Effect of 2400 MHz mobile phone radiation exposure on the behavior and hippocampus morphology in Swiss mouse model

Radiofrequency radiation and Alzheimer's disease: harmful and therapeutic implications

PURPOSE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. The relationship between AD and radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by wireless devices remains under investigation. The aim of this review is to comprehensively explore the effects of RF radiation on AD by evaluating existing literature. This review used Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to find relevant studies on AD and RF radiation. This review evaluates a total of 81 studies, including animal models, human studies, and in vitro experiments, with results summarized in tables for clarity.

CONCLUSION

Some studies suggest RF aggravates AD by increasing oxidative stress, impairing blood-brain barrier integrity, and promoting amyloid-beta deposition. Conversely, other studies indicate RF may have protective benefits, such as enhancing brain mitochondrial functions and reducing amyloid-beta levels. Understanding the RF-AD relationship, including parameters like frequency and exposure time, is crucial for therapeutic strategies. The studies reviewed highlight RF radiation's dual effects on AD, underscoring the need for a detailed approach. Further studies are required to clarify these effects and inform preventive and therapeutic measures.

Transcriptomic and metabolic profiling reveals the effects of long-term microwave exposure on testicular tissue

The effect of electromagnetic exposure on health is becoming increasingly important as it affects many aspects of human life and health. However, the effects in environmental electromagnetic fields on the male reproductive system were still controversial, and the impacts of long-term microwave exposure on testicular tissue remain poorly defined. This study exposed rats to 30 mW/cm2 of microwave radiation (2.856 GHz) for six weeks and revealed that long-term microwave exposure damaged the testis structures, sperm motility, and morphology, affected hormone levels, energy metabolism, and induced oxidative stress. Assays for bulk RNA, metabonomics, single-cell RNA, and transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing were performed to analyze the transcriptional and metabolic atlas of testicular damage after microwave radiation. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in oxidative stress and energy metabolism pathways. Furthermore, ten subgroups were identified with scRNA-seq, including five developmental phases of germ cells, and radiation-associated changes in cell composition, especially stuck in round spermatids, were observed. Radiation significantly upregulated the expression of Atp6v1e2 in round spermatids and enriched the expression of many transcription factors by disturbing the accessibility profile of chromatin. This study provides effective insights into the long-term impacts of microwave radiation on male reproduction.

Short-term exposure of 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cellular ROS generation and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell line and impact on developing chick embryo brain tissue

BACKGROUND

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from wireless technology and mobile phones, operates at various frequencies. The present study analyses the major impact of short-term exposure to 2.4 GHz frequency EMR, using the two model systems chick embryos and SH-SY5Y cell lines. We hypothesized that exposure to this frequency would induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in neurons.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Chick embryos were exposed continuously to 2.4 GHz EMR for 4 h each day over a 5-day period, and comparisons were made with a control group. At the end of the exposure, brain tissues were dissected for histopathological analysis, antioxidant assays, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection. Additionally, SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to 2.4 GHz EMR to assess cell viability, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Our results showed that exposure to 2.4 GHz EMR induces oxidative stress in both chick embryos and the SH-SY5Y cells, though no significant tissue-level impact was observed. In SH-SY5Y cells, ROS production increased after 4 h of exposure, accompanied by moderate DNA damage and early markers of apoptosis, such as upregulation of the Bax gene. Furthermore, we observed that antioxidants, such as NAC and Mito-TEMPO, helped mitigate the cytotoxic effects of EMR in both the study models.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, short-term exposure (4 h) to 2.4 GHz EMR induced moderate cellular and molecular changes, primarily oxidative stress. The oxidative stress was reduced by antioxidants, which suggests potential benefits in preventing EMR-induced cytotoxicity. Extended exposure to EMR beyond 4 h may pose adverse health risks to humans, endorsing further investigation.

A review on the consequences of molecular and genomic alterations following exposure to electromagnetic fields: Remodeling of neuronal network and cognitive changes

The use of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is essential in daily life. Since 1970, concerns have grown about potential health hazards from EMF. Exposure to EMF can stimulate nerves and affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological and cognitive changes. However, current research results are often vague and contradictory. These effects include changes in memory and learning through changes in neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, synapses and hippocampal neuritis, and changes in metabolism and neurotransmitter levels. Prenatal exposure to EMFs has negative effects on memory and learning, as well as changes in hippocampal neuron density and histomorphology of hippocampus. EMF exposure also affects the structure and function of glial cells, affecting gate dynamics, ion conduction, membrane concentration, and protein expression. EMF exposure affects gene expression and may change epigenetic regulation through effects on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA biogenesis, and potentially leading to biological changes. Therefore, exposure to EMFs possibly leads to changes in cellular and molecular mechanisms in central nervous system and alter cognitive function.

Effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves of mobile phone stations on male fertility

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of electromagnetic waves of mobile phone stations on several sperm parameters and the male reproductive system.

METHODS

This observational study was performed on 216 subjects, aged 18-60 years. Two equal groups of subjects were assigned to group A (study group) if they were living close to cell phone tower stations for at least 6 months and group B (control group) formed from individuals living 100 meters away from cell phone tower stations. Every subject underwent a comprehensive history taking, a clinical assessment, and laboratory testing.

RESULTS

Regarding morphology index in the studied groups, the exposed group exhibited a trend of reduced percentage of normal morphology compared to the non-exposed group, with no statistical difference between the two groups. Regarding the total sperm motility (A+B+C) and progressive sperm motility (A+B) in the studied groups, the exposed group showed a trend of decreased total sperm motility and of progressive sperm motility in contrast to the non-exposed group, with no statistical difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Personal wrong lifestyles with exposure to electromagnetic waves have shown a trend towards a reduced percentage of normal morphology and reduced motility although nonstatistically significant compared with non-exposed populations.

Ethanolic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves alleviates aluminum-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and neuroinflammation in rat brain

Background and Aim

Aluminum (Al)-induced neurotoxicity is known to play a pivotal role in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, and this is alleged to occur through neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. This study aimed to determine the effect of Ficus religiosa (FR) leaf extract on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by Al exposure in the rat brain by estimating malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL6), and total antioxidant (TAO) levels along with the degree of neurodegeneration in the brain of AlCl3-administered and FR leaf extract-treated rats.

Materials and Methods

Two- to three-month-old male albino Wistar rats weighing 250-280 g were used in the present study. The animals were randomly divided into seven groups, with 12 rats in each group. The groups were categorized as control, Al-intoxicated, FR treatment groups of two dosages, FR control rats of two dosages, and FR pre-treatment group.

Results

We observed a substantial increase in the levels of MDA and IL6 along with a decline in the TAO level in Al-intoxicated rats, suggesting increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, respectively. In the FR-treated animals, MDA as well as IL6 levels was decreased, and TAO was enhanced in addition to improved neuronal architecture, demonstrating the ameliorative effect of FR.

Conclusion

The present study observed a decline in LPO and neuroinflammation in FR-treated rats, demonstrating the protective effect of FR leaves against Al-induced neurotoxicity. The level of TAO also improved along with improvement in neuronal mass in FR-treated rats, adding to its ameliorative effect. However, further elaborate research is needed to confirm its therapeutic potential against inflammation-driven neurodegenerative diseases.

Microwave Radiation Caused Dynamic Metabolic Fluctuations in the Mammalian Hippocampus

To investigate the dynamic changes in hippocampal metabolism after microwave radiation using liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and to identify potential biomarkers. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a sham group and a microwave radiation group. The rats in the microwave radiation group were exposed to 2.856 GHz for 15 min for three times, with 5 min intervals. The rats in the sham group were not exposed. Transmission electron microscope revealed blurring of the synaptic cleft and postsynaptic dense thickening in hippocampal neurons after microwave radiation. Metabolomic analysis revealed 38, 24, and 39 differentially abundant metabolites at 3, 7, and 14 days after radiation, respectively, and the abundance of 9 metabolites, such as argininosuccinic acid, was continuously decreased. After microwave radiation, the abundance of metabolites such as argininosuccinic acid was successively decreased, indicating that these metabolites could be potential biomarkers for hippocampal tissue injury.

Intestinal microbiota via NLRP3 inflammasome dependent neuronal pyroptosis mediates anxiety-like behaviour in mice exposed to 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation

The rapid development of 5G communication technology has increased public concern about the potential adverse effects on human health. Till now, the impacts of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from 5G communication on the central nervous system and gut-brain axis are still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 3.5 GHz (a frequency commonly used in 5G communication) RFR on neurobehavior, gut microbiota, and gut-brain axis metabolites in mice. The results showed that exposure to 3.5 GHz RFR at 50 W/m2 for 1 h over 35 d induced anxiety-like behaviour in mice, accompanied by NLRP3-dependent neuronal pyroptosis in CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus. In addition, the microbial composition was widely divergent between the sham and RFR groups. 3.5 GHz RFR also caused changes in metabolites of feces, serum, and brain. The differential metabolites were mainly enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. Further correlation analysis showed that gut microbiota dysbiosis was associated with differential metabolites. Based on the above results, we speculate that dysfunctional intestinal flora and metabolites may be involved in RFR-induced anxiety-like behaviour in mice through neuronal pyroptosis in the brain. The findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of 5G RFR-induced neurotoxicity.

