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Dione MN, Shang S, Zhang Q, Zhao S, Lu X. Non-Thermal Effects of Terahertz Radiation on Gene Expression: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1045. [PMID: 39202405 PMCID: PMC11354197 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of terahertz technology, unveiling the mysteries of terahertz has had a profound impact on the field of biomedicine. However, the lack of systematic comparisons for gene expression signatures may diminish the effectiveness and efficiency of identifying common mechanisms underlying terahertz effects across diverse research findings. We performed a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to compile patterns of gene expression profiles associated with THz radiation. Thorough bibliographic reviews were conducted, utilizing the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases to extract references from published articles. Raw CEL files were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus and preprocessed using Bioconductor packages. This systematic review (Registration No. CDR42024502937) resulted in a detailed analysis of 13 studies (14 papers). There are several possible mechanisms and pathways through which THz radiation could cause biological changes. While the established gene expression results are largely associated with immune response and inflammatory markers, other genes demonstrated transcriptional outcomes that may unravel unknown functions. The enrichment of genes primarily found networks associated with broader stress responses. Altogether, the findings showed that THz can induce a distinct transcriptomic profile that is not associated with a microthermal cellular response. However, it is impossible to pinpoint a single gene or family of genes that would accurately and reliably justify the patterns of gene expression response under THz exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mactar Ndiaga Dione
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Sen Shang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Sicheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Xi’an 710049, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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Jagetia GC. Genotoxic effects of electromagnetic field radiations from mobile phones. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113321. [PMID: 35508219 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of wireless communication technology in mobile phones has revolutionized modern telecommunication and mobile phones have become so popular that their number exceeds the global population. Electromagnetic field radiations (EMR) are an integral part of wireless technology, which are emitted by mobile phones, mobile tower antennas, electric power stations, transmission lines, radars, microwave ovens, television sets, refrigerators, diagnostic, therapeutic, and other electronic devices. Manmade EMR sources have added to the existing burden of natural EMR human exposure arising from the Sun, cosmos, atmospheric discharges, and thunder storms. EMR including radiofrequency waves (RF) and extremely low-frequency radiation (ELF) has generated great interest as their short-term exposure causes headache, fatigue, tinnitus, concentration problems, depression, memory loss, skin irritation, sleep disorders, nausea, cardiovascular effects, chest pain, immunity, and hormonal disorders in humans, whereas long-term exposure to EMR leads to the development of cancer. The review has been written by collecting the information using various search engines including google scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, Science direct, EMF-portal, saferemr, and other websites from the internet. The main focus of this review is to delineate the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of EMR in humans and mammals. Numerous investigations revealed that exposure in the range of 0-300 GHz EMR is harmless as it did not increase micronuclei and chromosome aberrations. On the contrary, several other studies have demonstrated that exposure to EMR is genotoxic and mutagenic as it increases the frequency of micronuclei, chromosome aberrations, DNA adducts, DNA single and double strand breaks at the molecular level in vitro and in vivo. The EMR exposure induces reactive oxygen species and changes the fidelity of genes involved in signal transduction, cytoskeleton formation, and cellular metabolism.
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Cherkasova OP, Serdyukov DS, Nemova EF, Ratushnyak AS, Kucheryavenko AS, Dolganova IN, Xu G, Skorobogatiy M, Reshetov IV, Timashev PS, Spektor IE, Zaytsev KI, Tuchin VV. Cellular effects of terahertz waves. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210179VR. [PMID: 34595886 PMCID: PMC8483303 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.9.090902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE An increasing interest in the area of biological effects at exposure of tissues and cells to the terahertz (THz) radiation is driven by a rapid progress in THz biophotonics, observed during the past decades. Despite the attractiveness of THz technology for medical diagnosis and therapy, there is still quite limited knowledge about safe limits of THz exposure. Different modes of THz exposure of tissues and cells, including continuous-wave versus pulsed radiation, various powers, and number and duration of exposure cycles, ought to be systematically studied. AIM We provide an overview of recent research results in the area of biological effects at exposure of tissues and cells to THz waves. APPROACH We start with a brief overview of general features of the THz-wave-tissue interactions, as well as modern THz emitters, with an emphasis on those that are reliable for studying the biological effects of THz waves. Then, we consider three levels of biological system organization, at which the exposure effects are considered: (i) solutions of biological molecules; (ii) cultures of cells, individual cells, and cell structures; and (iii) entire organs or organisms; special attention is devoted to the cellular level. We distinguish thermal and nonthermal mechanisms of THz-wave-cell interactions and discuss a problem of adequate estimation of the THz biological effects' specificity. The problem of experimental data reproducibility, caused by rareness of the THz experimental setups and an absence of unitary protocols, is also considered. RESULTS The summarized data demonstrate the current stage of the research activity and knowledge about the THz exposure on living objects. CONCLUSIONS This review helps the biomedical optics community to summarize up-to-date knowledge in the area of cell exposure to THz radiation, and paves the ways for the development of THz safety standards and THz therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P. Cherkasova
- Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State Technical University, Russian Federation
| | - Danil S. Serdyukov
- Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Eugenia F. Nemova
- Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander S. Ratushnyak
- Institute of Computational Technologies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Anna S. Kucheryavenko
- Institute of Solid State Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Irina N. Dolganova
- Institute of Solid State Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare,” Russian Federation
| | - Guofu Xu
- Polytechnique Montreal, Department of Engineering Physics, Canada
| | | | - Igor V. Reshetov
- Sechenov University, Institute for Cluster Oncology, Russian Federation
- Academy of Postgraduate Education FSCC FMBA, Russian Federation
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Sechenov University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare,” Russian Federation
- N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Department of Polymers and Composites, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Russian Federation
| | - Igor E. Spektor
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill I. Zaytsev
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Russian Federation
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Russian Federation
| | - Valery V. Tuchin
- Saratov State University, Russian Federation
- Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- National Research Tomsk State University, Russian Federation
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Karipidis K, Mate R, Urban D, Tinker R, Wood A. 5G mobile networks and health-a state-of-the-science review of the research into low-level RF fields above 6 GHz. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:585-605. [PMID: 33727687 PMCID: PMC8263336 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The increased use of radiofrequency (RF) fields above 6 GHz, particularly for the 5 G mobile phone network, has given rise to public concern about any possible adverse effects to human health. Public exposure to RF fields from 5 G and other sources is below the human exposure limits specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). This state-of-the science review examined the research into the biological and health effects of RF fields above 6 GHz at exposure levels below the ICNIRP occupational limits. The review included 107 experimental studies that investigated various bioeffects including genotoxicity, cell proliferation, gene expression, cell signalling, membrane function and other effects. Reported bioeffects were generally not independently replicated and the majority of the studies employed low quality methods of exposure assessment and control. Effects due to heating from high RF energy deposition cannot be excluded from many of the results. The review also included 31 epidemiological studies that investigated exposure to radar, which uses RF fields above 6 GHz similar to 5 G. The epidemiological studies showed little evidence of health effects including cancer at different sites, effects on reproduction and other diseases. This review showed no confirmed evidence that low-level RF fields above 6 GHz such as those used by the 5 G network are hazardous to human health. Future experimental studies should improve the experimental design with particular attention to dosimetry and temperature control. Future epidemiological studies should continue to monitor long-term health effects in the population related to wireless telecommunications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Karipidis
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Rohan Mate
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Urban
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rick Tinker
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Wood
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Sun L, Zhao L, Peng RY. Research progress in the effects of terahertz waves on biomacromolecules. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:28. [PMID: 33894781 PMCID: PMC8070290 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of terahertz technologies, basic research and applications of terahertz waves in biomedicine have attracted increasing attention. The rotation and vibrational energy levels of biomacromolecules fall in the energy range of terahertz waves; thus, terahertz waves might interact with biomacromolecules. Therefore, terahertz waves have been widely applied to explore features of the terahertz spectrum of biomacromolecules. However, the effects of terahertz waves on biomacromolecules are largely unexplored. Although some progress has been reported, there are still numerous technical barriers to clarifying the relation between terahertz waves and biomacromolecules and to realizing the accurate regulation of biological macromolecules by terahertz waves. Therefore, further investigations should be conducted in the future. In this paper, we reviewed terahertz waves and their biomedical research advantages, applications of terahertz waves on biomacromolecules and the effects of terahertz waves on biomacromolecules. These findings will provide novel ideas and methods for the research and application of terahertz waves in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Haidian District, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Haidian District, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Rui-Yun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Haidian District, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Abufadda MH, Erdélyi A, Pollák E, Nugraha PS, Hebling J, Fülöp JA, Molnár L. Terahertz pulses induce segment renewal via cell proliferation and differentiation overriding the endogenous regeneration program of the earthworm Eisenia andrei. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:1947-1961. [PMID: 33996209 PMCID: PMC8086446 DOI: 10.1364/boe.416158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) irradiation of excised Eisenia andrei earthworms is shown to cause overriding of the genetically determined, endogenously mediated segment renewing capacity of the model animal. Single-cycle THz pulses of 5 µJ energy, 0.30 THz mean frequency, 293 kV/cm peak electric field, and 1 kHz repetition rate stimulated the cell proliferation (indicated by the high number of mitotic cells) and both histogenesis and organogenesis, producing a significantly higher number of regenerated segments. The most conspicuous alteration in THz-treated animals was the more intense development of the new central nervous system and blood vessels. These results clearly demonstrate that THz pulses are capable to efficiently trigger biological processes and suggest potential applications in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud H. Abufadda
