Some basic properties of biological tissues for potential biomedical applications of millimeter waves

Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment

Ambient levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last 80 years, creating a novel energetic exposure that previously did not exist. Most recent decades have seen exponential increases in nearly all environments, including rural/remote areas and lower atmospheric regions. Because of unique physiologies, some species of flora and fauna are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that may surpass human reactivity. There is limited, but comprehensive, baseline data in the U.S. from the 1980s against which to compare significant new surveys from different countries. This now provides broader and more precise data on potential transient and chronic exposures to wildlife and habitats. Biological effects have been seen broadly across all taxa and frequencies at vanishingly low intensities comparable to today's ambient exposures. Broad wildlife effects have been seen on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and longevity and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have been observed. The above issues are explored in three consecutive parts: Part 1 questions today's ambient EMF capabilities to adversely affect wildlife, with more urgency regarding 5G technologies. Part 2 explores natural and man-made fields, animal magnetoreception mechanisms, and pertinent studies to all wildlife kingdoms. Part 3 examines current exposure standards, applicable laws, and future directions. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced.

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

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

Photonic band-gap resonators for high-field/high-frequency EPR of microliter-volume liquid aqueous samples

High-field EPR provides significant advantages for studying structure and dynamics of molecular systems possessing an unpaired electronic spin. However, routine use of high-field EPR in biophysical research, especially for aqueous biological samples, is still facing substantial technical difficulties stemming from high dielectric millimeter wave (mmW) losses associated with non-resonant absorption by water and other polar molecules. The strong absorbance of mmW's by water also limits the penetration depth to just fractions of mm or even less, thus making fabrication of suitable sample containers rather challenging. Here we describe a radically new line of high Q-factor mmW resonators that are based on forming lattice defects in one-dimensional photonic band-gap (PBG) structures composed of low-loss ceramic discs of λ/4 in thickness and having alternating dielectric constants. A sample (either liquid or solid) is placed within the E = 0 node of the standing mm wave confined within the defect. A resonator prototype has been built and tested at 94.3 GHz. The resonator performance is enhanced by employing ceramic nanoporous membranes as flat sample holders of controllable thickness and tunable effective dielectric constant. The experimental Q-factor of an empty resonator was  ≈ 420. The Q-factor decreased slightly to  ≈ 370 when loaded with a water-containing nanoporous disc of 50 μm in thickness. The resonator has been tested with a number of liquid biological samples and demonstrated about tenfold gain in concentration sensitivity vs. a high-Q cylindrical TE₀₁₂-type cavity. Detailed HFSS Ansys simulations have shown that the resonator structure could be further optimized by properly choosing the thickness of the aqueous sample and employing metallized surfaces. The PBG resonator design is readily scalable to higher mmW frequencies and is capable of accommodating significantly larger sample volumes than previously achieved with either Fabry-Perot or cylindrical resonators.

Effects of Long-Term Exposure to 60 GHz Millimeter-Wavelength Radiation on the Genotoxicity and Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) Expression of Cells Derived from Human Eye

Human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells derived from the human eye were exposed to 60 gigahertz (GHz) millimeter-wavelength radiation for 24 h. There was no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in cells exposed to 60 GHz millimeter-wavelength radiation at 1 mW/cm² compared with sham-exposed controls and incubator controls. The MN frequency of cells treated with bleomycin for 1 h provided positive controls. The comet assay, used to detect DNA strand breaks, and heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also showed no statistically significant effects of exposure. These results indicate that exposure to millimeter-wavelength radiation has no effect on genotoxicity in human eye cells.

Comparing different physical factors on serum TNF-α levels, chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression in osteoarthritis of the knee in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To study the therapeutic effects that different physical factors may have on rabbits with osteoarthritis of the knee.

METHODS

A total of 64 rabbits were randomised and organised into eight groups, eight of which were each assigned a different physical factor, in which the rabbits received one type of physical therapy: millimetre waves for 20 min, pulsed electromagnetic fields, millimetre waves for 40 min, ultrasound, low-level laser therapy or ultrashort wave diathermy. The two remaining groups, the normal group and the model group, served as controls. The efficacy of the different treatments were determined by observing the configuration and structure of the cartilaginous tissue by haematoxylin and Eosin staining, measuring the serum tumour necrosis factor-α levels by enzyme immunoassay, evaluating the expression levels of caspases-3 and -8 by immunohistochemistry, and calculating the ratio of chondrocytes apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling. The values obtained for each assessment of the eight groups were analysed by a One-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

By applying upmentioned physical treatments, the organisational configuration and structure of cartilage cells from the knees of rabbits with osteoarthritis increased. These treatments also decreased serum tumour necrosis factor-α levels, reduced the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 and reduced chondrocyte apoptosis, resulting in an overall delay in osteoarthritis development.

