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D’Adamo CR, Nelson JL, Miller SN, Rickert Hong M, Lambert E, Tallman Ruhm H. Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Pers Med 2024; 14:641. [PMID: 38929862 PMCID: PMC11205016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism has been increasing at an alarming rate. Even accounting for the expansion of autism spectrum disorder diagnostic (ASD) criteria throughout the 1990's, there has been an over 300% increase in ASD prevalence since the year 2000. The often debilitating personal, familial, and societal sequelae of autism are generally believed to be lifelong. However, there have been several encouraging case reports demonstrating the reversal of autism diagnoses, with a therapeutic focus on addressing the environmental and modifiable lifestyle factors believed to be largely underlying the condition. This case report describes the reversal of autism symptoms among dizygotic, female twin toddlers and provides a review of related literature describing associations between modifiable lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and various clinical approaches to treating autism. The twins were diagnosed with Level 3 severity ASD "requiring very substantial support" at approximately 20 months of age following concerns of limited verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors, rigidity around transitions, and extensive gastrointestinal symptoms, among other common symptoms. A parent-driven, multidisciplinary, therapeutic intervention involving a variety of licensed clinicians focusing primarily on addressing environmental and modifiable lifestyle factors was personalized to each of the twin's symptoms, labs, and other outcome measures. Dramatic improvements were noted within several months in most domains of the twins' symptoms, which manifested in reductions of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores from 76 to 32 in one of the twins and from 43 to 4 in the other twin. The improvement in symptoms and ATEC scores has remained relatively stable for six months at last assessment. While prospective studies are required, this case offers further encouraging evidence of ASD reversal through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach focusing predominantly on addressing modifiable environmental and lifestyle risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. D’Adamo
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Josephine L. Nelson
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Sara N. Miller
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Maria Rickert Hong
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
| | - Elizabeth Lambert
- Documenting Hope, Windsor, CT 06095, USA; (J.L.N.); (M.R.H.); (E.L.); (H.T.R.)
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Pall ML. Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca 2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sci 2024; 14:454. [PMID: 38790433 PMCID: PMC11119459 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be sed for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Héroux P, Belyaev I, Chamberlin K, Dasdag S, De Salles AAA, Rodriguez CEF, Hardell L, Kelley E, Kesari KK, Mallery-Blythe E, Melnick RL, Miller AB, Moskowitz JM. Cell Phone Radiation Exposure Limits and Engineering Solutions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5398. [PMID: 37048013 PMCID: PMC10094704 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In the 1990s, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) restricted its risk assessment for human exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in seven ways: (1) Inappropriate focus on heat, ignoring sub-thermal effects. (2) Reliance on exposure experiments performed over very short times. (3) Overlooking time/amplitude characteristics of RFR signals. (4) Ignoring carcinogenicity, hypersensitivity, and other health conditions connected with RFR. (5) Measuring cellphone Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) at arbitrary distances from the head. (6) Averaging SAR doses at volumetric/mass scales irrelevant to health. (7) Using unrealistic simulations for cell phone SAR estimations. Low-cost software and hardware modifications are proposed here for cellular phone RFR exposure mitigation: (1) inhibiting RFR emissions in contact with the body, (2) use of antenna patterns reducing the Percent of Power absorbed in the Head (PPHead) and body and increasing the Percent of Power Radiated for communications (PPR), and (3) automated protocol-based reductions of the number of RFR emissions, their duration, or integrated dose. These inexpensive measures do not fundamentally alter cell phone functions or communications quality. A health threat is scientifically documented at many levels and acknowledged by industries. Yet mitigation of RFR exposures to users does not appear as a priority with most cell phone manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Héroux
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Igor Belyaev
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kent Chamberlin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Suleyman Dasdag
- Biophysics Department, Medical School, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul 34700, Turkey
| | - Alvaro Augusto Almeida De Salles
- Graduate Program on Electrical Engineering (PPGEE), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
| | | | - Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, Orebro University Hospital, 701 85 Orebro, Sweden (Retired)
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, 702 17 Orebro, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- ICBE-EMF and International EMF Scientist Appeal, and Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Erica Mallery-Blythe
- Physicians’ Health Initiative for Radiation and Environment, East Sussex TN6, UK
- British Society of Ecological Medicine, London W1W 6DB, UK
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association, Scarborough, QLD 4020, Australia
| | - Ronald L. Melnick
- National Toxicology Program (Retired), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
- Ron Melnick Consulting LLC, North Logan, UT 84341, USA
| | - Anthony B. Miller
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Joel M. Moskowitz
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