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- MTA-PTE High-Field Terahertz Research Group, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Anita Erdélyi
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Edit Pollák
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Priyo S. Nugraha
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- MTA-PTE High-Field Terahertz Research Group, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - János Hebling
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- MTA-PTE High-Field Terahertz Research Group, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - József A. Fülöp
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- ELI-ALPS, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, 6728, Hungary
| | - László Molnár
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
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Saeed N, Loukil MH, Sarieddeen H, Al-Naffouri TY, Alouini MS. Body-Centric Terahertz Networks: Prospects and Challenges. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MOLECULAR, BIOLOGICAL AND MULTI-SCALE COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 8:138-157. [PMID: 36345554 PMCID: PMC9564038 DOI: 10.1109/tmbmc.2021.3135198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Following recent advancements in Terahertz (THz) technology, THz communications are currently being celebrated as key enablers for various applications in future generations of communication networks. While typical communication use cases are over medium-range air interfaces, the inherently small beamwidths and transceiver footprints at THz frequencies support nano-communication paradigms. In particular, the use of the THz band for in-body and on-body communications has been gaining attention recently. By exploiting the accurate THz sensing and imaging capabilities, body-centric THz biomedical applications can transcend the limitations of molecular, acoustic, and radio-frequency solutions. In this paper, we study the use of the THz band for body-centric networks, by surveying works on THz device technologies, channel and noise modeling, modulation schemes, and networking topologies. We also promote THz sensing and imaging applications in the healthcare sector, especially for detecting zootonic viruses such as Coronavirus. We present several open research problems for body-centric THz networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Saeed
- Department of Electrical EngineeringNorthern Border University Arar 9280 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Habib Loukil
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and EngineeringKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadi Sarieddeen
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and EngineeringKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Tareq Y Al-Naffouri
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and EngineeringKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed-Slim Alouini
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and EngineeringKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
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Danciu M, Alexa-Stratulat T, Stefanescu C, Dodi G, Tamba BI, Mihai CT, Stanciu GD, Luca A, Spiridon IA, Ungureanu LB, Ianole V, Ciortescu I, Mihai C, Stefanescu G, Chirilă I, Ciobanu R, Drug VL. Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging: A Cutting-Edge Method for Diagnosing Digestive Cancers. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E1519. [PMID: 31075912 PMCID: PMC6539301 DOI: 10.3390/ma12091519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Terahertz's wavelength is located between the microwave and the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because it is non-ionizing and non-invasive, Terahertz (THz)-based detection represents a very attractive tool for repeated assessments, patient monitoring, and follow-up. Cancer acts as the second leading cause of death in many regions, and current predictions estimate a continuous increasing trend. Of all types of tumors, digestive cancers represent an important percentage and their incidence is expected to increase more rapidly than other tumor types due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Because it can precisely differentiate between different types of molecules, depending on water content, the information obtained through THz-based scanning could have several uses in the management of cancer patients and, more importantly, in the early detection of different solid tumors. The purpose of this manuscript is to offer a comprehensive overview of current data available on THz-based detection for digestive cancers. It summarizes the characteristics of THz waves and their interaction with tissues and subsequently presents available THz-based technologies (THz spectroscopy, THz-tomography, and THZ-endoscope) and their potential for future clinical use. The third part of the review is focused on highlighting current in vitro and in vivo research progress in the field, for identifying specific digestive cancers known as oral, esophageal, gastric, colonic, hepatic, and pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Danciu
- Pathology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
- Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Cipriana Stefanescu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Gianina Dodi
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Cosmin Teodor Mihai
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Andrei Luca
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Irene Alexandra Spiridon
- Pathology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | | | - Victor Ianole
- Pathology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Irina Ciortescu
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Catalina Mihai
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Gabriela Stefanescu
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Ioan Chirilă
- Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Romeo Ciobanu
- Electrical Engineering Faculty, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Vasile Liviu Drug
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