CONCLUSION

The application of pulsed electromagnetic fields, millimetre waves for 40 min, ultrasound, or low-level laser therapy had significant effects in improving osteoarthritis; in particular, treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields or ultrasound yielded the greatest therapeutic effect.

Bioelectromagnetics, complex behaviour and psychotherapeutic potential

The brain is a complex non-linear dynamical system that is associated with a wide repertoire of behaviours. There is an ongoing debate as to whether low-intensity radio frequency (RF) bioelectromagnetic interactions induce a biological response. If they do, it is reasonable to expect that the interaction is non-linear. Contradictory reports are found in the literature and attempts to reproduce the subtle effects have often proved difficult. Researchers have already speculated that low-intensity RF radiation may offer therapeutic potential and millimetre-wave therapy is established in the countries of the former Soviet Union. A recent study using transgenic mice that exhibit Alzheimer's-like cognitive impairment shows that microwave radiation may possibly have therapeutic application. By using a highly dynamic stimulus and feedback it may be possible to augment the small effects that have been reported using static parameters. If a firm connection between low-intensity RF radiation and biological effects is established then the possibility arises for its psychotherapeutic application. Low intensity millimetre-wave and peripheral nervous system interactions also merit further investigation. Controlled RF exposure could be associated with quite novel characteristics and dynamics when compared to those associated with pharmacotherapy.

Emerging synergisms between drugs and physiologically-patterned weak magnetic fields: implications for neuropharmacology and the human population in the twenty-first century

Synergisms between pharmacological agents and endogenous neurotransmitters are familiar and frequent. The present review describes the experimental evidence for interactions between neuropharmacological compounds and the classes of weak magnetic fields that might be encountered in our daily environments. Whereas drugs mediate their effects through specific spatial (molecular) structures, magnetic fields mediate their effects through specific temporal patterns. Very weak (microT range) physiologically-patterned magnetic fields synergistically interact with drugs to strongly potentiate effects that have classically involved opiate, cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and nitric oxide pathways. The combinations of the appropriately patterned magnetic fields and specific drugs can evoke changes that are several times larger than those evoked by the drugs alone. These novel synergisms provide a challenge for a future within an electromagnetic, technological world. They may also reveal fundamental, common physical mechanisms by which magnetic fields and chemical reactions affect the organism from the level of fundamental particles to the entire living system.

Effect of an acute 900MHz GSM exposure on glia in the rat brain: a time-dependent study

Because of the increasing use of mobile phones, the possible risks of radio frequency electromagnetic fields adverse effects on the human brain has to be evaluated. In this work we measured GFAP expression, to evaluate glial evolution 2, 3, 6 and 10 days after a single GSM exposure (15min, brain averaged SAR=6W/kg, 900MHz signal) in the rat brain. A statistically significant increase of GFAP stained surface area was observed 2 days after exposure in the frontal cortex and the caudate putamen. A smaller statistically significant increase was noted 3 days after exposure in the same areas and in the cerebellum cortex. Our results confirm the Mausset-Bonnefont et al. study [Mausset-Bonnefont, A.L., Hirbec, H., Bonnefont, X., Privat, A., Vignon, J., de Seze, R., 2004. Acute exposure to GSM 900MHz electromagnetic fields induces glial reactivity and biochemical modifications in the rat brain. Neurobiol. Dis. 17, 445-454], showing the existence of glial reactivity after a 15min GSM acute exposure at a brain averaged SAR of 6W/kg. We conclude to a temporary effect, probably due to a hypertrophy of glial cells, with a temporal and a spatial modulation of the effect. Whether this effect could be harmful remains to be studied.