Effects of 700 and 3500 MHz 5G radiofrequency exposure on developing zebrafish embryos

Telecommunications industries are rapidly deploying the fifth generation (5G) spectrum and there is public concern about the safety and health impacts of this type of Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR), in part because of the lack of comparable scientific evidence. In this study we have used a validated commercially available setting producing a uniform field to expose zebrafish embryos (ZFe) to unmodulated 700 and 3500 MHz frequencies. We have combined a battery of toxicity, developmental and behavioral assays to further explore potential RFR effects. Our neurobehavioral profiles include a tail coiling assay, a light/dark activity assay, two thigmotaxis anxiety assays (auditory and visual stimuli), and a startle response - habituation assay in response to auditory stimuli. ZFe were exposed for 1 and 4 h during the blastula period of development and endpoints evaluated up to 120 hours post fertilization (hpf). Our results show no effects on mortality, hatching or body length. However, we have demonstrated specific organ morphological effects, and behavioral effects in activity, anxiety-like behavior, and habituation that lasted in larvae exposed during the early embryonic period. A decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was also observed and could explain some of the observed behavioral alterations. Interestingly, effects were more pronounced in ZFe exposed to the 700 MHz frequency, and especially for the 4 h exposure period. In addition, we have demonstrated that our exposure setup is robust, flexible with regard to frequency and power testing, and highly comparable. Future work will include exposure of ZFe to 5G modulated signals for different time periods to better understand the potential health effects of novel 5G RFR.

Effects of 4G mobile phone radiation exposure on reproductive, hepatic, renal, and hematological parameters of male Wistar rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Mobile phones have become a vital part of human life. Due to drastic increase in the number of mobile phone subscribers, exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from these phones has increased dramatically. Hence, the effect of RFR on humans is an area of concern. This study was performed to determine the impact of 4G mobile phone radiation on the male reproductive system, liver, kidney, and hematological parameters.

METHODS

Seventy-day-old Wistar rats were exposed to 4G radiation (2350 MHz for 2 h/day for 56 days). Sperm parameters such as sperm count, viability, sperm head morphology, mitochondrial activity, total antioxidant activity, and lipid peroxidation of sperm were evaluated. Histopathology of the testis, prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicle, liver, and kidney was carried out. Complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and testosterone hormone analysis were done.

RESULTS

At the end of the experiment, results showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sperm viability with alterations in the histology of the liver, kidney, testis, and other reproductive organs in the exposed group of rats. A reduced level of testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and decreased sperm mitochondrial function were also observed in the exposed rats. Moreover, the exposed rats showed an increase in sperm lipid peroxidation and sperm abnormality. Hematological parameters like hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the exposed rats.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that chronic exposure to 4G radiation may affect the male reproductive system, hematological system, liver, and kidney of rats.

The potential protective effects of melatonin and omega-3 on the male rat optic nerve exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic radiation during the prenatal period

BACKGROUND

Due to children and adolescents' widespread use of electronic devices, researchers have focused on pre-and early postnatal electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. However, little is known about the effects of EMF exposure on the optic nerve. The aim of study was to investigate the changes occurring in the optic nerve and the protective effects of melatonin (mel) and omega 3 (ω-3) in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-five pregnant rats were divided into seven groups, Cont, Sham, EMF, EMF + melatonin (EMF + Mel), EMF + ω3, Mel, and ω3. The EMF groups were exposed to 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF daily for two hours during pregnancy. After the experiment, the right optic nerve of each offspring rat was removed and fixed in glutaraldehyde. Thin and semi-thin sections were taken for electron microscopic and stereological analyses. Myelinated axon numbers, myelin sheath thicknesses, and axonal areas were estimated using stereological methods.

RESULTS

The groups had no significant differences regarding mean numbers of axons, mean axonal areas, or mean myelin sheath thicknesses (p > 0.05). Histological observations revealed impaired lamellae in the myelin sheath of most axons, and vacuolization was frequently observed between the myelin sheath and axon in the EMF-exposed group. The Mel and ω-3-treated EMF groups exhibited well-preserved myelinated nerve fibers and intact astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

At the ultrastructural level, Mel and ω3 exhibits a neuroprotective effect on the optic nerve exposed to prenatal EMF. The protective effects of these antioxidants on oligodendrocytes, which play an essential role in myelin formation in the central nervous system, now require detailed investigation.