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Chan KY, Ramer R. Novel concept of detecting basal cell carcinoma in skin tissue using a continuous-wave millimeter-wave rectangular glass filled probe. MEDICAL DEVICES-EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 2018; 11:275-285. [PMID: 30174465 PMCID: PMC6110293 DOI: 10.2147/mder.s168338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This article presents the study and simulation results of a millimeter (mm)-wave device for cancerous tissue detection. mm-Wave approach ensures cheaper equipment instead of the traditional terahertz (THz) frequency approach. A probe that could be implemented using inexpensive silicon technology is proposed, and it also permits integration of entire measuring tool for easy deployment. Skin cancer was chosen as it representŝ80% of all newly diagnosed cases and is the most common form of cancer in Australia. For an initial development and validation, due to data availability consideration in the open literature, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was used for simulations. Methods and results A probe, using high-frequency signals in the upper mm-wave frequency spectrum (90-300 GHz) to maximize the lateral resolution (mm precision) and allows the detection of tumors located at up to 0.5 mm deep in the skin, is proposed. A frequency-dependent relativity permittivity and an equivalent conductivity of skins were calculated based on the double Debye parameters. For the first time, electromagnetic (EM) models were generated and used along with a high-frequency EM simulator, ANSYS HFSS, to demonstrate the sensitivity of the concept. The following two scenarios were studied: in scenario one, a BCC layer of different thicknesses (10-3000 μm) was located on the top of the normal skin and, in scenario two, the BCC was embedded in normal skin at depths from 10 to 3000 μm. Variability using ±10% of the corresponding dielectric property was also considered. Conclusion This study showed that the reflection coefficients vs frequency could capture useful information indicating the possible presence of BCC at mm-wave frequencies. Both magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient were quantified, with two scenarios analyzed. It was found that a dual-band approach, 100-150 and 200-250 GHz, has the ability to highlight deviations from the normal skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- King Yuk Chan
- School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,
| | - Rodica Ramer
- School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,
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10
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Franchini V, De Sanctis S, Marinaccio J, De Amicis A, Coluzzi E, Di Cristofaro S, Lista F, Regalbuto E, Doria A, Giovenale E, Gallerano GP, Bei R, Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, Udroiu I, Sgura A. Study of the effects of 0.15 terahertz radiation on genome integrity of adult fibroblasts. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:476-487. [PMID: 29602275 DOI: 10.1002/em.22192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The applications of Terahertz (THz) technologies have significantly developed in recent years, and the complete understanding of the biological effects of exposure to THz radiation is becoming increasingly important. In a previous study, we found that THz radiation induced genomic damage in fetal fibroblasts. Although these cells demonstrated to be a useful model, exposure of human foetuses to THz radiation is highly improbable. Conversely, THz irradiation of adult dermal tissues is cause of possible concern for some professional and nonprofessional categories. Therefore, we extended our study to the investigation of the effects of THz radiation on adult fibroblasts (HDF). In this work, the effects of THz exposure on HDF cells genome integrity, cell cycle, cytological ultrastructure and proteins expression were assessed. Results of centromere-negative micronuclei frequencies, phosphorylation of H2AX histone, and telomere length modulation indicated no induction of DNA damage. Concordantly, no changes in the expression of proteins associated with DNA damage sensing and repair were detected. Conversely, our results showed an increase of centromere-positive micronuclei frequencies and chromosomal nondisjunction events, indicating induction of aneuploidy. Therefore, our results indicate that THz radiation exposure may affect genome integrity through aneugenic effects, and not by DNA breakage. Our findings are compared to published studies, and possible biophysical mechanisms are discussed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:476-487, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Franchini
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Coluzzi
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Regalbuto
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Radiation Sources Laboratory, ENEA Frascati Research Center, Frascati, Italy
| | - Emilio Giovenale
- Radiation Sources Laboratory, ENEA Frascati Research Center, Frascati, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Ion Udroiu
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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Quality Matters: Systematic Analysis of Endpoints Related to "Cellular Life" in Vitro Data of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13070701. [PMID: 27420084 PMCID: PMC4962242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Possible hazardous effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) at low exposure levels are controversially discussed due to inconsistent study findings. Therefore, the main focus of the present study is to detect if any statistical association exists between RF-EMF and cellular responses, considering cell proliferation and apoptosis endpoints separately and with both combined as a group of “cellular life” to increase the statistical power of the analysis. We searched for publications regarding RF-EMF in vitro studies in the PubMed database for the period 1995–2014 and extracted the data to the relevant parameters, such as cell culture type, frequency, exposure duration, SAR, and five exposure-related quality criteria. These parameters were used for an association study with the experimental outcome in terms of the defined endpoints. We identified 104 published articles, from which 483 different experiments were extracted and analyzed. Cellular responses after exposure to RF-EMF were significantly associated to cell lines rather than to primary cells. No other experimental parameter was significantly associated with cellular responses. A highly significant negative association with exposure condition-quality and cellular responses was detected, showing that the more the quality criteria requirements were satisfied, the smaller the number of detected cellular responses. According to our knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis of specific RF-EMF bio-effects in association to exposure quality, highlighting the need for more stringent quality procedures for the exposure conditions.