Low-intensity electromagnetic millimeter waves for pain therapy

Millimeter wave therapy (MWT), a non-invasive complementary therapeutic technique is claimed to possess analgesic properties. We reviewed the clinical studies describing the pain-relief effect of MWT. Medline-based search according to review criteria and evaluation of methodological quality of the retrieved studies was performed. Of 13 studies, 9 of them were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), only three studies yielded more than 3 points on the Oxford scale of methodological quality of RCTs. MWT was reported to be effective in the treatment of headache, arthritic, neuropathic and acute postoperative pain. The rapid onset of pain relief during MWT lasting hours to days after, remote to the site of exposure (acupuncture points), was the most characteristic feature in MWT application for pain relief. The most commonly used parameters of MWT were the MW frequencies between 30 and 70 GHz and power density up to 10 mW cm⁻². The promising results from pilot case series studies and small-size RCTs for analgesic/hypoalgesic effects of MWT should be verified in large-scale RCTs on the effectiveness of this treatment method.

Effect of millimeter waves on natural killer cell activation

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

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

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

Treatment of chronic pain with millimetre wave therapy (MWT) in patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases: a pilot case series study

BACKGROUND

Pain relief is reported to be the most common clinical application of electromagnetic millimetre waves.

AIM

To evaluate safety and pain relief effect of millimetre wave therapy (MWT) for treatment of chronic joint pain in a group of patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases.

METHODS

Twelve patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases received MWT in addition to their analgesic medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. MWT procedure included the exposure of tender points around the painful joints to electromagnetic waves with frequency 54-78GHz and power density of 2.5mW/cm(2). The time of exposure was 35 +/-5 min and the total number of sessions ranged from 5 to 10 (median 6). Intensity of pain, medication requirement, joint stiffness and subjective assessment of therapy success were measured before, during and immediately after the treatment, and after a 6-months follow-up.

RESULTS

No adverse effects of MWT were noted. Pain intensity and required medication decreased significantly after the treatment (p<0.05) and remained at the same level throughout the follow-up period. The joint stiffness decreased and the subjective assessment of the treatment success after 6 month did not change except in only one patient.

CONCLUSION

MWT applied to tender points around the affected joints was safe under the conditions of our study and after an appropriate full-scale double-blind clinical study, may be recommended as an effective adjunct therapy for chronic pain treatment in patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases.

Cell-to-cell communication in response of E. coli cells at different phases of growth to low-intensity microwaves

Effects of millimeter waves (MMW) at the frequency of 51.755 GHz were studied in logarithmic and stationary E. coli cells at various cell densities. The changes in the genome conformational state (GCS) were analyzed by the method of anomalous viscosity time dependence (AVTD). Before lysis, the cells were adjusted to the cell density of 4x10(7) cells/ml and all AVTD measurements were run at this cell density. Stationary cells responded to MMW by increase in AVTD, while the same MMW exposure decreased AVTD in logarithmic cells. MMW effects depended on cell density during exposure and were stronger for stationary cells. The observed dependence on cell density suggested a cell-to-cell communication between cells during exposure to microwaves. Decrease in power density (PD) resulted in more striking differences between responses at different cell densities. The data provided evidence that intercellular communication in response to MMW depended on cell status and PD of microwaves. The MMW effects were studied in more detail at low intensity of 10(-17) W/cm(2) in the range of cell densities 4x10(7) to 8x10(8) cells/ml. The obtained sigmoid-like dependence of MMW effect on cell density saturated at approximately 5x10(8) cells/ml. The dependence of MMW effect on cell density was very similar in this study and in previous studies with weak extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF). The data suggested that cell-to-cell communication might be involved in response of cells to weak EMF of various frequency ranges.

Distortion of millimeter-wave absorption in biological media due to presence of thermocouples and other objects

Specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions in the vicinity of a thermocouple or air bubble in water and in the presence of hair or sweat duct in skin were calculated using analytical and two-dimensional impedance methods. The objects were exposed to uniform 42.25 GHz plane electromagnetic fields. Insertion of a 0.1-mm thermocouple or similarly sized air bubble into water produced a strong localized disturbance of the otherwise uniform SAR distribution. However, the average of SAR values immediately surrounding the thermocouple was close to the undisturbed uniform average SAR. This allows measuring the average SAR during exposure of both unbounded and bounded media using calibrated small thermocouples (up to 0.1 mm). The SAR distribution in the vicinity of a hair was qualitatively similar to that produced by an air bubble. The maximal value of SAR was more than three times higher than the overall average SAR value in the skin. Sweat ducts produced a smaller disturbance of the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) field.

