effects of exposure to an electromagnetic field at 900 MHz on the catalytic activity of the enzymes lactoperoxidase (LPO) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Experimental evidence that irradiation causes conformational changes of the active sites and influences the formation and stability of the intermediate free radicals is documented by measurements of enzyme kinetics, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) and cyclic voltammetry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Barteri
- a Department of Chemistry , "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberta De Carolis
- b National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) , Rome , Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Marinelli
- c National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Instituto di Genetica Molecolare (IGM) , Bologna , Italy.,d SC Laboratory of Muscoloskeletal Cell Biology, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR) , Bologna , Italy
| | - Goliardo Tomassetti
- e Institute of Radioastronomy, Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) , Bologna , Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang H, Schütte C, Ciccotti G, Delle Site L. Exploring the Conformational Dynamics of Alanine Dipeptide in Solution Subjected to an External Electric Field: A Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulation. J Chem Theory Comput 2014; 10:1376-86. [DOI: 10.1021/ct400993e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Institute
for Mathematics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christof Schütte
- Institute
for Mathematics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Zuse Institute Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanni Ciccotti
- School
of Physics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Dipartimento
di Fisica, Università “La Sapienza” and CNISM, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Delle Site
- Institute
for Mathematics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Herbert MR, Sage C. Autism and EMF? Plausibility of a pathophysiological link - Part I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:191-209. [PMID: 24095003 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) are defined behaviorally, they also involve multileveled disturbances of underlying biology that find striking parallels in the physiological impacts of electromagnetic frequency and radiofrequency exposures (EMF/RFR). Part I of this paper will review the critical contributions pathophysiology may make to the etiology, pathogenesis and ongoing generation of core features of ASCs. We will review pathophysiological damage to core cellular processes that are associated both with ASCs and with biological effects of EMF/RFR exposures that contribute to chronically disrupted homeostasis. Many studies of people with ASCs have identified oxidative stress and evidence of free radical damage, cellular stress proteins, and deficiencies of antioxidants such as glutathione. Elevated intracellular calcium in ASCs may be due to genetics or may be downstream of inflammation or environmental exposures. Cell membrane lipids may be peroxidized, mitochondria may be dysfunctional, and various kinds of immune system disturbances are common. Brain oxidative stress and inflammation as well as measures consistent with blood-brain barrier and brain perfusion compromise have been documented. Part II of this paper will review how behaviors in ASCs may emerge from alterations of electrophysiological oscillatory synchronization, how EMF/RFR could contribute to these by de-tuning the organism, and policy implications of these vulnerabilities. Changes in brain and autonomic nervous system electrophysiological function and sensory processing predominate, seizures are common, and sleep disruption is close to universal. All of these phenomena also occur with EMF/RFR exposure that can add to system overload ('allostatic load') in ASCs by increasing risk, and worsening challenging biological problems and symptoms; conversely, reducing exposure might ameliorate symptoms of ASCs by reducing obstruction of physiological repair. Various vital but vulnerable mechanisms such as calcium channels may be disrupted by environmental agents, various genes associated with autism or the interaction of both. With dramatic increases in reported ASCs that are coincident in time with the deployment of wireless technologies, we need aggressive investigation of potential ASC - EMF/RFR links. The evidence is sufficient to warrant new public exposure standards benchmarked to low-intensity (non-thermal) exposure levels now known to be biologically disruptive, and strong, interim precautionary practices are advocated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha R Herbert
