Cellular Effects

Possible cause for altered spatial cognition of prepubescent rats exposed to chronic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

Narayanan SN, Kumar RS, Karun KM, Nayak SB, Bhat PG · 2015

Cell Phone Generated Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Effects on the Locomotor Behaviors of the Fishes Poecilia reticulata and Danio rerio.

Lee D, Lee J, Lee I. · 2015

Researchers tracked the movement of 10 pairs of guppies and 15 pairs of zebrafish in a fish tank under a cell phone-generated RF EMF. Fish locomotion was observed under normal conditions, in the visual presence of a cell phone, after feeding, and under starvation. Fish locomotor behavior was random both in normal conditions and in the presence of an off-signaled cell phone, but there were significant changes in locomotion after feeding under the RF EMF. The researchers also demonstrated that temperature elevation caused by the cell phone was not relevant to the observed effects.

Influence of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) on lipid peroxidation in brain, blood, liver and kidney in rats

Bodera P et al. · 2015

Researchers measured malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, in the blood, liver, kidneys, and brain of Wistar rats that were healthy or had inflammation, and exposed them repeatedly to 1800 MHz EMF. The exposure was repeated five times for 15 minutes and was studied both alone and combined with the opioid painkiller tramadol. MDA levels were slightly elevated in the blood, kidney, and brain of healthy rats in EMF-exposed groups treated with tramadol, while MDA in the liver remained at the same level across all groups. Overall, results for healthy rats and animals with inflammation did not differ significantly.

Combined effects of 50 Hz magnetic field and magnetic nanoparticles on the proliferation and apoptosis of PC12 cells

Unknown authors · 2014

Effects of 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field on in vitro establishment, multiplication, and acclimatization phases of Coffee arabica seedlings

Isaac Aleman E et al · 2014

Researchers investigated the influence of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on net photosynthesis, transpiration, photosynthetic pigment concentration, and RBCS1 gene expression during in vitro establishment, in vitro multiplication and acclimatization phases of coffee seedlings. Treated plants were exposed to a 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field of 2 mT for 3 minutes while untreated plants served as controls. Magnetically treated plants showed significant increases in net photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigment concentration across phases, along with differential RBCS1 gene expression and decreased transpiration rates.

In vitro electromagnetic stimulation to enhance cell proliferation in extracellular matrix constructs with and without metallic nanoparticles

Grant DN et al · 2014

The study investigated the effects of ELF-EMFs on acellular tissue constructs with and without gold nanoparticles. Researchers conjugated 20 nm and 100 nm gold nanoparticles to acellular porcine tissue, seeded L929 murine fibroblasts, and exposed them to a continuous 12 gauss, 60 Hz field for two hours daily up to ten days. Scanning electron microscopy and cell culture assays were used to assess cell proliferation and viability. ELF-EMF stimulation significantly increased cell proliferation. The presence of gold nanoparticles did not boost the stimulatory effect but they demonstrated higher proliferation rates from day 3 to day 10, and unstimulated 100 nm gold nanoparticle constructs had significantly higher proliferation than unstimulated crosslinked constructs.

Searching for the perfect wave: the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cells

Gherardini L et al · 2014

Cell hydration as a biomarker for estimation of biological effects of nonionizing radiation on cells and organisms, ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:890518. doi: 10.1155/2014/890518. Epub 2014 Dec 18

Ayrapetyan S, De J · 2014

They performed a comparative study on barley seed hydration using water pretreated with infrasound mechanical vibration, static magnetic field, extremely low frequency electromagnetic field, and microwave radiation. The authors suggest that cell hydration is a universal and extrasensitive biomarker for detection of biological effects of nonionizing radiation.

Assessment of nuclear abnormalities in exfoliated cells from the oral epithelium of mobile phone users

Souza LD, Cerqueira ED, Meireles JR · 2014

The study included 45 individuals divided into three groups based on weekly mobile phone use: more than 5 hours, 1 to 5 hours, and 1 hour or less. Oral mucosal cells were examined for micronuclei, broken egg structures, and degenerative nuclear abnormalities indicative of apoptosis or necrosis. Micronuclei and degenerative nuclear abnormalities did not differ between groups, but broken egg structures were significantly higher in the group with more than 5 hours of weekly use.

Nanometer-scale elongation rate fluctuations in the Myriophyllum aquaticum (Parrot feather) stem were altered by radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Senavirathna MD, Asaeda T, Thilakarathne BL, Kadono H · 2014

Researchers investigated the effect of EMR on the growth dynamics of Myriophyllum aquaticum by measuring nanometric elongation rate fluctuation using a statistical interferometry technique. Plants were exposed to 2 GHz EMR at a maximum of 1.42 Wm(-2) for 1 hour. After continuous exposure, M. aquaticum plants exhibited a statistically significant 51 ± 16% reduction in NERF standard deviation. Temperature observations revealed that EMR exposure did not cause dielectric heating, so the reduced NERF was due to a non-thermal effect. The alteration in NERF continued for at least 2.5 hours after exposure with no significant recovery during the experimental period.