Reactions of keratinocytes to in vitro millimeter wave exposure

The effects of millimeter waves (MW) on human keratinocytes were studied in vitro using the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line. MW-induced modulation of keratinocyte function was studied in proliferation, adhesion, chemotaxis, and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) production assays. Spontaneous proliferation, adhesion to tissue culture plate, random migration, and IL-8- and RANTES induced chemotaxis were not affected by exposure of cells to millimeter waves under the following conditions: frequency, 61.22 GHz; SAR, 770 W/kg; duration of exposure, 15-30 min. However, MW irradiation resulted in a modest but statistically significant increase in the intracellular level of IL-1beta. These data suggest that exposure of human skin (with keratinocytes being the major component of epidermis) to MW can cause activation of basal keratinocytes resulting in an elevated level of IL-1beta production.

Millimeter waves thermally alter the firing rate of the Lymnaea pacemaker neuron

The effects of millimeter waves (mm-waves, 75 GHz) and temperature elevation on the firing rate of the BP-4 pacemaker neuron of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis were studied by using microelectrode techniques. The open end to a rectangular waveguide covered with a thin Teflon film served as a radiator. Specific absorption rates (SARs), measured in physiological solution at the radiator outlet, ranged from 600 to 4,200 W/kg, causing temperatures rises from 0.3 to 2.2 degrees C, respectively. Irradiation at an SAR of 4200 W/kg caused a biphasic change in the firing rate, i.e., a transient decrease in the firing rate (69 +/- 22% below control) followed by a gradual increase to a new level that was 68 +/- 21% above control. The biphasic changes in the firing rate were reproduced by heating under the condition that the magnitude (2 degrees C) and the rate of temperature rise (0.96 degrees C/s) were equal to those produced by the irradiation (for an SAR of 4,030 W/kg). The addition of 0.05 mM of ouabain caused the disappearance of transient responses of the neuron to the irradiation. It was shown that the rate of temperature rise played an important role in the development of a transient neuronal response. The threshold stimulus for a transient response of the BP-4 neuron found in warming experiments was a temperature rise of 0.0025 degrees C/s.

Current state and implications of research on biological effects of millimeter waves: a review of the literature

In recent years, research into biological and medical effects of millimeter waves (MMW) has expanded greatly. This paper analyzes general trends in the area and briefly reviews the most significant publications, proceeding from cell-free systems, dosimetry, and spectroscopy issues through cultured cells and isolated organs to animals and humans. The studies reviewed demonstrate effects of low-intensity MMW (10 mW/cm2 and less) on cell growth and proliferation, activity of enzymes, state of cell genetic apparatus, function of excitable membranes, peripheral receptors, and other biological systems. In animals and humans, local MMW exposure stimulated tissue repair and regeneration, alleviated stress reactions, and facilitated recovery in a wide range of diseases (MMW therapy). Many reported MMW effects could not be readily explained by temperature changes during irradiation. The paper outlines some problems and uncertainties in the MMW research area, identifies tasks for future studies, and discusses possible implications for development of exposure safety criteria and guidelines.

Reflection and absorption of millimeter waves by thin absorbing films

Reflection, transmission, and absorption of mm-waves by thin absorbing films were determined at two therapeutic frequencies: 42. 25 and 53.57 GHz. Thin filter strips saturated with distilled water or an alcohol-water solution were used as absorbing samples of different thicknesses. The dependence of the power reflection coefficient R(d) on film thickness (d) was not monotonic. R(d) passed through a pronounced maximum before reaching its steady-state level [R(infinity)]. Similarly, absorption, A(d), passed two maximums with one minimum between them, before reaching its steady-state level [A(infinity)]. At 42.25 GHz, A(d) was compared with absorption in a semi-infinite water medium at a depth d. When d < 0.3 mm, absorption by the film increased: at d = 0.1 mm the absorption ratio for the thin layer sample and the semi-infinite medium was 3.2, while at d = 0.05 mm it increased up to 5.8. Calculations based on Fresnel equations for flat thin layers adequately described the dependence of the reflection, transmission, and absorption on d and allowed the determination of the refractive index (n), dielectric constant (epsilon), and penetration depth (delta) of the absorbing medium for various frequencies. For water samples, epsilon was found to be 12.4-19.3j, delta = 0.49 mm at 42.25 GHz, and epsilon = 9.0-19.5j, delta = 0.36 mm at 53.57 GHz. The calculated power density distribution within the film was strongly dependent on d. The measurements and calculations have shown that the reflection and absorption of mm-waves by thin absorbing layers can significantly differ from the reflection and absorption in similar semi-infinite media. The difference in reflection, absorption, and power density distribution in films, as compared to semi-infinite media, are caused by multiple internal reflections from the film boundaries. That is why, when using thin phantoms and thin biological samples, the specifics of the interaction of mm-waves with thin films should be taken into account.

