Radiofrequency fields, transthyretin, and Alzheimer's disease
Söderqvist F, Hardell L, Carlberg M, Mild KH · 2010
View Original AbstractCell phone radiation at typical exposure levels increased brain-protective proteins, suggesting complex biological responses beyond simple harm.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed 41 people to cell phone radiation for 30 minutes and found it increased levels of transthyretin (TTR), a protein that helps protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease by clearing harmful plaques. In a separate study of 313 people, longer-term phone use was also linked to higher TTR levels. This suggests cell phone radiation might actually trigger a protective response in the brain against Alzheimer's disease.
Why This Matters
This study presents a fascinating paradox in EMF research. While most studies focus on potential harm from radiofrequency exposure, this research suggests cell phone radiation might trigger protective mechanisms against Alzheimer's disease. The exposure level used (1.0 W/kg SAR) is within typical cell phone ranges, making these findings directly relevant to everyday phone use. However, we must interpret these results carefully. The fact that EMF exposure appears to increase a protective protein doesn't necessarily mean the exposure itself is beneficial. The reality is that our bodies often mount protective responses to stressors, and this TTR increase could represent a stress response rather than a health benefit. What this means for you is that EMF effects on the brain are far more complex than simple harm or benefit categories suggest, and we need much more research to understand the full implications of chronic low-level exposure.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 1 W/kg
- Source/Device
- 890-MHz GSM
- Exposure Duration
- 30 min
Exposure Context
This study used 1 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 2.5x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
Based on our studies on humans on RF from wireless phones, we propose that transthyretin (TTR) might explain the findings.
In a cross-sectional study on 313 subjects, we used serum TTR as a marker of cerebrospinal fluid TT...
In a provocation study on 41 persons exposed for 30 min to an 890-MHz GSM signal with specific absor...
We propose that TTR might be involved in the findings of RF exposure benefit in AD mice.
Show BibTeX
@article{f_2010_radiofrequency_fields_transthyretin_and_122,
author = {Söderqvist F and Hardell L and Carlberg M and Mild KH},
title = {Radiofrequency fields, transthyretin, and Alzheimer's disease},
year = {2010},
url = {https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad01395},
}