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Davis D, Birnbaum L, Ben-Ishai P, Taylor H, Sears M, Butler T, Scarato T. Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2023; 53:101374. [PMID: 36935315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Children today are conceived and live in a sea of wireless radiation that did not exist when their parents were born. The launch of the digital age continues to transform the capacity to respond to emergencies and extend global communications. At the same time that this increasingly ubiquitous technology continues to alter the nature of commerce, medicine, transport and modern life overall, its varied and changing forms have not been evaluated for their biological or environmental impacts. Standards for evaluating radiation from numerous wireless devices were first set in 1996 to avoid heating tissue and remain unchanged since then in the U.S. and many other nations. A wide range of evidence indicates that there are numerous non-thermal effects from wireless radiation on reproduction, development, and chronic illness. Many widely used devices such as phones and tablets function as two-way microwave radios, sending and receiving various frequencies of information-carrying microwave radiation on multiple simultaneously operating antennas. Expert groups advising governments on this matter do not agree on the best approaches to be taken. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limited screen time for children under the age of two, but more than half of all toddlers regularly have contact with screens, often without parental engagement. Young children of parents who frequently use devices as a form of childcare can experience delays in speech acquisition and bonding, while older children report feelings of disappointment due to 'technoference'-parental distraction due to technology. Children who begin using devices early in life can become socially, psychologically and physically addicted to the technology and experience withdrawal upon cessation. We review relevant experimental, epidemiological and clinical evidence on biological and other impacts of currently used wireless technology, including advice to include key questions at pediatric wellness checkups from infancy to young adulthood. We conclude that consistent with advice in pediatric radiology, an approach that recommends that microwave radiation exposures be As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) seems sensible and prudent, and that an independently-funded training, research and monitoring program should be carried out on the long term physical and psychological impacts of rapidly changing technological milieu, including ways to mitigate impacts through modifications in hardware and software. Current knowledge of electrohypersensitivity indicates the importance of reducing wireless exposures especially in schools and health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devra Davis
- Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey; Environmental Health Trust, Teton Village, WY, USA.
| | - Linda Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program, Scholar in Residence, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, USA
| | | | - Hugh Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Meg Sears
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Prevent Cancer Now, Ottawa, Canada
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GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EFFECTS OF PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD AND PRENATAL ZINC ON BEHAVIOUR AND SYNAPTIC PROTEINS IN RATS. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 122:102092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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6
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Belpomme D, Carlo GL, Irigaray P, Carpenter DO, Hardell L, Kundi M, Belyaev I, Havas M, Adlkofer F, Heuser G, Miller AB, Caccamo D, De Luca C, von Klitzing L, Pall ML, Bandara P, Stein Y, Sage C, Soffritti M, Davis D, Moskowitz JM, Mortazavi SMJ, Herbert MR, Moshammer H, Ledoigt G, Turner R, Tweedale A, Muñoz-Calero P, Udasin I, Koppel T, Burgio E, Vorst AV. The Critical Importance of Molecular Biomarkers and Imaging in the Study of Electrohypersensitivity. A Scientific Consensus International Report. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7321. [PMID: 34298941 PMCID: PMC8304862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical research aiming at objectively identifying and characterizing diseases via clinical observations and biological and radiological findings is a critical initial research step when establishing objective diagnostic criteria and treatments. Failure to first define such diagnostic criteria may lead research on pathogenesis and etiology to serious confounding biases and erroneous medical interpretations. This is particularly the case for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and more particularly for the so-called "provocation tests", which do not investigate the causal origin of EHS but rather the EHS-associated particular environmental intolerance state with hypersensitivity to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMF). However, because those tests depend on multiple EMF-associated physical and biological parameters and have been conducted in patients without having first defined EHS objectively and/or endpoints adequately, they cannot presently be considered to be valid pathogenesis research methodologies. Consequently, the negative results obtained by these tests do not preclude a role of EMF exposure as a symptomatic trigger in EHS patients. Moreover, there is no proof that EHS symptoms or EHS itself are caused by psychosomatic or nocebo effects. This international consensus report pleads for the acknowledgement of EHS as a distinct neuropathological disorder and for its inclusion in the WHO International Classification of Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Belpomme
- Association for Research Against Cancer (ARTAC), 57/59 rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France;
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - George L. Carlo
- The Science and Public Policy Institute, Washington, DC 20006, USA;
| | - Philippe Irigaray
- Association for Research Against Cancer (ARTAC), 57/59 rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France;
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - David O. Carpenter
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Lennart Hardell
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (H.M.)