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Sergeeva S, Demidova E, Sinitsyna O, Goryachkovskaya T, Bryanskaya A, Semenov A, Meshcheryakova I, Dianov G, Popik V, Peltek S. 2.3THz radiation: Absence of genotoxicity/mutagenicity in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2016; 803-804:34-8. [PMID: 27265378 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The mutagenicity and genotoxicity in bacteria of 2.3THz radiation (THz) produced by a free-electron laser (NovoFEL) were evaluated; exposures were 5, 10, or 15min at average power 1.4W/cm(2). Two Ames mutagenicity test strains of Salmonella typhimurium, TA98 and TA102, were used. For the genotoxicity test, we measured SOS induction in Escherichia coli PQ37. No significant differences were found between exposed and control cells, indicating that THz radiation is neither mutagenic nor genotoxic under these conditions. Nevertheless, a small increase in total cell number of S. typhimurium after 15min exposure, and an increase in β-galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase activities in E.coli PQ37, were observed, indicating some effect of THz radiation on cell metabolism. We also examined the combined effect of 4-NQO (8μM; positive control) and THz exposure (5min) on genotoxicity in E.coli PQ37. Unexpectedly, THz radiation decreased 4-NQO genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Sergeeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Elisaveta Demidova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Olga Sinitsyna
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana Goryachkovskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Alla Bryanskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Artem Semenov
- Budker Institute of Nucleic Physics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 11, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Irina Meshcheryakova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Grigory Dianov
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Department of Oncology, Roosevelt Drive, OX37DQ Oxford, UK
| | - Vasiliy Popik
- Budker Institute of Nucleic Physics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 11, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey Peltek
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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Amicis AD, Sanctis SD, Cristofaro SD, Franchini V, Lista F, Regalbuto E, Giovenale E, Gallerano GP, Nenzi P, Bei R, Fantini M, Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, Coluzzi E, Cicia C, Sgura A. Biological effects of in vitro THz radiation exposure in human foetal fibroblasts. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2015; 793:150-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Terahertz Imaging Modalities of Ancient Egyptian Mummified Objects and of a Naturally Mummified Rat. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2015; 298:1135-43. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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15
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Vernier PT, Levine ZA, Ho MC, Xiao S, Semenov I, Pakhomov AG. Picosecond and Terahertz Perturbation of Interfacial Water and Electropermeabilization of Biological Membranes. J Membr Biol 2015; 248:837-47. [PMID: 25796485 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-015-9788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-thermal probing and stimulation with subnanosecond electric pulses and terahertz electromagnetic radiation may lead to new, minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and to methods for remote monitoring and analysis of biological systems, including plants, animals, and humans. To effectively engineer these still-emerging tools, we need an understanding of the biophysical mechanisms underlying the responses that have been reported to these novel stimuli. We show here that subnanosecond (≤500 ps) electric pulses induce action potentials in neurons and cause calcium transients in neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells, and we report complementary molecular dynamics simulations of phospholipid bilayers in electric fields in which membrane permeabilization occurs in less than 1 ns. Water dipoles in the interior of these model membranes respond in less than 1 ps to permeabilizing electric potentials by aligning in the direction of the field, and they re-orient at terahertz frequencies to field reversals. The mechanism for subnanosecond lipid electropore formation is similar to that observed on longer time scales-energy-minimizing intrusions of interfacial water into the membrane interior and subsequent reorganization of the bilayer into hydrophilic, conductive structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Thomas Vernier
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA,
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16
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Kim KT, Park J, Jo SJ, Jung S, Kwon OS, Gallerano GP, Park WY, Park GS. High-power femtosecond-terahertz pulse induces a wound response in mouse skin. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2296. [PMID: 23907528 PMCID: PMC3731731 DOI: 10.1038/srep02296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) technology has emerged for biomedical applications such as scanning, molecular spectroscopy, and medical imaging. Although a thorough assessment to predict potential concerns has to precede before practical utilization of THz source, the biological effect of THz radiation is not yet fully understood with scant related investigations. Here, we applied a femtosecond-terahertz (fs-THz) pulse to mouse skin to evaluate non-thermal effects of THz radiation. Analysis of the genome-wide expression profile in fs-THz-irradiated skin indicated that wound responses were predominantly mediated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways. We validated NFκB1- and Smad3/4-mediated transcriptional activation in fs-THz-irradiated skin by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Repeated fs-THz radiation delayed the closure of mouse skin punch wounds due to up-regulation of TGF-β. These findings suggest that fs-THz radiation initiate a wound-like signal in skin with increased expression of TGF-β and activation of its downstream target genes, which perturbs the wound healing process in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Tae Kim
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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17
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Zhao L, Hao YH, Peng RY. Advances in the biological effects of terahertz wave radiation. Mil Med Res 2014; 1:26. [PMID: 25722878 PMCID: PMC4340277 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-014-0026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The terahertz (THz) band lies between microwave and infrared rays in wavelength and consists of non-ionizing radiation. Both domestic and foreign research institutions, including the army, have attached considerable importance to the research and development of THz technology because this radiation exhibits both photon-like and electron-like properties, which grant it considerable application value and potential. With the rapid development of THz technology and related applications, studies of the biological effects of THz radiation have become a major focus in the field of life sciences. Research in this field has only just begun, both at home and abroad. In this paper, research progress with respect to THz radiation, including its biological effects, mechanisms and methods of protection, will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Yan-Hui Hao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Rui-Yun Peng
