1
|
Halgamuge MN, Skafidas E, Davis D. A meta-analysis of in vitro exposures to weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phones (1990-2015). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 184:109227. [PMID: 32199316 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To function, mobile phone systems require transmitters that emit and receive radiofrequency signals over an extended geographical area exposing humans in all stages of development ranging from in-utero, early childhood, adolescents and adults. This study evaluates the question of the impact of radiofrequency radiation on living organisms in vitro studies. In this study, we abstract data from 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications (1990-2015) describing 1127 experimental observations in cell-based in vitro models. Our first analysis of these data found that out of 746 human cell experiments, 45.3% indicated cell changes, whereas 54.7% indicated no changes (p = 0.001). Realizing that there are profound distinctions between cell types in terms of age, rate of proliferation and apoptosis, and other characteristics and that RF signals can be characterized in terms of polarity, information content, frequency, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and power, we further refined our analysis to determine if there were some distinct properties of negative and positive findings associated with these specific characteristics. We further analyzed the data taking into account the cumulative effect (SAR × exposure time) to acquire the cumulative energy absorption of experiments due to radiofrequency exposure, which we believe, has not been fully considered previously. When the frequency of signals, length and type of exposure, and maturity, rate of growth (doubling time), apoptosis and other properties of individual cell types are considered, our results identify a number of potential non-thermal effects of radiofrequency fields that are restricted to a subset of specific faster-growing less differentiated cell types such as human spermatozoa (based on 19 reported experiments, p-value = 0.002) and human epithelial cells (based on 89 reported experiments, p-value < 0.0001). In contrast, for mature, differentiated adult cells of Glia (p = 0.001) and Glioblastoma (p < 0.0001) and adult human blood lymphocytes (p < 0.0001) there are no statistically significant differences for these more slowly reproducing cell lines. Thus, we show that RF induces significant changes in human cells (45.3%), and in faster-growing rat/mouse cell dataset (47.3%). In parallel with this finding, further analysis of faster-growing cells from other species (chicken, rabbit, pig, frog, snail) indicates that most undergo significant changes (74.4%) when exposed to RF. This study confirms observations from the REFLEX project, Belyaev and others that cellular response varies with signal properties. We concur that differentiation of cell type thus constitutes a critical piece of information and should be useful as a reference for many researchers planning additional studies. Sponsorship bias is also a factor that we did not take into account in this analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malka N Halgamuge
- Department Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Efstratios Skafidas
- Department Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Devra Davis
- Environmental Health Trust, Teton Village, WY, 83025, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lamkowski A, Kreitlow M, Radunz J, Willenbockel M, Sabath F, Schuhn W, Stiemer M, Fichte LO, Dudzinski M, Böhmelt S, Ullmann R, Majewski M, Franchini V, Eder S, Rump A, Port M, Abend M. Gene Expression Analysis in Human Peripheral Blood Cells after 900 MHz RF-EMF Short-Term Exposure. Radiat Res 2018; 189:529-540. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14909.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lamkowski
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, AllergieZENTRUM, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kreitlow
- NBC-Protection, Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technology, Munster, Germany
| | - Jörg Radunz
- NBC-Protection, Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technology, Munster, Germany
| | - Martin Willenbockel
- NBC-Protection, Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technology, Munster, Germany
| | - Frank Sabath
- NBC-Protection, Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technology, Munster, Germany
| | - Winfried Schuhn
- NBC-Protection, Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technology, Munster, Germany
| | - Marcus Stiemer
- Theory of Electrical Engineering, Helmut Schmidt University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Ole Fichte
- Theory of Electrical Engineering, Helmut Schmidt University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Dudzinski
- Theory of Electrical Engineering, Helmut Schmidt University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Böhmelt
- Theory of Electrical Engineering, Helmut Schmidt University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Eder
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexis Rump
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Abend
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baraúna RA, Santos AV, Graças DA, Santos DM, Ghilardi R, Pimenta AMC, Carepo MSP, Schneider MPC, Silva A. Exposure to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field only slightly modifies the proteome of Chromobacterium violaceumATCC 12472. Genet Mol Biol 2015; 38:227-30. [PMID: 26273227 PMCID: PMC4530650 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-4757382220140240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies of the physiological responses of different organisms exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been described. In this work, we report the minimal effects of in situ exposure to ELF-EMF on the global protein expression of Chromobacterium violaceum using a gel-based proteomic approach. The protein expression profile was only slightly altered, with five differentially expressed proteins detected in the exposed cultures; two of these proteins (DNA-binding stress protein, Dps, and alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified by MS/MS. The enhanced expression of Dps possibly helped to prevent physical damage to DNA. Although small, the changes in protein expression observed here were probably beneficial in helping the bacteria to adapt to the stress generated by the electromagnetic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A Baraúna