| | - Igor Belyaev
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Science, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magda Havas
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 0G2, Canada
| | - Franz Adlkofer
- Verum-Foundation for Behaviour and Environment c/o Regus Center Josephspitalstrasse 15/IV, 80331 München, Germany;
| | - Gunnar Heuser
- Formerly UCLA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, P.O. Box 5066, El Dorado Hills, Los Angeles, CA 95762, USA;
| | - Anthony B. Miller
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho Functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Registration & Quality Management, Medical & Regulatory Affairs Manager, MEDENA AG, 8910 Affoltern am Albis, Switzerland;
| | - Lebrecht von Klitzing
- Medical Physicist, Institute of Environmental and Medical Physic, D-36466 Wiesenthal, Germany;
| | - Martin L. Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Priyanka Bandara
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association (ORSAA), P.O. Box 152, Scarborough, QLD 4020, Australia;
| | - Yael Stein
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel;
- Hadassah Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Cindy Sage
- Sage Associates, Montecito, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA;
| | - Morando Soffritti
- Istituto Ramazzini, via Libia 13/A, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Collegium Ramazzini, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto, 3, 40010 Bentivoglio, Italy
| | - Devra Davis
- Environmental Health Trust, P.O. Box 58, Teton Village, WY 83025, USA;
| | - Joel M. Moskowitz
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - S. M. J. Mortazavi
- Medical Physics and Medical Engineering Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz P.O. Box 71348-14336, Iran;
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz P.O. Box 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Martha R. Herbert
- A.A. Martinos Centre for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, MGH/MIT/Harvard 149 Thirteenth Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (H.M.)
- Department of Hygiene, Karakalpak Medical University, Nukus 230100, Uzbekistan
| | - Gerard Ledoigt
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Robert Turner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Anthony Tweedale
- Rebutting Industry Science with Knowledge (R.I.S.K.) Consultancy, Blv. Edmond Machtens 101/34, B-1080 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Pilar Muñoz-Calero
- Foundation Alborada, Finca el Olivar, Carretera M-600, Km. 32,400, 28690 Brunete, Spain;
| | - Iris Udasin
- EOHSI Clinical Center, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Tarmo Koppel
- AI Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - André Vander Vorst
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- European Microwave Association, Rue Louis de Geer 6, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Deruelle F. The different sources of electromagnetic fields: Dangers are not limited to physical health. Electromagn Biol Med 2020; 39:166-175. [PMID: 32151189 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2020.1737811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of electromagnetic waves on health has been clearly established by many studies in recent decades. No State, with the exception of Russia, takes any real precautions in terms of standards for the population. Conflicts of interest and political lies are used to hide the truth about the dangers of electromagnetic pollution.In addition, it would seem that other sources of radiation than the most well-known ones (mobile phones, digital enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) phones, bluetooth, base stations, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G) come into play. A system such as HAARP (High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program), as well as directed wave beams (related to past and recent scandals) must be analyzed and considered in a comprehensive way to understand why the wave level is only increasing despite the considerable amount of scientific work demonstrating that the standards are not adequate to maintain public health.Thus, official documents show that the impact of electromagnetic waves is not only physical and biological. Indeed, the climate and the behavior of the population are also targeted.