- TRANSCEND Research Program Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yang PK. Dependence of interaction free energy between solutes on an external electrostatic field. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:14408-25. [PMID: 23852018 PMCID: PMC3742251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140714408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the athermal effect of an external electrostatic field on the stabilities of protein conformations and the binding affinities of protein-protein/ligand interactions, the dependences of the polar and hydrophobic interactions on the external electrostatic field, -Eext, were studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. By decomposing Eext into, along, and perpendicular to the direction formed by the two solutes, the effect of Eext on the interactions between these two solutes can be estimated based on the effects from these two components. Eext was applied along the direction of the electric dipole formed by two solutes with opposite charges. The attractive interaction free energy between these two solutes decreased for solutes treated as point charges. In contrast, the attractive interaction free energy between these two solutes increased, as observed by MD simulations, for Eext = 40 or 60 MV/cm. Eext was applied perpendicular to the direction of the electric dipole formed by these two solutes. The attractive interaction free energy was increased for Eext = 100 MV/cm as a result of dielectric saturation. The force on the solutes along the direction of Eext computed from MD simulations was greater than that estimated from a continuum solvent in which the solutes were treated as point charges. To explore the hydrophobic interactions, Eext was applied to a water cluster containing two neutral solutes. The repulsive force between these solutes was decreased/increased for Eext along/perpendicular to the direction of the electric dipole formed by these two solutes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Kun Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-SHOU University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Beyer C, Christen P, Jelesarov I, Fröhlich J. Experimental system for real-time assessment of potential changes in protein conformation induced by electromagnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 2013; 34:419-28. [PMID: 23640851 DOI: 10.1002/bem.21795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A novel experimental system to distinguish between potential thermal and non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the conformational equilibrium and folding kinetics of proteins is presented. The system comprises an exposure chamber installed within the measurement compartment of a spectropolarimeter and allows real-time observation of the circular dichroism (CD) signal of the protein during EMF exposure. An optical temperature probe monitors the temperature of the protein solution at the site of irradiation. The electromagnetic, thermal, and fluid-dynamic behavior of the system is characterized by numerical and experimental means. The number of repeated EMF on/off cycles needed for achieving a certain detection limit is determined on the basis of the experimentally assessed precision of the CD measurements. The isolated thermosensor protein GrpE of the Hsp70 chaperone system of Eschericha coli serves as the test protein. Long-term experiments show high thermal reproducibility as well as thermal stability of the experimental setup.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Beyer
- Laboratory for Electromagnetic Fields and Microwave Electronics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sefidbakht Y, Hosseinkhani S, Mortazavi M, Tavakkolnia I, Khellat MR, Shakiba-Herfeh M, Saviz M, Faraji-Dana R, Saboury AA, Sheibani N, Moosavi-Movahedi AA. Effects of 940 MHz EMF on luciferase solution: Structure, function, and dielectric studies. Bioelectromagnetics 2013; 34:489-98. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.21792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Sefidbakht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB); University of Tehran; Tehran; Iran
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran; Iran
| | - Mojtaba Mortazavi
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran; Iran
| | - Iman Tavakkolnia
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; University of Tehran; Tehran; Iran
| | - Mohammad R. Khellat
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB); University of Tehran; Tehran; Iran
| | - Mahdi Shakiba-Herfeh
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; University of Tehran; Tehran; Iran
| | - Mehrdad Saviz
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; University of Tehran; Tehran; Iran
| | - Reza Faraji-Dana
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; University of Tehran; Tehran; Iran
| | | | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pharmacology; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, Wisconsin
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Marracino P, Apollonio F, Liberti M, d’Inzeo G, Amadei A. Effect of High Exogenous Electric Pulses on Protein Conformation: Myoglobin as a Case Study. J Phys Chem B 2013; 117:2273-9. [DOI: 10.1021/jp309857b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Marracino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione,
Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni Sapienza, Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Apollonio
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione,
Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni Sapienza, Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Micaela Liberti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione,
Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni Sapienza, Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Guglielmo d’Inzeo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione,
Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni Sapienza, Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Amadei
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie
Chimiche, Università di Roma ‘Tor Vergata’, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Damm M, Nusshold C, Cantillo D, Rechberger GN, Gruber K, Sattler W, Kappe CO. Can electromagnetic fields influence the structure and enzymatic digest of proteins? A critical evaluation of microwave-assisted proteomics protocols. J Proteomics 2012; 75:5533-43. [PMID: 22889711 PMCID: PMC3484400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
This study reevaluates the putative advantages of microwave-assisted tryptic digests compared to conventionally heated protocols performed at the same temperature. An initial investigation of enzyme stability in a temperature range of 37-80 °C demonstrated that trypsin activity declines sharply at temperatures above 60 °C, regardless if microwave dielectric heating or conventional heating is employed. Tryptic digests of three proteins of different size (bovine serum albumin, cytochrome c and β-casein) were thus performed at 37 °C and 50 °C using both microwave and conventional heating applying accurate internal fiber-optic probe reaction temperature measurements. The impact of the heating method on protein degradation and peptide fragment generation was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS. Time-dependent tryptic digestion of the three proteins and subsequent analysis of the corresponding cleavage products by MALDI-TOF provided virtually identical results for both microwave and conventional heating. In addition, the impact of electromagnetic field strength on the tertiary structure of trypsin and BSA was evaluated by molecular mechanics calculations. These simulations revealed that the applied field in a typical laboratory microwave reactor is 3-4 orders of magnitude too low to induce conformational changes in proteins or enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Damm
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Microwave Chemistry (CDLMC) and Institute of Chemistry, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28/I, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gye MC, Park CJ. Effect of electromagnetic field exposure on the reproductive system. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2012; 39:1-9. [PMID: 22563544 PMCID: PMC3341445 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2012.39.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The safety of human exposure to an ever-increasing number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources both at work and at home has become a public health issue. To date, many in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that EMF exposure can alter cellular homeostasis, endocrine function, reproductive function, and fetal development in animal systems. Reproductive parameters reported to be altered by EMF exposure include male germ cell death, the estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, early embryonic development, and pregnancy success. At the cellular level, an increase in free radicals and [Ca2+]i may mediate the effect of EMFs and lead to cell growth inhibition, protein misfolding, and DNA breaks. The effect of EMF exposure on reproductive function differs according to frequency and wave, strength (energy), and duration of exposure. In the present review, the effects of EMFs on reproductive function are summarized according to the types of EMF, wave type, strength, and duration of exposure at cellular and organism levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sekhar R. Chinnadayyala S, Santhosh M, Goswami P. Microwave based reversible unfolding and refolding of alcohol oxidase protein probed by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/jbpc.2012.34039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
31
|
Whole body exposure with GSM 900MHz affects spatial memory in mice. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2010; 17:179-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 11/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
|
32
|
Phillips J, Singh N, Lai H. Electromagnetic fields and DNA damage. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2009; 16:79-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 11/16/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|
33
|
Electromagnetic field (EMF) effects on channel activity of nanopore OmpF protein. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2009; 38:1069-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-009-0511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Revised: 06/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
34
|