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
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18
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Yu C, Fan S, Sun Y, Pickwell-Macpherson E. The potential of terahertz imaging for cancer diagnosis: A review of investigations to date. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2012; 2:33-45. [PMID: 23256057 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4292.2012.01.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The terahertz region lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum such that it is strongly attenuated by water and very sensitive to water content. Terahertz radiation has very low photon energy and thus it does not pose any ionization hazard for biological tissues. Because of these characteristic properties, there has been an increasing interest in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for biological applications within the last few years and more and more terahertz spectra are being reported, including spectroscopic studies of cancer. The presence of cancer often causes increased blood supply to affected tissues and a local increase in tissue water content may be observed: this acts as a natural contrast mechanism for terahertz imaging of cancer. Furthermore the structural changes that occur in affected tissues have also been shown to contribute to terahertz image contrast. This paper introduces terahertz technology and provides a short review of recent advances in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy techniques. In particular investigations relating to the potential of terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Yu
- Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
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19
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Genetic damage in human cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: A meta-analysis of the data from 88 publications (1990–2011). MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2012; 749:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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20
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Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Heinen B, Baaske K, Kleine-Ostmann T, Schwerdtfeger M, Shakfa MK, Kärst U, Koch M, Schrader T, Stopper H. Terahertz radiation at 0.380 THz and 2.520 THz does not lead to DNA damage in skin cells in vitro. Radiat Res 2012. [PMID: 23181591 DOI: 10.1667/rr3077.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The question whether nonionizing electromagnetic radiation of low intensity can cause functional effects in biological systems has been a subject of debate for a long time. Whereas the majority of the studies have not demonstrated these effects, some aspects still remain unclear, e.g., whether high-frequency radiation in the terahertz range affects biological systems. In particular for frequencies higher than 0.150 THz, investigations of the ability of radiation to cause genomic damage have not been performed. In the present study, human skin cells were exposed in vitro to terahertz radiation at two specific frequencies: 0.380 and 2.520 THz. Power intensities ranged from 0.03-0.9 mW/cm(2) and the cells were exposed for 2 and 8 h. Our goal was to investigate whether the irradiation induced genomic damage in the cells. Chromosomal damage was not detected in the different cell types after exposure to radiation of both frequencies. In addition, cell proliferation was quantified and found to be unaffected by the exposure, and there was no increase in DNA damage measured in the comet assay for both frequencies. For all end points, cells treated with chemicals were included as positive controls. These positive control cells clearly showed decreased proliferation and increased genomic damage. The results of the present study are in agreement with findings from other studies investigating DNA damage as a consequence of exposure to the lower frequency range (<0.150 THz) and demonstrate for the first time that at higher frequencies (0.380 and 2.520 THz), nonionizing radiation does not induce genomic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Hintzsche
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Germany
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21
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Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Kärst U, Schrader T, Stopper H. Terahertz electromagnetic fields (0.106 THz) do not induce manifest genomic damage in vitro. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46397. [PMID: 23029508 PMCID: PMC3459899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz electromagnetic fields are non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the frequency range from 0.1 to 10 THz. Potential applications of these electromagnetic fields include the whole body scanners, which currently apply millimeter waves just below the terahertz range, but future scanners will use higher frequencies in the terahertz range. These and other applications will bring along human exposure to these fields. Up to now, only a limited number of investigations on biological effects of terahertz electromagnetic fields have been performed. Therefore, research is strongly needed to enable reliable risk assessment.Cells were exposed for 2 h, 8 h, and 24 h with different power intensities ranging from 0.04 mW/cm(2) to 2 mW/cm(2), representing levels below, at, and above current safety limits. Genomic damage on the chromosomal level was measured as micronucleus formation. DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites were quantified with the comet assay. No DNA strand breaks or alkali-labile sites were observed as a consequence of exposure to terahertz electromagnetic fields in the comet assay. The fields did not cause chromosomal damage in the form of micronucleus induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Hintzsche
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Uwe Kärst
- Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Helga Stopper
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Weightman P. Prospects for the study of biological systems with high power sources of terahertz radiation. Phys Biol 2012; 9:053001. [PMID: 22931749 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/9/5/053001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of intense sources of terahertz radiation based on lasers and electron accelerators has considerable potential for research on biological systems. This perspective gives a brief survey of theoretical work and the results of experiments on biological molecules and more complex biological systems. Evidence is accumulating that terahertz radiation influences biological systems and this needs to be clarified in order to establish safe levels of human exposure to this radiation. The use of strong sources of terahertz radiation may contribute to the resolution of controversies over the mechanism of biological organization. However the potential of these sources will only be realized if they are accompanied by the development of sophisticated pump-probe and multidimensional experimental techniques and by the study of biological systems in the controlled environments necessary for their maintenance and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Weightman
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 7ZE UK.