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Egorova O, Myte R, Schneede J, Hägglöf B, Bölte S, Domellöf E, Ivars A'roch B, Elgh F, Ueland PM, Silfverdal SA. Maternal blood folate status during early pregnancy and occurrence of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: a study of 62 serum biomarkers. Mol Autism 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32131900 PMCID: PMC6964211 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-0315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evolves from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors during prenatal development. Since identifying maternal biomarkers associated with ASD risk in offspring during early pregnancy might result in new strategies for intervention, we investigated maternal metabolic biomarkers in relation to occurrence of ASD in offspring using both univariate logistic regression and multivariate network analysis. METHODS Serum samples from 100 women with an offspring diagnosed with ASD and 100 matched control women with typically developing offspring were collected at week 14 of pregnancy. Concentrations of 62 metabolic biomarkers were determined, including amino acids, vitamins (A, B, D, E, and K), and biomarkers related to folate (vitamin B9) metabolism, lifestyle factors, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio (KTR), and neopterin as markers of inflammation and immune activation. RESULTS We found weak evidence for a positive association between higher maternal serum concentrations of folate and increased occurrence of ASD (OR per 1 SD increase: 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.37, FDR adjusted P = 0.07). Multivariate network analysis confirmed expected internal biochemical relations between the biomarkers. Neither inflammation markers nor vitamin D3 levels, all hypothesized to be involved in ASD etiology, displayed associations with ASD occurrence in the offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that high maternal serum folate status during early pregnancy may be associated with the occurrence of ASD in offspring. No inference about physiological mechanisms behind this observation can be made at the present time because blood folate levels may have complex relations with nutritional intake, the cellular folate status and status of other B-vitamins. Therefore, further investigations, which may clarify the potential role and mechanisms of maternal blood folate status in ASD risk and the interplay with other potential risk factors, in larger materials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Egorova
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Robin Myte
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jörn Schneede
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bruno Hägglöf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Erik Domellöf
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Barbro Ivars A'roch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Elgh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Bevital AS, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:5076271. [PMID: 30533171 PMCID: PMC6250044 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5076271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Modern technologies relying on wireless communication systems have brought increasing levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This increased research interest in the effects of these radiations on human health. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox-related processes. Considering the importance of redox milieu in the biological competence of oocyte and sperm, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the effects of EMFs on reproductive systems. Given the role of mitochondria as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we focused on the hypothesis of a mitochondrial basis of EMF-induced reproductive toxicity. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus database were examined for peer-reviewed original articles by searching for the following keywords: “extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs),” “radiofrequency (RF),” “microwaves,” “Wi-Fi,” “mobile phone,” “oxidative stress,” “mitochondria,” “fertility,” “sperm,” “testis,” “oocyte,” “ovarian follicle,” and “embryo.” These keywords were combined with other search phrases relevant to the topic. Although we reported contradictory data due to lack of uniformity in the experimental designs, a growing body of evidence suggests that EMF exposure during spermatogenesis induces increased ROS production associated with decreased ROS scavenging activity. Numerous studies revealed the detrimental effects of EMFs from mobile phones, laptops, and other electric devices on sperm quality and provide evidence for extensive electron leakage from the mitochondrial electron transport chain as the main cause of EMF damage. In female reproductive systems, the contribution of oxidative stress to EMF-induced damages and the evidence of mitochondrial origin of ROS overproduction are reported, as well. In conclusion, mitochondria seem to play an important role as source of ROS in both male and female reproductive systems under EMF exposure. Future and more standardized studies are required for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMF potential challenge to our reproductive system in order to improve preventive strategies.
