Long-term exposure of 2450 MHz electromagnetic radiation induces stress and anxiety like behavior in rats

Microglial mediators in autoimmune Uveitis: Bridging neuroprotection and neurotoxicity

Autoimmune uveitis, a severe inflammatory condition of the eye, poses significant challenges due to its complex pathophysiology and the critical balance between protective and detrimental immune responses. Central to this balance are microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, whose roles in autoimmune uveitis are multifaceted and dynamic. This review article delves into the dual nature of microglial functions, oscillating between neuroprotective and neurotoxic outcomes in the context of autoimmune uveitis. Initially, we explore the fundamental aspects of microglia, including their activation states and basic functions, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of their involvement in autoimmune uveitis. The review then navigates through the intricate mechanisms by which microglia contribute to disease onset and progression, highlighting both their protective actions in immune regulation and tissue repair, and their shift towards a pro-inflammatory, neurotoxic profile. Special emphasis is placed on the detailed pathways and cellular interactions underpinning these dual roles. Additionally, the review examines the potential of microglial markers as diagnostic and prognostic indicators, offering insights into their clinical relevance. The article culminates in discussing future research directions, and the ongoing challenges in translating these findings into effective clinical applications. By providing a comprehensive overview of microglial mechanisms in autoimmune uveitis, this review underscores the critical balance of microglial activities and its implications for disease management and therapy development.

Advances in Alzheimer's disease: A multifaceted review of potential therapies and diagnostic techniques for early detection

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most formidable neurological disorders, affecting millions globally. This review provides a holistic overview of the therapeutic strategies, both conventional and novel, aimed at mitigating the impact of AD. Initially, we delve into the conventional approach, emphasizing the role of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, which has been a cornerstone in AD management. As our understanding of AD evolves, several novel potential approaches emerge. We discuss the promising roles of Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition, Tau Protein inhibitors, COX-2 inhibition, PPAR-γ agonism, and FAHH inhibition, among others. The potential of the endocannabinoids (eCB) system, cholesterol-lowering drugs, metal chelators, and MMPs inhibitors are also explored, culminating in the exploration of the pivotal role of microRNA in AD progression. Parallel to these therapeutic insights, we shed light on the novel tools and methodologies revolutionizing AD research. From the quantitative analysis of gene expression by qRTPCR to the evaluation of mitochondrial function using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the advances in diagnostic and research tools offer renewed hope. Moreover, we explore the current landscape of clinical trials, highlighting the leading drug interventions and their respective stages of development. This comprehensive review concludes with a look into the future perspectives, capturing the potential breakthroughs and innovations on the horizon. Through a synthesis of current knowledge and emerging research, this article aims to provide a consolidated resource for clinicians, researchers, and academicians in the realm of Alzheimer's disease.

Study on the mechanism of glucocorticoid receptor mitochondrial translocation and glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in macrophages

OBJECTIVE

Our research aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Tubastatin-A, a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mitochondrial translocation inhibitor, and mitoquinone (MitoQ), an antioxidant, on attenuating dexamethasone (DEX)-induced macrophage apoptosis.

METHODS

We treated RAW264.7 macrophages with different combinations of DEX and either Tubastatin-A or MitoQ. Parameters such as mitochondrial GR translocation, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, cytochrome C efflux to the cytosol, and apoptosis were subsequently evaluated in the different treatment groups via qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays.

RESULTS

DEX intervention increased the translocation of GRs into the mitochondria, while reducing the expression of the mitochondrial gene MT-CO1 and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV in macrophages. In addition, DEX administration increased mtROS levels, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and mitochondrial cytochrome C release in macrophages, which promoted their apoptosis. We found that Tubastatin-A inhibited mitochondrial GR translocation and reversed the DEX-induced increase in GR levels within the mitochondria. Furthermore, Tubastatin-A mitigated various mitochondrial changes induced by DEX, including reducing the efflux of mitochondrial cytochrome C and inhibiting macrophage apoptosis. Similarly, MitoQ exerted its effects on macrophage apoptosis by reducing mtROS levels through the mitochondrial pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The DEX-mediated translocation of GR into mitochondria disrupts the mitochondrial function of macrophages, which induces their apoptosis. By inhibiting mitochondrial translocation of GR and reducing mtROS levels, Tubastatin-A and MitoQ can effectively attenuate macrophage apoptosis, which has clinical implications for reducing the notable side effects associated with glucocorticoid use.