4G mobile phone radiation alters some immunogenic and vascular gene expressions, and gross and microscopic and biochemical parameters in the chick embryo model

BACKGROUND

The risks to human health have grown over the past 10 years due to the excessive use of mobile phones.

OBJECTIVES

The study was designed to determine the harmful effects of 4G mobile phone radiation on the expression of immunogenic and vascular genes and gross, microscopic and biochemical alterations in the development of chicken embryos.

METHODS

Sixty individuals in the exposure group were subjected to mobile phones with a specific absorption rate of 1.4 W/kg and a frequency of 2100 MHz positioned at a distance of 12 cm in the incubator for 60 min/night for 14 days. The histopathological examination involved hematoxylin and eosin staining, whereas cresyl violet staining was used to evaluate the condition and number of neurons in the brain. The biochemical parameters of amniotic fluid were analysed using the photometry method, and the expression of VEGF-A and immunity genes (AvBD9, IL6) was measured using the real-time PCR (qPCR) technique.

RESULTS

Compared to the control, the exposure group's body weight and length significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Subcutaneous bleeding was seen in the exposure group. Urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were all significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). The exposed group showed pathological lesions in the liver and degenerated neurons with lightly stained nuclei in the cerebral cortex. Hyperchromatic neurons were significantly higher in the exposure group (58.8 ± 2.28) compared to the control (6.6 ± 0.44) (p < 0.05). 4G exposure reduced lymphocyte count in the caecal tonsil (86.8 ± 5.38) compared to the control (147.2 ± 9.06) (p < 0.05). Vascular gene mRNA expression was higher, but immune gene expression was lower in the exposed group.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to mobile phone radiation may result in gross, microscopic and biochemical changes, as well as alterations in gene expression that could hinder embryonic development.

Protective roles of vitamin C and 5-aminosalicylic acid on reproduction in acrylamide intoxicated male mice

Context

Serious health risks have been connected to ongoing, escalating exposure to environmental toxins and one of them is acrylamide (ACR), an organic compound. Although there are many published reports on ACR toxicity, limited information is available regarding the use of two potential antioxidants against ACR-instigated reproductive toxicity.

Aims

The study focused on investigating the protective effects of vitamin C and 5-ASA against ACR-incited reproductive toxicity.

Methods

A total of 50 male mice aged 4 weeks old were treated for 90 days with different concentrations either of ACR or ACR and vitamin C or ACR and 5- ASA or ACR, vitamin C, and 5- ASA.

Key results

ACR significantly reduced serum testosterone level (p = 0.0037), sperm concentration (p = 0.0004), and percentage of sperm motility (p = 0.003), as well as increased sperm abnormality; head (p = 0.0058), tail (p = 0.001), and midpiece (p = 0.0339). Besides, the weight (p = 0.0006) and length (p = 0.0105) of testes, as well as weight (p = 0.0001) and length (p = 0.0021) of epididymis were decreased along with atrophy of seminiferous tubules of the testis, and disintegration of the tubular epithelium of epididymis on ACR exposed mice which were improved by vitamin C and 5-ASA administration.

Conclusions

Vitamin C and 5-ASA can potentially mitigate the negative effects of ACR on male reproduction; however, combined application is recommended for better performance.

Implications

In Bangladesh, this work is anticipated to address the health benefits of vitamin C and 5-ASA, particularly in improving the reproductive health of males against ACR toxicity.

Influence of electromagnetic fields on the circadian rhythm: Implications for human health and disease

Living organisms have evolved within the natural electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of the earth which comprise the global atmospheric electrical circuit, Schumann resonances (SRs) and the geomagnetic field. Research suggests that the circadian rhythm, which controls several physiological functions in the human body, can be influenced by light but also by the earth's EMFs. Cyclic solar disturbances, including sunspots and seasonal weakening of the geomagnetic field, can affect human health, possibly by disrupting the circadian rhythm and downstream physiological functions. Severe disruption of the circadian rhythm increases inflammation which can induce fatigue, fever and flu-like symptoms in a fraction of the population and worsen existing symptoms in old and diseased individuals, leading to periodic spikes of infectious and chronic diseases. Possible mechanisms underlying sensing of the earth's EMFs involve entrainment via electrons and electromagnetic waves, light-dependent radical pair formation in retina cryptochromes, and paramagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Factors such as electromagnetic pollution from wireless devices, base antennas and low orbit internet satellites, shielding by non-conductive materials used in shoes and buildings, and local geomagnetic anomalies may also affect sensing of the earth's EMFs by the human body and contribute to circadian rhythm disruption and disease development.