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Golomb BA. Diplomats' Mystery Illness and Pulsed Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation. Neural Comput 2018; 30:2882-2985. [PMID: 30183509 DOI: 10.1162/neco_a_01133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Importance: A mystery illness striking U.S. and Canadian diplomats to Cuba (and now China) "has confounded the FBI, the State Department and US intelligence agencies" (Lederman, Weissenstein, & Lee, 2017). Sonic explanations for the so-called health attacks have long dominated media reports, propelled by peculiar sounds heard and auditory symptoms experienced. Sonic mediation was justly rejected by experts. We assessed whether pulsed radiofrequency/microwave radiation (RF/MW) exposure can accommodate reported facts in diplomats, including unusual ones. Observations: (1) Noises: Many diplomats heard chirping, ringing or grinding noises at night during episodes reportedly triggering health problems. Some reported that noises were localized with laser-like precision or said the sounds seemed to follow them (within the territory in which they were perceived). Pulsed RF/MW engenders just these apparent "sounds" via the Frey effect. Perceived "sounds" differ by head dimensions and pulse characteristics and can be perceived as located behind in or above the head. Ability to hear the "sounds" depends on high-frequency hearing and low ambient noise. (2) Signs/symptoms: Hearing loss and tinnitus are prominent in affected diplomats and in RF/MW-affected individuals. Each of the protean symptoms that diplomats report also affect persons reporting symptoms from RF/MW: sleep problems, headaches, and cognitive problems dominate in both groups. Sensations of pressure or vibration figure in each. Both encompass vision, balance, and speech problems and nosebleeds. Brain injury and brain swelling are reported in both. (3) Mechanisms: Oxidative stress provides a documented mechanism of RF/MW injury compatible with reported signs and symptoms; sequelae of endothelial dysfunction (yielding blood flow compromise), membrane damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis, and autoimmune triggering afford downstream mechanisms, of varying persistence, that merit investigation. (4) Of note, microwaving of the U.S. embassy in Moscow is historically documented. Conclusions and relevance: Reported facts appear consistent with pulsed RF/MW as the source of injury in affected diplomats. Nondiplomats citing symptoms from RF/MW, often with an inciting pulsed-RF/MW exposure, report compatible health conditions. Under the RF/MW hypothesis, lessons learned for diplomats and for RF/MW-affected civilians may each aid the other.
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Sage C, Hardell L. Fatal collision? Are wireless headsets a risk in treating patients? Electromagn Biol Med 2018; 37:95-99. [DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2017.1422261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Doyon P, Johansson O. Electromagnetic fields may act via calcineurin inhibition to suppress immunity, thereby increasing risk for opportunistic infection: Conceivable mechanisms of action. Med Hypotheses 2017; 106:71-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hardell L. World Health Organization, radiofrequency radiation and health - a hard nut to crack (Review). Int J Oncol 2017; 51:405-413. [PMID: 28656257 PMCID: PMC5504984 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In May 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated cancer risks from radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Human epidemiological studies gave evidence of increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma. RF radiation was classified as Group 2B, a possible human carcinogen. Further epidemiological, animal and mechanistic studies have strengthened the association. In spite of this, in most countries little or nothing has been done to reduce exposure and educate people on health hazards from RF radiation. On the contrary ambient levels have increased. In 2014 the WHO launched a draft of a Monograph on RF fields and health for public comments. It turned out that five of the six members of the Core Group in charge of the draft are affiliated with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), an industry loyal NGO, and thus have a serious conflict of interest. Just as by ICNIRP, evaluation of non-thermal biological effects from RF radiation are dismissed as scientific evidence of adverse health effects in the Monograph. This has provoked many comments sent to the WHO. However, at a meeting on March 3, 2017 at the WHO Geneva office it was stated that the WHO has no intention to change the Core Group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Hardell
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Sage C, Burgio E. Electromagnetic Fields, Pulsed Radiofrequency Radiation, and Epigenetics: How Wireless Technologies May Affect Childhood Development. Child Dev 2017; 89:129-136. [PMID: 28504324 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mobile phones and other wireless devices that produce electromagnetic fields (EMF) and pulsed radiofrequency radiation (RFR) are widely documented to cause potentially harmful health impacts that can be detrimental to young people. New epigenetic studies are profiled in this review to account for some neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral changes due to exposure to wireless technologies. Symptoms of retarded memory, learning, cognition, attention, and behavioral problems have been reported in numerous studies and are similarly manifested in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, as a result of EMF and RFR exposures where both epigenetic drivers and genetic (DNA) damage are likely contributors. Technology benefits can be realized by adopting wired devices for education to avoid health risk and promote academic achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE) Scientific Office