EFFECT OF DISCONTINUOUS MICROWAVES EXPOSURE (2.45 GHz) ON ESCHERICHIA COLI MEMBRANE: INVESTIGATIONS ON THERMAL VERSUS NON THERMAL EFFECTS.

Rougier C, Prorot A, Chazal P, Leveque P, Leprat P · 2014

Researchers investigated the effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposure on Escherichia coli cell membranes while maintaining the suspension at an average temperature of 37°C. No effect was detected with conventional heating or 200 W exposure, but membrane integrity was slightly altered at powers from 400 to 2000 W. Thermal characterization indicated the temperature reached was not high enough to explain the membrane changes, suggesting a power-dependent electromagnetic threshold effect. Exposures were discontinuous to keep the average temperature at 37°C, and effects were measured using flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining and intracellular protein release.

Influence of Smartphone Wi-Fi Signals on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Lee SS, Kim HR, Kim MS, Park S, Yoon ES, Park SH, Kim DW. · 2014

Researchers exposed adipose-derived stem cells to smartphone Wi-Fi signals for 10 hours a day over 5 days. The study used two control groups grown at 37°C and 39°C and measured cell proliferation, apoptosis, flow cytometry, and three growth factors. No harmful effects were found, but proliferation increased in Wi-Fi-exposed and 39°C groups compared to 37°C controls, possibly due to thermal effects.

Assessment of oxidant/antioxidant status in saliva of cell phone users

Khalil AM, Abu Khadra KM, Aljaberi AM, Gagaa MH, Issa HS. · 2014

The study aimed to examine oxidant and antioxidant status in saliva of cell phone users by collecting samples before and after 15- and 30-minute calls. Saliva was analyzed for malondialdehyde, 8-oxo-dG, and antioxidant capacities using ORAC and HORAC assays. Mean 8-oxo-dG and protein concentrations peaked at 15 minutes, while HORAC, ORAC, and MDA levels increased progressively and reached maximum at 30 minutes. Talking time had no significant effect on 8-oxo-dG, MDA, ORAC, or HORAC levels. The authors concluded that there is no relationship between radiofrequency radiation exposure and changes in the salivary oxidant/antioxidant profile.

Effect of 950 MHz UHF electromagnetic radiation on biomarkers of oxidative damage, metabolism of UFA and antioxidants in the livers of young rats of different ages

Furtado-Filho OV et al. · 2014

Researchers assessed the effect of 950 MHz ultra-high-frequency electromagnetic radiation on biomarkers of oxidative damage, unsaturated fatty acid concentrations, and catalase expression in the livers of rats of different ages. Twelve rats per age group were divided into control and exposed groups and exposed for half an hour per day for up to 51 days at a specific absorption rate of 1.3–1.0 W/kg. The radiation did not cause oxidative stress and was not genotoxic in neonates or 6- and 15-day-old rats, but it changed polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in neonates. In 30-day-old rats there was no oxidative stress but the radiation was genotoxic to the livers of exposed rats.

Cell phone use and parotid salivary gland alterations: no molecular evidence

de Souza FT et al. · 2014

Researchers investigated whether cell phone use alters the expression of gene products related to cellular stress in parotid glands. They used saliva from 62 individuals, comparing the gland exposed to cell phone radiation (ipsilateral) to the unexposed contralateral gland. No differences were found in salivary flow, total protein concentration, p53, p21, ROS, GSH, heat shock proteins 27 and 70, or IgA, even when grouping by years of use or monthly call minutes.

Increased γ-H2AX by exposure to a 60-Hz magnetic fields combined with ionizing radiation, but not hydrogen peroxide, in non-tumorigenic human cell lines.

Yoon HE, Lee JS, Myung SH, Lee YS · 2014

Researchers exposed human lung fibroblast WI-38 cells and human lung epithelial L132 cells to a 60-Hz magnetic field at 2 mT for 6 hours. The 2 mT exposure increased γ-H2AX expression and foci production, a marker of DNA double-strand breaks. A 1 mT exposure did not produce this effect. The 2 mT field enhanced the DNA damage marker when combined with ionizing radiation but not with hydrogen peroxide.

Absence of DNA damage after 60-Hz electromagnetic field exposure combined with ionizing radiation, hydrogen peroxide, or c-Myc overexpression.

Jin YB et al. · 2014

Researchers assessed DNA damage using comet assays in mouse and human cell lines exposed to 60-Hz, 1 mT ELF-MF for 4 or 16 hours. Cells exposed to ELF-MF alone showed no significant DNA damage compared to unexposed cells. No synergistic or additive DNA damage occurred when ELF-MF was combined with ionizing radiation, hydrogen peroxide, or c-Myc activation.