Regulatory roles of microRNAs in modulating mitochondrial dynamics, amyloid beta fibrillation, microglial activation, and cholinergic signaling: Implications for alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains a formidable challenge due to its complex pathology, notably involving mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) signaling. This study delves into the underexplored realm of miRNAs' impact on mitochondrial dynamics and their interplay with amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation and tau pathology in AD. Addressing identified gaps, our research utilizes advanced molecular techniques and AD models, alongside patient miRNA profiles, to uncover miRNAs pivotal in mitochondrial regulation. We illuminate novel miRNAs influencing mitochondrial dynamics, Aβ, and tau, offering insights into their mechanistic roles in AD progression. Our findings not only enhance understanding of AD's molecular underpinnings but also spotlight miRNAs as promising therapeutic targets. By elucidating miRNAs' roles in mitochondrial dysfunction and their interactions with hallmark AD pathologies, our work proposes innovative strategies for AD therapy, aiming to mitigate disease progression through targeted miRNA modulation. This contribution marks a significant step toward novel AD treatments, emphasizing the potential of miRNAs in addressing this complex disease.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in the anxiety-like behavior induced by dual-frequency 2.65/0.8 GHz electromagnetic radiation in mice

As wireless communication devices gain popularity, concerns about the potential risks of environmental exposure to complex frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on mental health have become a public health issue. Historically, EMR research has predominantly focused on single- frequency electromagnetic waves, neglecting the study of multi-frequency electromagnetic waves, which more accurately represent everyday life. To address these concerns, our study compared the emotional effects of single-frequency and dual-frequency EMR while exploring potential molecular mechanisms and intervention targets. Our results revealed that single-frequency EMR at 2.65 or 0.8 GHz did not induce anxiety-like behavior in mice. However, exposure to dual-frequency EMR at 2.65/0.8 GHz significantly led to anxiety-like behavior in mice. Further analysis of mouse sera revealed substantial increases in corticosterone and corticotrophin releasing hormone levels following exposure to 2.65/0.8 GHz EMR. Transcriptome sequencing indicated a significant decrease in the expression of Cnr1, encoding cannabinoid receptor 1 Type (CB1R), in the cerebral. This finding was consistently verified through western blot analysis, revealing a substantial reduction in CB1R content. Additionally, a significant decrease in the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol was observed in the cerebral cortex. Remarkably, administering the cannabinoid receptor agonist Win55-212-2 significantly alleviated the anxiety-like behavior, and the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 effectively counteracted the anti-anxiety effects of Win55-212-2. In summary, our research confirmed that dual-frequency EMR is more likely to induce anxiety-like behavior in mice than single-frequency EMR, with implications for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, our findings suggest that Win55-212-2 may represent a novel avenue for researching and developing anti-EMR drugs.

Biological effects of exposure to 2650 MHz electromagnetic radiation on the behavior, learning, and memory of mice

BACKGROUND

With the development of communication technology, the public is paying increasing attention to whether electromagnetic radiation is harmful to health. Mobile phone communication has entered the 5G era, and there are almost no reports on electromagnetic radiation at 2650 MHz. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the risk of adverse effects of 5G mobile phone EMR exposure on the human brain.

METHODS

Male animals were continuously exposed to 2650 MHz-EMR for 28 days with a whole-body averaged specific absorption rate (WBSAR) of 2.06 W/kg for 4 h per day. Mouse behavior was assessed using the open-field test (OFT), elevated-plus maze (EPM), and tail suspension test (TST). The Morris water maze (MWM), HE staining, and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate the spatial memory ability and pathological morphology of hippocampal dentate gyrus cells. Additionally, the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glucocorticoid (GR) in the hippocampus were detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, while the corticosterone (CORT) level in serum was detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