Hypoalgesic effect of millimeter waves in mice: dependence on the site of exposure

Based on a hypothesis of neural system involvement in the initial absorption and further processing of the millimeter electromagnetic waves (MW) signal, we reproduced, quantitatively assessed and compared the analgesic effect of a single MW treatment, exposing areas of skin possessing different innervation densities. The cold water tail flick test (cTFT) was used to assess experimental pain in mice. Three areas of exposure were used: the nose, the glabrous skin of the right footpad, and the hairy skin of the mid back at the level of T5-T10. The MW exposure characteristics were: frequency = 61.22 GHz; incident power density = 15mW/cm2; and duration = 15 min. The maximum hypoalgesic effect was achieved by exposing to MW the more densely innervated skin areas--the nose and the footpad. The hypoalgesic effect in the cTFT after MW exposure to the murine back, which is less densely innervated, was not statistically significant. These results support the hypothesis of neural system involvement in the systemic response to MW.

Radio frequency radiation of millimeter wave length: potential occupational safety issues relating to surface heating

Currently, technology is being developed that makes use of the millimeter wave (MMW) range (30-300 GHz) of the radio frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum. As more and more systems come on line and are used in everyday applications, the possibility of inadvertent exposure of personnel to MMWs increases. To date, there has been no published discussion regarding the health effects of MMWs; this review attempts to fill that void. Because of the shallow depth of penetration, the energy and, therefore, heat associated with MMWs will be deposited within the first 1-2 mm of human skin. MMWs have been used in states of the former Soviet Union to provide therapeutic benefit in a number of diverse disease states, including skin disorders, gastric ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Conversely, the possibility exists that hazards might be associated with accidental overexposure to MMWs. This review attempts to critically analyze the likelihood of such acute effects as burn and eye damage, as well as potential long-term effects, including cancer.

Suppression of pain sensation caused by millimeter waves: a double-blinded, cross-over, prospective human volunteer study

We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, cross-over, prospective trial to evaluate the pain relief effect of millimeter waves (MW) under experimental conditions. The cold pressor test was used as a model of tonic aching pain. Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to an active medical MW generator and to a disabled sham generator with at least 24 h between exposures. Characteristics of continuous-wave electromagnetic output from the active generator were: wavelength 7.1 mm, incident power density 25 +/- 5 mW/cm2, and duration of exposure 30 min. MW produced a significant (P < 0.05) suppression of pain sensation, with an average 37.7% gain in pain tolerance and a 49.3% increase in pain sensitivity range (the latter being the difference between pain tolerance and pain threshold values). Of the 12 volunteers, 7 (58.3%) reacted to the active MW generator with an increased pain tolerance, and the individual reactions varied from 120% to 315% comparison with their own preexposure levels. MW therapy can potentially be used as a supplementary or alternative treatment for pain relief.

IMPLICATIONS

Pain management is still a significant medical problem. In a double-blinded, experimental setting, we confirmed that low-intensity millimeter wave therapy can reduce pain sensitivity in healthy human volunteers and can potentially be used as a supplementary or alternative treatment for pain relief.

Electromagnetic millimeter waves increase the duration of anaesthesia caused by ketamine and chloral hydrate in mice

BALB/c mice were injected i.p. with either ketamine 80 mg/kg or chloral hydrate 450 mg/kg. Anaesthetized mice were exposed to unmodulated electromagnetic millimeter waves at the frequency of 61.22 GHz with a peak specific absorption rate of 420 W/kg and corresponding incident power density of 15 mW/cm2 for 15 min or sham-exposed. In combination with either of the anaesthetics used, mm waves increased the duration of anaesthesia by approximately 50% (p < 0.05) in a dose (power)-dependent manner. Sham exposure to mm waves did not affect the sleeping time of mice. Pretreatment of mice with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, did not change the duration of anaesthesia caused by the corresponding chemical agent, but completely blocked or decreased the additional effect of mm waves. The data in this study indicates that exposure of mice to mm waves in vivo releases endogenous opioids or enhances the activity of opioid signalling pathway.