- Laboratório de Polimorfismo de DNA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Agenor V Santos
- Laboratório de Polimorfismo de DNA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Diego A Graças
- Laboratório de Polimorfismo de DNA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Santos
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rubens Ghilardi
- Superintendência do Meio Ambiente, Centrais Elétricas do Norte do Brasil S/A, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Adriano M C Pimenta
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marta S P Carepo
- Rede de Química e Tecnologia, Centro de Química Fina e Biotecnologia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria P C Schneider
- Laboratório de Polimorfismo de DNA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Artur Silva
- Laboratório de Polimorfismo de DNA, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leszczynski D. Radiation proteomics: A brief overview. Proteomics 2014; 14:481-8. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201300390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen G, Xu Z. Global protein expression in response to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 990:107-10. [PMID: 23378006 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5896-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Daily exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) in the environment has raised public concerns on human health. Epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to ELF MF might associate with an elevated risk of cancer and other diseases in humans. To explain and/or support epidemiological observations, many laboratory studies have been conducted to elucidate the biological effects of ELF MF exposure and the underlying mechanisms of action. In order to reveal the global effects of ELF MF on protein expression, the proteomics approaches has been employed in this research field. In 2005, WHO organized a Workshop on Application of Proteomics and Transcriptomics in electromagnetic fields (EMF) Research in Helsinki, Finland to discuss the related problems and solutions. Later the journal Proteomics published a special issue devoted to the application of proteomics to EMF research. This chapter aims to summarize the current research progress and discuss the applicability of proteomics approaches in studying on ELF MF induced biological effects and the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Chen
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leszczynski D. Effects of radiofrequency-modulated electromagnetic fields on proteome. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 990:101-6. [PMID: 23378005 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5896-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Proteomics, the science that examines the repertoire of proteins present in an organism using both high-throughput and low-throughput techniques, might give a better understanding of the functional processes ongoing in cells than genomics or transcriptomics, because proteins are the molecules that directly regulate physiological processes. Not all changes in gene expression are necessarily reflected in the proteome. Therefore, using proteomics approaches to study the effects of RF-EMF might provide information about potential biological and health effects. Especially that the RF-EMF used in wireless communication devices has very low energy and is unable to directly induce gene mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Laippatie 4, Helsinki, 00880, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leszczynski D, de Pomerai D, Koczan D, Stoll D, Franke H, Albar JP. Five years later: the current status of the use of proteomics and transcriptomics in EMF research. Proteomics 2012; 12:2493-509. [PMID: 22707462 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201200122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization's and Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority's "Workshop on Application of Proteomics and Transcriptomics in Electromagnetic Fields Research" was held in Helsinki in the October/November 2005. As a consequence of this meeting, Proteomics journal published in 2006 a special issue "Application of Proteomics and Transcriptomics in EMF Research" (Vol. 6 No. 17; Guest Editor: D. Leszczynski). This Proteomics issue presented the status of research, of the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) using proteomics and transcriptomics methods, present in 2005. The current overview/opinion article presents the status of research in this area by reviewing all studies that were published by the end of 2010. The review work was a part of the European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) Action BM0704 that created a structure in which researchers in the field of EMF and health shared knowledge and information. The review was prepared by the members of the COST Action BM0704 task group on the high-throughput screening techniques and electromagnetic fields (TG-HTST-EMF).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- Radiation Biology Laboratory, STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gaestel M. Biological monitoring of non-thermal effects of mobile phone radiation: recent approaches and challenges. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2010; 85:489-500. [PMID: 20015314 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2009.00112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review describes recent developments in analysing the influence of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs ) on biological systems by monitoring the cellular stress response as well as overall gene expression. Recent data on the initiation and modulation of the classical cellular stress response by RF-EMFs, comprising expression of heat shock proteins and stimulation of stress-activated protein kinases, are summarised and evaluated. Since isothermic RF-EMF exposure is assumed rather than proven there are clear limitations in using the stress response to describe non-thermal effects of RF-EMFs. In particular, further experiments are needed to characterise better the threshold of the thermal heat shock response and the homogeneity of the cellular response in the whole sample for each biological system used. Before then, it is proposed that the absence of the classical stress response can define isothermal experimental conditions and qualifies other biological effects of RF-EMFs detected under these conditions to be of non-thermal origin. To minimise the probability that by making this assumption valuable insights into the nature of biological effects of RF-EMFs could be lost, proteotoxic non-thermal RF-EMF effects should also be monitored by measuring activities of labile intracellular enzymes and/or levels of their metabolites before the threshold for the heat shock response is reached. In addition, non-thermal induction of the stress response via promoter elements distinct from the heat shock element (HSE) should be analysed using HSE-mutated heat shock promoter reporter constructs. Screening for non-thermal RF-EMF effects in the absence of a classical stress response should be performed by transcriptomics and proteomics. Recent approaches demonstrate that due to their high-throughput characteristics, these methods inherently generate false positive results and require statistical evaluation based on quantitative expression analysis from a sufficient number of independent experiments with identical parameters. In future approaches, positive results must be confirmed by independent quantitative methods and should also be evaluated in vivo to prove possible non-thermal effects of RF-EMFs on living beings. If successful, this strategy should contribute to identification of new underlying molecular mechanisms of interaction between RF-EMFs and living beings distinct from absorption of thermal energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gaestel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tapio S, Hornhardt S, Gomolka M, Leszczynski D, Posch A, Thalhammer S, Atkinson MJ. Use of proteomics in radiobiological research: current state of the art. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2010; 49:1-4. [PMID: 20049610 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-009-0263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Soile Tapio
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Biology, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leszczynski D, Xu Z. Mobile phone radiation health risk controversy: the reliability and sufficiency of science behind the safety standards. Health Res Policy Syst 2010; 8:2. [PMID: 20205835 PMCID: PMC2825185 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4505-8-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is ongoing discussion whether the mobile phone radiation causes any health effects. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety and the World Health Organization are assuring that there is no proven health risk and that the present safety limits protect all mobile phone users. However, based on the available scientific evidence, the situation is not as clear. The majority of the evidence comes from in vitro laboratory studies and is of very limited use for determining health risk. Animal toxicology studies are inadequate because it is not possible to "overdose" microwave radiation, as it is done with chemical agents, due to simultaneous induction of heating side-effects. There is a lack of human volunteer studies that would, in unbiased way, demonstrate whether human body responds at all to mobile phone radiation. Finally, the epidemiological evidence is insufficient due to, among others, selection and misclassification bias and the low sensitivity of this approach in detection of health risk within the population. This indicates that the presently available scientific evidence is insufficient to prove reliability of the current safety standards. Therefore, we recommend to use precaution when dealing with mobile phones and, whenever possible and feasible, to limit body exposure to this radiation. Continuation of the research on mobile phone radiation effects is needed in order to improve the basis and the reliability of the safety standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- STUK-Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Laippatie 4, FIN-00880 Helsinki, Finland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim KB, Byun HO, Han NK, Ko YG, Choi HD, Kim N, Pack JK, Lee JS. Two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of radio-frequency radiation-exposed MCF7 breast cancer cells. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2010; 51:205-213. [PMID: 20339255 DOI: 10.1269/jrr.09030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although many in vitro studies have previously been conducted to elucidate the biological effects of radio frequency (RF) radiation over the past decades, the existence and nature of any effects is still inconclusive. In an effort to further elucidate this question, we have monitored changes in protein expression profiles in RF-exposed MCF7 human breast cancer cells using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. MCF7 cells were exposed to 849 MHz RF radiation for 1 h per day for three consecutive days at specific absorption rates (SARs) of either 2 W/Kg or 10 W/kg. During exposure, the temperature in the exposure chamber was kept in an isothermal condition. Twenty-four hours after the final RF exposure, the protein lysates from MCF cells were prepared and two-dimensional electrophoretic analyses were conducted. The protein expression profiles of the MCF cells were not significantly altered as the result of RF exposure. None of the protein spots on the two-dimensional electrophoretic gels showed reproducible changes in three independent experiments. To determine effect of RF radiation on protein expression profiles more clearly, three spots showing altered expression without reproducibility were identified using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis and their expressions were examined with RT-PCR and Western blot assays. There was no alteration in their mRNA and protein levels. As we were unable to observe any significant and reproducible changes in the protein expression profiles of the RF radiation-exposed MCF7 cells using high throughput and non-high throughput techniques, it seems unlikely that RF exposure modulates the protein expression profile.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/chemistry
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Blotting, Western
- Breast Neoplasms/chemistry
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor/chemistry
- Cell Line, Tumor/radiation effects
- Cell Phone
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/radiation effects
- Humans
- Neoplasm Proteins/analysis
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Neoplasm/analysis
- Radio Waves
- Reproducibility of Results
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Bum Kim
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vanderstraeten J, Verschaeve L. Gene and protein expression following exposure to radiofrequency fields from mobile phones. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:1131-1135. [PMID: 18795152 PMCID: PMC2535611 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 05/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 1999, several articles have been published on genome-wide and/or proteome-wide response after exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields whose signal and intensities were similar to or typical of those of currently used mobile telephones. These studies were performed using powerful high-throughput screening techniques (HTSTs) of transcriptomics and/or proteomics, which allow for the simultaneous screening of the expression of thousands of genes or proteins. OBJECTIVES We reviewed these HTST-based studies and compared the results with currently accepted concepts about the effects of RF fields on gene expression. In this article we also discuss these last in light of the recent concept of microwave-assisted chemistry. DISCUSSION To date, the results of HTST-based studies of transcriptomics and/or proteomics after exposure to RF fields relevant to human exposure are still inconclusive, as most of the positive reports are flawed by methodologic imperfections or shortcomings. In addition, when positive findings were reported, no precise response pattern could be identified in a reproducible way. In particular, results from HTST studies tend to exclude the role of a cell stressor for exposure to RF fields at nonthermal intensities. However, on the basis of lessons from microwave-assisted chemistry, we can assume that RF fields might affect heat-sensitive gene or protein expression to an extent larger than would be predicted from temperature change only. But in all likelihood, this would concern intensities higher than those relevant to usual human exposure. CONCLUSIONS The precise role of transcriptomics and proteomics in the screening of bioeffects from exposure to RF fields from mobile phones is still uncertain in view of the lack of positively identified phenotypic change and the lack of theoretical, as well as experimental, arguments for specific gene and/or protein response patterns after this kind of exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Vanderstraeten
- Research Unit on Work Health and Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Karinen A, Heinävaara S, Nylund R, Leszczynski D. Mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:77. [PMID: 18267023 PMCID: PMC2258283 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2007] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Earlier we have shown that the mobile phone radiation (radiofrequency modulated electromagnetic fields; RF-EMF) alters protein expression in human endothelial cell line. This does not mean that similar response will take place in human body exposed to this radiation. Therefore, in this pilot human volunteer study, using proteomics approach, we have examined whether a local exposure of human skin to RF-EMF will cause changes in protein expression in living people. Results Small area of forearm's skin in 10 female volunteers was exposed to RF-EMF (specific absorption rate SAR = 1.3 W/kg) and punch biopsies were collected from exposed and non-exposed areas of skin. Proteins extracted from biopsies were separated using 2-DE and protein expression changes were analyzed using PDQuest software. Analysis has identified 8 proteins that were statistically significantly affected (Anova and Wilcoxon tests). Two of the proteins were present in all 10 volunteers. This suggests that protein expression in human skin might be affected by the exposure to RF-EMF. The number of affected proteins was similar to the number of affected proteins observed in our earlier in vitro studies. Conclusion This is the first study showing that molecular level changes might take place in human volunteers in response to exposure to RF-EMF. Our study confirms that proteomics screening approach can identify protein targets of RF-EMF in human volunteers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anu Karinen
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Laippatie 4, 00880 Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|