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15
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Posar A, Visconti P. Autism in 2016: the need for answers. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2017; 93:111-119. [PMID: 27837654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong and often devastating conditions that severely affect social functioning and self-sufficiency. The etiopathogenesis is presumably multifactorial, resulting from a very complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The dramatic increase in autism spectrum disorder prevalence observed during the last decades has led to placing more emphasis on the role of environmental factors in the etiopathogenesis. The objective of this narrative biomedical review was to summarize and discuss the results of the most recent and relevant studies about the environmental factors hypothetically involved in autism spectrum disorder etiopathogenesis. SOURCES A search was performed in PubMed (United States National Library of Medicine) about the environmental factors hypothetically involved in the non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder etiopathogenesis, including: air pollutants, pesticides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, electromagnetic pollution, vaccinations, and diet modifications. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS While the association between air pollutants, pesticides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and risk for autism spectrum disorder is receiving increasing confirmation, the hypothesis of a real causal relation between them needs further data. The possible pathogenic mechanisms by which environmental factors can lead to autism spectrum disorder in genetically predisposed individuals were summarized, giving particular emphasis to the increasingly important role of epigenetics. CONCLUSIONS Future research should investigate whether there is a significant difference in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among nations with high and low levels of the various types of pollution. A very important goal of the research concerning the interactions between genetic and environmental factors in autism spectrum disorder etiopathogenesis is the identification of vulnerable populations, also in view of proper prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annio Posar
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Bologna, Italy; University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paola Visconti
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Xu F, Bai Q, Zhou K, Ma L, Duan J, Zhuang F, Xie C, Li W, Zou P, Zhu C. Age-dependent acute interference with stem and progenitor cell proliferation in the hippocampus after exposure to 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation. Electromagn Biol Med 2016; 36:158-166. [DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2016.1233886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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18
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Belyaev I, Dean A, Eger H, Hubmann G, Jandrisovits R, Kern M, Kundi M, Moshammer H, Lercher P, Müller K, Oberfeld G, Ohnsorge P, Pelzmann P, Scheingraber C, Thill R. EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:363-397. [PMID: 27454111 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic diseases and illnesses associated with non-specific symptoms are on the rise. In addition to chronic stress in social and work environments, physical and chemical exposures at home, at work, and during leisure activities are causal or contributing environmental stressors that deserve attention by the general practitioner as well as by all other members of the health care community. It seems necessary now to take "new exposures" like electromagnetic fields (EMF) into account. Physicians are increasingly confronted with health problems from unidentified causes. Studies, empirical observations, and patient reports clearly indicate interactions between EMF exposure and health problems. Individual susceptibility and environmental factors are frequently neglected. New wireless technologies and applications have been introduced without any certainty about their health effects, raising new challenges for medicine and society. For instance, the issue of so-called non-thermal effects and potential long-term effects of low-dose exposure were scarcely investigated prior to the introduction of these technologies. Common electromagnetic field or EMF sources: Radio-frequency radiation (RF) (3 MHz to 300 GHz) is emitted from radio and TV broadcast antennas, Wi-Fi access points, routers, and clients (e.g. smartphones, tablets), cordless and mobile phones including their base stations, and Bluetooth devices. Extremely low frequency electric (ELF EF) and magnetic fields (ELF MF) (3 Hz to 3 kHz) are emitted from electrical wiring, lamps, and appliances. Very low frequency electric (VLF EF) and magnetic fields (VLF MF) (3 kHz to 3 MHz) are emitted, due to harmonic voltage and current distortions, from electrical wiring, lamps (e.g. compact fluorescent lamps), and electronic devices. On