Effect of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of mice.

Alcaraz M, Olmos E, Alcaraz-Saura M, Achel DG, Castillo J. · 2014

Researchers exposed mice to a 50 Hz ELM-MF for 7, 14, 21, and 28 d and measured the increase in frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte in bone marrow. ELF-EMF exposure increased micronucleated cells more than control but less than X-rays. Antioxidant substances tested did not reduce the genotoxic effect of the ELM-MF, although they reduced damage from ionizing radiation.

Assessment of the neurotoxic potential of exposure to 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) in naïve and chemically stressed PC12 cells

de Groot MW, Kock MD, Westerink RH. · 2014

Researchers investigated acute (30 min) and sub-chronic (48 h) exposure to 50 Hz ELF-EMF on naïve and chemically stressed PC12 cells. Acute exposure up to 1000 μT did not affect basal or depolarization-evoked calcium levels in naïve cells. Sub-chronic exposure up to 1000 μT had no consistent effects on calcium homeostasis, ROS production, or membrane integrity in naïve cells. In chemically stressed cells, both acute and sub-chronic exposure also failed to exert consistent effects on calcium homeostasis, ROS production, and membrane integrity. The authors concluded that exposure up to 1000 μT does not induce neurotoxic effects in vitro in either cell type.

Effects of combined radiofrequency radiation exposure on levels of reactive oxygen species in neuronal cells.

Kang KA et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed U87, PC12, and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells to combined radiofrequency radiation at 837 MHz CDMA and 1950 MHz WCDMA with a specific absorption rate of 2 W/kg each for 2 hours. They also tested co-exposure with hydrogen peroxide or menadione and measured intracellular reactive oxygen species using flow cytometry with a fluorescent probe. Combined RF radiation alone did not consistently affect ROS levels in a time-dependent manner, and co-exposure with hydrogen peroxide or menadione showed no statistically significant change compared to the chemicals alone.

State of the reproductive system in male rats of 1st generation obtained from irradiated parents and exposed to electromagnetic radiation (897 MHz) during embryogenesis and postnatal development.

Vereshchako GG, Chueshova NV, Gorokh GA, Naumov AD. · 2014

Researchers studied the effects of prolonged 897 MHz cell phone radiation exposure on male rats from irradiated parents during embryogenesis and postnatal development. Irradiation decreased the number of births and shifted the sex ratio toward more males. Radiation accelerated sexual development at two months, caused disproportions in spermatogenic cell stages, and increased mature sperm count while reducing their viability.

Influence of microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation on terpene emission and content in aromatic plants.

Soran ML, Stan M, Niinemets U, Copolovici L · 2014

Researchers exposed Petroselinum crispum, Apium graveolens and Anethum graveolens to microwave irradiation at WLAN and GSM frequencies. Exposure resulted in thinner cell walls, smaller chloroplasts and mitochondria, and increased emissions of monoterpenes and green leaf volatiles. The structural and emission changes were stronger for WLAN-frequency microwaves. GSM-frequency microwaves increased essential oil content, while WLAN-frequency microwaves decreased it.

Impact of 900 MHz electromagnetic field exposure on main male reproductive hormone levels: a Rattus norvegicus model.

Sepehrimanesh M et al. · 2014

Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMF for 1, 2, or 4 hours per day over 30 days, with a sham-exposed control group. At the end of the experiment, the long-time exposure group showed significantly higher FSH and LH levels than the sham group. The long-time exposure group also had significantly increased activin B and prolactin, decreased inhibin B compared to sham and short-time exposure groups, and decreased testosterone compared to short- and moderate-time exposure groups.

Measurement of the dielectric properties of the epidermis and dermis at frequencies from 0.5 GHz to 110 GHz.

Sasaki K, Wake K, Watanabe S · 2014

Previous measurements of skin dielectric properties typically included all three skin layers together. This study provides new data for the epidermis and dermis measured in vitro from 0.5 GHz to 110 GHz. The results agreed with Gabriel's data for the dermis up to 20 GHz. For 20 to 100 GHz, experimental results showed larger values than extrapolated Gabriel data. For frequencies over 20 GHz, the parametric model tends toward the experimental results for the epidermis.

Non-linear adaptive phenomena which decrease the risk of infection after pre-exposure to radiofrequency radiation.

Mortazavi SM et al. · 2014

Researchers previously found that radiofrequency radiation exposure can induce a survival adaptive response in laboratory animals. They also reported that pre-exposing mice to GSM mobile phone radiation increased resistance to subsequent Escherichia coli infection. In this study, animals receiving both radiofrequency pre-exposure and bacterial challenge had a 56% survival rate versus 20% for those receiving only the bacterial challenge.