Joubert V, Leveque P, Rametti A, Collin A, Bourthoumieu S, Yardin C. Microwave exposure of neuronal cellsin vitro: Study of apoptosis. Int J Radiat Biol 2009; 82:267-75. [PMID: 16690594 DOI: 10.1080/09553000600649232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate microwave (MW) effects on neuronal apoptosis in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y were exposed to a 900 MHz global system for mobile communication (GSM) or continuous-wave (CW) radiofrequency fields for 24 h in a wire-patch cell. The specific absorption rates (SAR) used were 2 W/kg for CW and 0.25 W/kg average for GSM. During CW exposure, an increase of 2 degrees C was measured, and controls with cells exposed to 39 degrees C were then performed. Apoptosis rate was assessed immediately or 24 h after exposure using three methods: (i) 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining; (ii) flow cytometry using double staining with TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and propidium iodide (PI); and (iii) measurement of caspase-3 activity by fluorimetry. RESULTS No statistically significant difference in the apoptosis rate was observed between sham and 24 h MW-exposed cells, either GSM-900 at an average SAR of 0.25 W/kg, or CW 900 MHz at a SAR of 2 W/kg, either 0 h or 24 h post-exposure. Furthermore, for CW-exposure, apoptosis rates were comparable between sham-, CW-, 37 degrees C- and 39 degrees C-exposed cells. All three methods used to assess apoptosis were concordant. CONCLUSION These results showed that, under the conditions of the present experiment, MW-exposure (either CW or GSM-900) does not significantly increase the apoptosis rate in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Joubert
- Department of Cell Biology EA3842, Limoges University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Limoges Cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mousavy SJ, Riazi GH, Kamarei M, Aliakbarian H, Sattarahmady N, Sharifizadeh A, Safarian S, Ahmad F, Moosavi–Movahedi AA. Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency on the structure and function of the normal human hemoglobin. Int J Biol Macromol 2009; 44:278-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
36
|
Bismuto E, Di Maggio E, Pleus S, Sikor M, Röcker C, Nienhaus GU, Lamb DC. Molecular dynamics simulation of the acidic compact state of apomyoglobin from yellowfin tuna. Proteins 2009; 74:273-90. [PMID: 18618699 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A molecular model of the acidic compact state of apomyoglobin (A-state) from yellowfin tuna was obtained using molecular dynamics simulations (MD) by calculating multiple trajectories. To cause partial unfolding within a reasonable amount of CPU time, both an acidic environment (pH 3 and 0.15M NaCl) and a temperature jump to 500 K were needed. Twenty-five acidic structures of apomyoglobin were generated by MD, 10 of them can be clustered by RMSD in an average structure having a common hydrophobic core as was reported for acidic sperm whale apomyoglobin, with shortened helices A,G,E, and H (the helix A appears to be translated along the sequence). Prolonging the MD runs at 500 K did not cause further substantial unfolding, suggesting that the ensemble of generated structures is indicative of a region of the conformational space accessible to the apoprotein at acidic pH corresponding to a local energy minimum. The comparison of experimentally determined values of specific spectroscopic properties of the apomyoglobin in acidic salt conditions with the expected ones on the basis of the MD generated structures shows a reasonable agreement considering the characteristic uncertainties of both experimental and simulation techniques. We used frequency domain fluorometry, acrylamide fluorescence quenching, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy together with far UV circular dichroism to estimate the helical content, the Stern-Volmer quenching constant and the radius of gyration of the protein. Tuna apomyoglobin is a single tryptophan protein and thus, interpretation of its intrinsic fluorescence is simpler than for other proteins. The high sensitivity of the applied fluorescence techniques enabled experiments to be performed under very dilute conditions, that is, at concentrations of subnanomolar for the FCS measurements and 6 muM for the other fluorescence measurements. As high concentrations of proteins can strongly affect the association equilibrium among partially unfolded states, fluorescence techniques can provide complementary information with respect to other techniques requiring higher sample concentrations, such as NMR. The analysis of exposed hydrophobic regions in each of the MD-generated acidic structures reveals potential candidates involved in the aggregation processes of apomyoglobin in the acidic compact state. Our investigation represents an effective model system for studying amyloid fibril formation found in important diseases that are believed to proceed via aggregation of protein in the molten globule state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Bismuto