In the OFT, the total distance traveled, central distance traveled, and residence time significantly decreased in the EMR exposure group (p < .05). In EPM, the percentage of the number of times to open the arm and the percentage of time to open the arm significantly decreased in the EMR exposure group. However, in the TST, the two groups had no significant difference in the 4-min immobility time. In the MWM, the escape latency of the EMR exposure group was shorter than that of the control group, with no significant difference. Furthermore, CORT levels in serum were significantly increased in the EMR exposure group (p < .05), while the expression of BDNF and GR proteins in the hippocampus was reduced (p < .05), but there was no significant difference in GABA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that exposure to 2650 MHz-EMR (WBSAR: 2.06 W/kg, 28 days, 4 h per day) had no significant effect on the spatial memory ability of mice (in comparison to little effect). The exposure may be associated with anxiety-like behavior in mice but not related to depression-like behavior in mice.

Myrtenal improves memory deficits in mice exposed to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation during gestational and neonatal development via enhancing oxido-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter functions

Objective

Radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure during gestational and neonatal development may interact with the foetus and neonate considered hypersensitive to RF-EMR, consequently resulting in developmental defects associated with neuropsychological and neurobehavioral disorders, including learning and memory impairment. This study assessed the potential of Myrtenal (Myrt) to improve memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice exposed to RF-EMR during gestational and neonatal development.

Method

Thirty-five male mice were randomly allocated into 5 cohorts, each comprising of 7 mice. Group I was administered vehicle, Group II: RF-EMR (900 MHz); Group III: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + 100 mg/kg Myrt; Group IV: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + 200 mg/kg Myrt; and Group V: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + donepezil 0.5 mg/kg.

Results

Myrt treatment improved short-term memory performance in RF-EMR (900 MHz)-exposed mice by augmenting activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting the brain from oxido-inflammatory stress. Additionally, Myrt restored the homeostasis of neurotransmitters in RF-EMR-exposed animals.

Conclusion

Results from the present study shows that exposure to RF-EMR impaired short-term memory in animals and altered the response of markers of oxido-inflammatory stress, and neurotransmitters. It is therefore conceivable that the recommendation of Myrt-enriched fruits may offer protective benefits for foeti and neonates prone to RF-EMR exposure.

Effects of ELF-PEMF exposure on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor co-ordination and locomotor activity of adult wistar rats and viability of C6 (Glial) cells in culture

The effects of ELF-PEMF exposure on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity have been discussed in various pre-clinical and clinical settings. Several epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the potential effects of ELF-PEMF when exposed > ∼1 h/day; however, very few studies have focused on understanding the influence of ELF-PEMF exposure of 1-3 mT with an exposure duration of < 1 h/day on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity. Hence, we attempted to study the effects of ELF-PEMF exposure of 1-3 mT, 50 Hz with an exposure duration of 20 min each with a 4 h gap (2 times) on the cellular proliferation and morphologies of C6 (Glial) cells and spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination and locomotor activity of Wistar rats under in vitro and in vivo conditions, respectively. The results showed that ELF-PEMF exposure did not induce any significant levels of cellular fragmentation and changes in the morphology of glial cells. Also, the outcomes revealed no noticeable effects on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity in PEMF-exposed groups compared with the control. No undesirable side effects were observed at the highest dose (B=3 mT). We also performed histological analysis of the selected brain sections (hippocampus and cortex) following ELF-PEMF exposure. Incidentally, no significant changes were observed in cortical cell counts, tissue structure, and morphology.

Specific electromagnetic radiation in the wireless signal range increases wakefulness in mice

The steady increase of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the environment, particularly the wireless signal, causes serious public concern over its potential negative impact on health. However, it is challenging to examine such impact on human subjects due to associated complex issues. In this study, we establish an experimental system for the investigation of EMR impact on mice. Using this system, we uncovered a causal relationship between 2.4-GHz EMR modulated by 100-Hz square pulses and increased wakefulness in mice. This result identifies sleep alteration as a potential consequence of exposure to excessive wireless signals.