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23
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Sun Y, Sy MY, Wang YXJ, Ahuja AT, Zhang YT, Pickwell-MacPherson E. A promising diagnostic method: Terahertz pulsed imaging and spectroscopy. World J Radiol 2011; 3:55-65. [PMID: 21512652 PMCID: PMC3080051 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i3.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The terahertz band lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This radiation has very low photon energy and thus it does not pose any ionization hazard for biological tissues. It is strongly attenuated by water and very sensitive to water content. Unique absorption spectra due to intermolecular vibrations in this region have been found in different biological materials. These unique features make terahertz imaging very attractive for medical applications in order to provide complimentary information to existing imaging techniques. There has been an increasing interest in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy of biologically related applications within the last few years and more and more terahertz spectra are being reported. This paper introduces terahertz technology and provides a short review of recent advances in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy techniques, and a number of applications such as molecular spectroscopy, tissue characterization and skin imaging are discussed.
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Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Stopper H, Schmid E, Schrader T. Terahertz radiation induces spindle disturbances in human-hamster hybrid cells. Radiat Res 2011; 175:569-74. [PMID: 21388294 DOI: 10.1667/rr2406.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the production of spindle disturbances in A(L) cells, a human-hamster hybrid cell line, by 0.106 THz radiation (continuous wave). Monolayer cultures in petri dishes were exposed for 0.5 h to 0.106 THz radiation with power densities ranging from 0.043 mW/cm(2) to 4.3 mW/cm(2) or were kept under sham conditions (negative control) for the same period. As a positive control, 100 µg/ml of the insecticide trichlorfon, which is an aneuploidy-inducing agent, was used for an exposure period of 6 h. During exposure, the sample containers were kept at defined environmental conditions in a modified incubator as required by the cells. Based on a total of 6,365 analyzed mitotic cells, the results of two replicate experiments suggest that 0.106 THz radiation is a spindle-acting agent as predominately indicated by the appearance of spindle disturbances at the anaphase and telophase (especially lagging and non-disjunction of single chromosomes) of cell divisions. The findings in the present study do not necessarily imply disease or injury but may be important for evaluating possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hintzsche
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Germany.