Acute radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure impairs neurogenesis and causes neuronal DNA damage in the young rat brain

A mobile phone is now a commonly used device for digital media and communication among all age groups. Young adolescents use it for longer durations, which exposes them to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). This exposure can lead to neuropsychiatric changes. The underlying cellular mechanism behind these changes requires detailed investigation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of RF-EMR emitted from mobile phones on young adolescent rat brains. Wistar rats (5 weeks, male) were exposed to RF-EMR signal (2115 MHz) at a head average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.51 W/kg continuously for 8 h. Higher level of lipid peroxidation, carbon-centered lipid radicals, and single-strand DNA damage was observed in the brain of rat exposed to RF-EMR. The number of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) decreased in RF-EMR-exposed rats, indicating reduced neurogenesis. RF-EMR exposure also induced degenerative changes and neuronal loss in DG neurons but had no effect on the CA3 and CA1 neurons of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The activity of Pro-caspase3 did not increase upon exposure in any of the brain regions, pointing out that degeneration observed in the DG region is not dependent on caspase activation. Results indicate that short-term acute exposure to RF-EMR induced the generation of carbon-centered lipid radicals and nuclear DNA damage, both of which likely played a role in the impaired neurogenesis and neuronal degeneration seen in the young brain's hippocampus region. The understanding of RF-EMR-induced alteration in the brain at the cellular level will help develop appropriate interventions for reducing its adverse impact.

Effects of 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation on ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin level in diabetic and healthy brains

Diabetes, mobile phone use, and obesity have increased simultaneously in recent years. The radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from mobile phones is largely absorbed in the heads of users. With 5 G, which has started to be used in some countries without the necessary precautions being taken, the amount of RFR to which living things are exposed will increase. In this study, the changes in energy homeostasis and redox balance caused by 5 G (3.5 GHz, GSM-modulated) were explored. The effects of RFR on the brains of diabetic and healthy rats were investigated and histopathological analysis was performed. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into 4 groups as sham, RFR, diabetes, and RFR+diabetes groups (n = 7). The rats in each group were kept in a plexiglass carousel for 2 h a day for 30 days. While the rats in the experimental groups were exposed to RFR for 2 h a day, the rats in the sham group were kept under the same experimental conditions but with the radiofrequency generator turned off. At the end of the experiment, brain tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant (TAS), total oxidant (TOS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin levels were determined. In addition, histopathological analyses of the brain tissues were performed. The specific absorption rate in the gray matter of the brain was calculated as 323 mW/kg and 195 mW/kg for 1 g and 10 g averaging, respectively. After RFR exposure among diabetic and healthy rats, decreased TAS levels and increased TOS and H₂O₂ levels were observed in brain tissues. RFR caused increases in ghrelin and irisin and a decrease in nesfatin-1 in the brain. It was also observed that RFR increased the number of degenerated neurons in the hippocampus. Our results indicate that 3.5 GHz RFR causes changes in the energy metabolism and appetite of both healthy and diabetic rats. Thus, 5 G may not be innocent in terms of its biological effects, especially in the presence of diabetes.

Microwave Radiation and the Brain: Mechanisms, Current Status, and Future Prospects

Modern humanity wades daily through various radiations, resulting in frequent exposure and causing potentially important biological effects. Among them, the brain is the organ most sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure. Despite numerous correlated studies, critical unknowns surround the different parameters used, including operational frequency, power density (i.e., energy dose), and irradiation time that could permit reproducibility and comparability between analyses. Furthermore, the interactions of EMR with biological systems and its precise mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In this review, recent approaches examining the effects of microwave radiations on the brain, specifically learning and memory capabilities, as well as the mechanisms of brain dysfunction with exposure as reported in the literature, are analyzed and interpreted to provide prospective views for future research directed at this important and novel medical technology for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies on brain degeneration caused by microwave radiation. Additionally, the interactions of microwaves with biological systems and possible mechanisms are presented in this review. Treatment with natural products and safe techniques to reduce harm to organs have become essential components of daily life, and some promising techniques to treat cancers and their radioprotective effects are summarized as well. This review can serve as a platform for researchers to understand the mechanism and interactions of microwave radiation with biological systems, the present scenario, and prospects for future studies on the effect of microwaves on the brain.