the one hand, there is strong evidence that long-term exposure to certain EMFs is a risk factor for diseases such as certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and male infertility. On the other hand, the emerging electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is more and more recognized by health authorities, disability administrators and case workers, politicians, as well as courts of law. We recommend treating EHS clinically as part of the group of chronic multisystem illnesses (CMI), but still recognizing that the underlying cause remains the environment. In the beginning, EHS symptoms occur only occasionally, but over time they may increase in frequency and severity. Common EHS symptoms include headaches, concentration difficulties, sleep problems, depression, a lack of energy, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. A comprehensive medical history, which should include all symptoms and their occurrences in spatial and temporal terms and in the context of EMF exposures, is the key to making the diagnosis. The EMF exposure is usually assessed by EMF measurements at home and at work. Certain types of EMF exposure can be assessed by asking about common EMF sources. It is very important to take the individual susceptibility into account. The primary method of treatment should mainly focus on the prevention or reduction of EMF exposure, that is, reducing or eliminating all sources of high EMF exposure at home and at the workplace. The reduction of EMF exposure should also be extended to public spaces such as schools, hospitals, public transport, and libraries to enable persons with EHS an unhindered use (accessibility measure). If a detrimental EMF exposure is reduced sufficiently, the body has a chance to recover and EHS symptoms will be reduced or even disappear. Many examples have shown that such measures can prove effective. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, the broad range of other environmental factors that contribute to the total body burden should also be addressed. Anything that supports homeostasis will increase a person's resilience against disease and thus against the adverse effects of EMF exposure. There is increasing evidence that EMF exposure has a major impact on the oxidative and nitrosative regulation capacity in affected individuals. This concept also may explain why the level of susceptibility to EMF can change and why the range of symptoms reported in the context of EMF exposures is so large. Based on our current understanding, a treatment approach that minimizes the adverse effects of peroxynitrite - as has been increasingly used in the treatment of multisystem illnesses - works best. This EMF Guideline gives an overview of the current knowledge regarding EMF-related health risks and provides recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and accessibility measures of EHS to improve and restore individual health outcomes as well as for the development of strategies for prevention.
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Singletary WM. An integrative model of autism spectrum disorder: ASD as a neurobiological disorder of experienced environmental deprivation, early life stress and allostatic overload. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15294145.2015.1092334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Posar A, Visconti P. To what extent do environmental factors contribute to the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders? J Pediatr Neurosci 2015; 9:297-8. [PMID: 25624948 PMCID: PMC4302565 DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.147610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annio Posar
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Visconti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Gherardini L, Ciuti G, Tognarelli S, Cinti C. Searching for the perfect wave: the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cells. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:5366-87. [PMID: 24681584 PMCID: PMC4013569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15045366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing concern in the population about the effects that environmental exposure to any source of “uncontrolled” radiation may have on public health. Anxiety arises from the controversial knowledge about the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure to cells and organisms but most of all concerning the possible causal relation to human diseases. Here we reviewed those in vitro and in vivo and epidemiological works that gave a new insight about the effect of radio frequency (RF) exposure, relating to intracellular molecular pathways that lead to biological and functional outcomes. It appears that a thorough application of standardized protocols is the key to reliable data acquisition and interpretation that could contribute a clearer picture for scientists and lay public. Moreover, specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure might lead to beneficial health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gherardini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Siena, Strada Petriccio e Belriguardo, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Gastone Ciuti
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pisa 56025, Italy.
| | - Selene Tognarelli
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pisa 56025, Italy.
| | - Caterina Cinti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Siena, Strada Petriccio e Belriguardo, Siena 53100, Italy.
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