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the environment has increased sharply in recent decades. The effect of environmental EMR on living organisms remains poorly characterized. Here, we report the impact of wireless-range EMR on the sleep architecture of mouse. Prolonged exposure to 2.4-GHz EMR modulated by 100-Hz square pulses at a nonthermal output level results in markedly increased time of wakefulness in mice. These mice display corresponding decreased time of nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). In contrast, prolonged exposure to unmodulated 2.4-GHz EMR at the same time-averaged output level has little impact on mouse sleep. These observations identify alteration of sleep architecture in mice as a specific physiological response to prolonged wireless-range EMR exposure.

Neuroprotective effects of quercetin produced by an endophytic fungus Nigrospora oryzae isolated from Tinospora cordifolia

AIMS

Alzheimer's disease is considered one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders and dementia is the core symptom of this disease. This study was aimed to test the bioactive compounds produced by endophytic fungus for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and to identify the compound responsible for this activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia and screened for AChE inhibition and antioxidant activity. The extract of one of the isolates Nigrospora oryzae (GL15) showed maximum AChE inhibition as well as antioxidant activity. The compound responsible for AChE inhibition (fraction 3) was identified as quercetin based on UV, FTIR spectra, HPLC and ESI-MS analyses. Furthermore, the identification of quercetin in the extract of fraction 3 was confirmed by ¹ H NMR analysis. This extract showed anti-dementia-like activity in scopolamine (SCO) model. The minimal effective dose of the extract of fraction 3 modulated the SCO-provoked cognitive deficits such as impairments in spatial recognition memory and latency period in Y-maze test and passive avoidance test, respectively. The SCO-induced modulation in cholinergic pathway was ameliorated by the extract of N. oryzae in hippocampus, resulting in decrease in AChE activity and restoration of cytoarchitecture of hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

The bioactive compound quercetin produced by N. oryzae may cure the learning and memory shortfalls via AChE-mediated mechanism in experimental mice.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The endophytic fungus N. oryzae serves as a potential source for the bioactive compound quercetin, which plays an important role in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Association Between Mobile Phone Radiation Exposure and the Secretion of Melatonin and Cortisol, Two Markers of the Circadian System: A Review

The extremely important use of mobile phones in the world, at all ages of life, including children and adolescents, leads to significant exposure of these populations to electromagnetic waves of radiofrequency. The question, therefore, arises as to whether exposure to these radiofrequencies (RFs) could lead to deleterious effects on the body's biological systems and health. In the current article, we review the effects, in laboratory animals and humans, of exposure to RF on two hormones considered as endocrine markers: melatonin, a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and cortisol, a glucocorticosteroid synthesized by the adrenal glands. These two hormones are also considered as markers of the circadian system. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Medline, Web of Sciences (ISI Web of Knowledge), Google Scholar, and EMF Portal. From this review on RF effects on cortisol and melatonin, it appears that scientific papers in the literature are conflicting, showing effects, no effects, or inconclusive data. This implies the need for additional research on higher numbers of subjects and with protocols perfectly controlled with follow-up studies to better determine whether the chronic effect of RF on the biological functioning and health of users exists (or not). Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:5-17. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Apoptotic Effect of 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation on NIH/3T3 Cells

To investigate the effect of 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on apoptosis, we exposed NIH/3T3 cells at 1800 MHz with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg intermittently for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. After exposure, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis; the expression of p53, a molecule with the key role in apoptosis, was measured by real-time qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence; and images of the structure of the mitochondria, directly reflecting apoptosis, were captured by electron microscopy. The results showed that the viability of cells in the 12, 36, and 48 h exposure groups significantly decreased compared with the sham groups; after 48 h of exposure, the percentage of late apoptotic cells in the exposure group was significantly higher. Real-time qPCR results showed that p53 mRNA in the 48 h exposure group was 1.4-fold of that in the sham group; significant differences of p53 protein fluorescence expression were observed between the exposure groups and the sham groups after 24 h and 48 h. The mitochondrial swelling and vesicular morphology were found in the electron microscopy images after 48 h exposure. These findings demonstrated 1800 MHz, SAR 2 W/kg EMR for 48 h may cause apoptosis in NIH/3T3 cells and that this apoptosis might be attributed to mitochondrial damage and upregulation of p53 expression.