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25
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Ohrström L, Bitzer A, Walther M, Rühli FJ. Technical note: Terahertz imaging of ancient mummies and bone. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2010; 142:497-500. [PMID: 20544977 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ancient mummified soft-tissues are a unique source to study the evolution of disease. Diagnostic imaging of such historic tissues is of foremost interest in paleoanthropology or paleopathology, with conventional x-ray and computed tomography (CT) being the gold-standard. Longer wavelength radiation in the far-infrared or Terahertz region allows diagnostic close-to-surface tissue differentiation of bone morphology while being harmless to human cells. The aim of this study is to show the feasibility and the morpho-diagnostic impact of THz imaging of historic remains. Images of an artificially embalmed ancient Egyptian human mummy hand, an artificially embalmed ancient Egyptian mummified fish and a macerated human lumbar vertebra were obtained by THz-pulse imaging and compared with conventional X-ray and CT images. Although conventional x-ray imaging provides higher spatial resolution, we found that THz-imaging is well-suited for the investigation of ancient mummified soft tissue and embalming-related substances / wrappings. In particular, bone and cartilaginous structures can be well differentiated from surrounding soft-tissues and bandage-wrappings by THz imaging. Furthermore, THz-pulse imaging also measures the time-delay of the pulsed signal when passing through the sample, which provides supplementary information on the optical density of the sample that is not obtained by X-ray and CT. Terahertz radiation provides a completely non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality for historic dry specimens. We anticipate this modality also to be used for detection of hidden objects in historic samples such as funerary amulets still in situ in wrapped mummies, as well as potentially for the identification of spectral signatures from chemical substances, e.g., in embalming essences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Ohrström
- Swiss Mummy Project, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Wilmink GJ, Rivest BD, Roth CC, Ibey BL, Payne JA, Cundin LX, Grundt JE, Peralta X, Mixon DG, Roach WP. In vitro investigation of the biological effects associated with human dermal fibroblasts exposed to 2.52 THz radiation. Lasers Surg Med 2010; 43:152-63. [PMID: 20740621 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terahertz (THz) radiation sources are increasingly being used in military, defense, and medical applications. However, the biological effects associated with this type of radiation are not well characterized. In this study, we evaluated the cellular and molecular response of human dermal fibroblasts exposed to THz radiation. METHODS In vitro exposures were performed in a temperature-controlled chamber using a molecular gas THz laser (2.52 THz, 84.8 mW cm(-2), durations: 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 minutes). Both computational and empirical dosimetric techniques were conducted using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling approaches, infrared cameras, and thermocouples. Cellular viability was assessed using conventional MTT assays. In addition, the transcriptional activation of protein and DNA sensing genes were evaluated using qPCR. Comparable analyses were also conducted for hyperthermic and genotoxic positive controls. RESULTS We found that cellular temperatures increased by 3°C during all THz exposures. We also found that for each exposure duration tested, the THz and hyperthermic exposure groups exhibited equivalent levels of cell survival (≥90%) and heat shock protein expression (∼3.5-fold increases). In addition, the expression of DNA sensing and repair genes was unchanged in both groups; however, appreciable increases were observed in the genotoxic controls. CONCLUSIONS Human dermal fibroblasts exhibit comparable cellular and molecular effects when exposed to THz radiation and hyperthermic stress. These findings suggest that radiation at 2.52 THz generates primarily thermal effects in mammalian cells. Therefore, we conclude that THz-induced bioeffects may be accurately predicted with conventional thermal damage models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Wilmink
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Radio Frequency Radiation Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory, Brooks City-Base, Texas, USA.
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Dabouis V, Chancerelle Y, Crouzier D, Debouzy JC. [What's new in biomedical applications for Terahertz (THz) technology]. Med Sci (Paris) 2009; 25:739-43. [PMID: 19765389 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2009258-9739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz technologies have recently been applied to develop high resolution imaging. Since practical portable systems can be designed, the possibilty has emerged to easily screen for biohazards and concealed objects, a procedure which usually requires remote analysis. Applications of THz are also envisaged in the medical field, because this technology offers a degree of accuracy never reached before in molecule analysis. Skin abnormalities and dental health care are two promising targets of THz applications. Nevertheless, potential hazards and health effects of THz exposure should be monitored carefully, particularly since some data suggest induction of genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Dabouis
- Unité de biophysique cellulaire et moléculaire, Centre de recherche du Service de santé des Armées (CRSSA/BCM), 24, avenue des Maquis- du-Grésivaudan, BP 87, 38702 La Tronche Cedex, France.
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Pickwell-MacPherson E, Wallace VP. Terahertz pulsed imaging—A potential medical imaging modality? Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2009; 6:128-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2009] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Cytotoxicity Investigation on Cultured Human Blood Cells Treated with Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes. SENSORS 2008; 8:488-499. [PMID: 27879718 PMCID: PMC3681147 DOI: 10.3390/s8010488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are one of the new materials ofemerging technologies. They are becoming increasingly studied for the possibleapplications in electronics, optics and biology. In particular, very promising fields ofapplication are the development of optical biosensors and the intracellular drug delivery.Nevertheless, there is a paucity of information on their toxicological properties and onpotential human health risk. In the present study the SWCNTs were investigated for thepossible induction of toxicity in human blood cells. Cell growth, viability, apoptosis andmetabolic activity were evaluated in proliferating human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Inun-stimulated human leukocytes primary DNA damage was also evaluated. SWCNTsconcentrations ranging from 1 to 50 μg/ml were tested, and treatment duration varied from6 to 72 h, in accordance with the biological target investigated. A statistically significantdecrease in cell growth was found in cells treated with the highest concentrations (25 and50 μg/ml). Such decrease was not associated to cell death or apoptosis, but it wasdemonstrated to be related to a decrease in metabolic activity, as assessed by resazurinassay. Moreover, treatments of 6 h with SWCNTs concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 μg/mlfailed to induce primary DNA damage on the entire human leukocytes population.
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