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biofisica, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhadobov M, Sauleau R, Le Coq L, Debure L, Thouroude D, Michel D, Le Dréan Y. Low-power millimeter wave radiations do not alter stress-sensitive gene expression of chaperone proteins. Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28:188-96. [PMID: 17080454 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This article reports experimental results on the influence of low-power millimeter wave (MMW) radiation at 60 GHz on a set of stress-sensitive gene expression of molecular chaperones, namely clusterin (CLU) and HSP70, in a human brain cell line. Selection of the exposure frequency is determined by its near-future applications for the new broadband civil wireless communication systems including wireless local area networks (WLAN) for domestic and professional uses. Frequencies around 60 GHz are strongly attenuated in the earth's atmosphere and such radiations represent a new environmental factor. An exposure system operating in V-band (50-75 GHz) was developed for cell exposure. U-251 MG glial cell line was sham-exposed or exposed to MMW radiation for different durations (1-33 h) and two different power densities (5.4 microW/cm(2) or 0.54 mW/cm(2)). As gene expression is a multiple-step process, we analyzed chaperone proteins induction at different levels. First, using luciferase reporter gene, we investigated potential effect of MMWs on the activation of transcription factors (TFs) and gene promoter activity. Next, using RT-PCR and Western blot assays, we verified whether MMW exposure could alter RNA accumulation, translation, or protein stability. Experimental data demonstrated the absence of significant modifications in gene transcription, mRNA, and protein amount for the considered stress-sensitive genes for the exposure durations and power densities investigated. The main results of this study suggest that low-power 60 GHz radiation does not modify stress-sensitive gene expression of chaperone proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Zhadobov
- Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications of Rennes (IETR), University of Rennes I, Campus de Beaulieu, bâtiment 11D, 263 avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Copty AB, Neve-Oz Y, Barak I, Golosovsky M, Davidov D. Evidence for a specific microwave radiation effect on the green fluorescent protein. Biophys J 2006; 91:1413-23. [PMID: 16731554 PMCID: PMC1518661 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.106.084111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have compared the effect of microwave irradiation and of conventional heating on the fluorescence of solution-based green fluorescent protein. A specialized near-field 8.5 GHz microwave applicator operating at 250 mW input microwave power was used. The solution temperature, the intensity, and the spectrum of the green fluorescent protein fluorescence 1), under microwave irradiation and 2), under conventional heating, were measured. In both cases the fluorescence intensity decreases and the spectrum becomes red-shifted. Although the microwave irradiation heats the solution, the microwave-induced changes in fluorescence cannot be explained by heating alone. Several possible scenarios are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anan B Copty
- The Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Caraglia M, Marra M, Mancinelli F, D'Ambrosio G, Massa R, Giordano A, Budillon A, Abbruzzese A, Bismuto E. Electromagnetic fields at mobile phone frequency induce apoptosis and inactivation of the multi-chaperone complex in human epidermoid cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2005; 204:539-48. [PMID: 15754340 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The exposure to non-thermal microwave electromagnetic field (MW-EMF) at 1.95 MHz, a frequency used in mobile communication, affects the refolding kinetics of eukaryotic proteins (Mancinelli et al., 2004). On these basis we have evaluated the in vivo effect of MW-EMF in human epidermoid cancer KB cells. We have found that MW-EMF induces time-dependent apoptosis (45% after 3 h) that is paralleled by an about 2.5-fold decrease of the expression of ras and Raf-1 and of the activity of ras and Erk-1/2. Although also the expression of Akt was reduced its activity was unchanged likely as a consequence of the increased expression of its upstream activator PI3K. In the same experimental conditions an about 2.5-fold increase of the ubiquitination of ras and Raf-1 was also found and the addition for 12 h of proteasome inhibitor lactacystin at 10 microM caused an accumulation of the ubiquitinated isoforms of ras and Raf-1 and counteracted the effects of MW-EMF on ras and Raf-1 expression suggesting an increased proteasome-dependent degradation induced by MW-EMF. The exposure of KB cells to MW-EMF induced a differential activation of stress-dependent pathway with an increase of JNK-1 activity and HSP70 and 27 expression and with a reduction of p38 kinase activity and HSP90 expression. The overexpression of HSP90 induced by transfection of KB cells with a plasmid encoding for the factor completely antagonized the apoptosis and the inactivation of the ras --> Erk-dependent survival signal induced by MW-EMF. Conversely, the inhibition of Erk activity induced by 12 h exposure to 10 mM Mek-1 inhibitor U0126 antagonized the effects induced by HSP90 transfection on apoptosis caused by MW-EMF. In conclusion, these results demonstrate for the first time that MW-EMF induces apoptosis through the inactivation of the ras --> Erk survival signaling due to enhanced degradation of ras and Raf-1 determined by decreased expression of HSP90 and the consequent increase of proteasome dependent degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|