Resonance effect of millimeter waves in the power range from 10(-19) to 3 x 10(-3) W/cm2 on Escherichia coli cells at different concentrations

The effect of millimeter waves (MMWs) on the genome conformational state (GCS) of E. coli AB1157 cells was studied by the method of anomalous viscosity time dependencies (AVTD) in the frequency range of 51.64-51.85 GHz. The 51.755 GHz resonance frequency of the cell reaction to MMWs did not depend on power density (PD) in the range from 10(-19) to 3 x 10(-3) W/cm2. The half-width of the resonant reaction of cells showed a sigmoid dependence on PD, changing from 3 MHz to 100 MHz. The PD dependence of the half-width had the same shape for different concentrations of exposed cells (4 x 10(7) and 4 x 10(8) cells/ml), whereas the magnitude of the 51.755 GHz resonance effect differed significantly and depended on the PD of MMW exposure. Sharp narrowing of the 51.755 GHz resonance in the PD range from 10(-4) to 10(-7) W/cm2 was followed by an emergence of new resonance frequencies. The PD dependence of the MMW effect at one of these resonance frequencies (51.674 GHz) differed markedly from the corresponding dependence at the 51.755 GHz resonance, the power window occurring in the range from 10(-16) to 10(-8) W/cm2. The results obtained were explained in the framework of a model of electron-conformational interactions. The frequency-time parameters of this model appeared to be in good agreement with experimental data.

Dual effects of microwaves on single Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in cultured kidney cells Vero

Using the patch voltage-clamp method, possible effects of millimetre microwaves (42.25 GHz) on single Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in cultured kidney cells (Vero) were investigated. It was found that exposure to the field of non-thermal power (about 100 microW/cm2) for 20-30 min greatly modifies both the Hill coefficient and an apparent affinity of the channels for Ca2+(i). The data suggest that the field alters both cooperativity and binding characteristics of the channel activation by internal Ca2+. The effects depend on initial sensitivity of the channels to Ca2+ and the Ca2+ concentration applied.

Effect of millimeter waves on survival of UVC-exposed Escherichia coli

Bacterial cells of the strain Escherichia coli K12 were exposed to millimeter electromagnetic waves (mm waves) with and without additional exposure to ultraviolet light lambda = 254 nm (UVC). The mm waves were produced by a medical microwave generator emitting a 4-GHz-wide band around a 61 GHz center frequency and delivering an irradiation of 1 mW/cm2 and a standard absorption rate (SAR) of 84 W/kg to the bacteria. Exposure to the mm waves alone for up to 39 minutes did not change the survival rate of bacteria. Exposure to mm waves followed by UVC irradiation also did not alter the number of surviving E. coli cells in comparison to UVC-treated controls. When mm waves were applied after the UVC exposure, a dose-dependent increase of up to 30% in the survival of E. coli was observed compared to UVC + sham-irradiated bacteria. Because sham controls and experimental samples were maintained under the same thermal conditions, the effect is not likely to be due to heating, although the possibility of nonuniform distribution of microwave heating in different layers of irradiated bacterial suspension cannot be ruled out. The mechanism for this effect appears to involve certain DNA repair systems that act as cellular targets for mm waves.

Millimeter microwave effect on ion transport across lipid bilayer membranes

The effects of millimeter microwaves in the frequency range of 54-76 GHz on capacitance and conductance of lipid bilayer membranes (BLM) were studied. Some of the membranes were modified by gramicidin A and amphotericin B or by tetraphenylboron anions (TPhB-). The millimeter microwaves were pulse-modulated (PW) at repetition rates ranging from 1 to 100 pps, PW at 1000 pps, or unmodulated continuous waves (CW). The maximum output power at the waveguide outlet was 20 mW. It was found that CW irradiation decreased the unmodified BLM capacitance by 1.2% +/- 0.5%. At the same time, membrane current induced by TPhB- transport increased by 5% +/- 1%. The changes in conductance of ionic channels formed by gramicidin A and amphotericin B were small (0.6% +/- 0.4%). No "resonance-like" effects of mm-wave irradiation on membrane capacitance, ionic channel currents, or TPhB- transport were detected. All changes in membrane capacitance and currents were independent of the modulation employed and were equivalent to heating by approximately 1.1 degrees C.