Effect of mobile telephony on blood-brain barrier permeability in the fetal mouse brain

Cadmium aggravates the blood-brain barrier disruption via inhibition of the Wnt7A/β-catenin signaling axis

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-biodegradable widespread environmental pollutant, which can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cause cerebral toxicity. However, the effect of Cd on the BBB is still unclear. In this study, a total of 80 (1-day-old) Hy-Line white variety chicks (20 chickens/group) were selected and randomly divided into four (4) groups: the control group (Con group) (fed with a basic diet, n = 20), the Cd 35 group (basic diet with 35 mg/kg CdCl₂, n = 20), the Cd 70 group (basic diet with 70 mg/kg CdCl₂, n = 20) and the Cd 140 group (basic diet with 140 mg/kg CdCl₂, n = 20), and fed for 90 days. The pathological changes, factors associated with the BBB, oxidation level and the levels of Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 7 A (Wnt7A)/Wnt receptor Frizzled 4 (FZD4)/β-catenin signaling axis-related proteins in brain tissue were detected. Cd exposure induced capillary damage and neuronal swelling, degeneration and loss of neurons. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed the weakened Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis. The protein expression of the Wnt7A, FZD4, and β-catenin was decreased by Cd expusure. Inflammation generation and BBB dysfunction were induced by Cd, as manifested by impaired tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) formation. These findings underscore that Cd induced BBB dysfunction via disturbing Wnt7A/FZD4/β-catenin signaling axis.

Neuroprotective efficacy of luteolin on a 900-MHz electromagnetic field-induced cerebellar alteration in adult male rat

The adverse health consequences of exposure to electromagnetic field emitted from cell phone has recently raised public concerns worldwide. Also, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard that operates in 900 MHz frequency is the most popular. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the adverse effect of exposure to 900 MHz EMF (1 h/day) on the cerebella of 12-week-old rats. We also evaluated the protective activity of luteolin (20 μg/kg/day) against possible biological change in the cerebellar tissues exposed to EMF. Twenty-four male wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four group of six rats: Control, EMF, EMF + luteolin, luteolin. Serological and biochemical analyses, as well as histopathological examination were performed on all cerebellar samples. We found that SOD (superoxide dismutase) level was significantly increased in the EMF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). To the contrary, decreased SOD activity was detected in the EMF + luteolin group compared to control group (p < 0.05). The total number of Purkinje and granular cells was significantly decreased in the EMF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the EMF + luteolin group, the total number of Purkinje and granular cells was significantly higher than the EMF group (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation also showed destructive damage to the architectures of cerebellar tissues. Our results suggest that exposure to EMF may cause cellular damage to the rat cerebellum. Further, the improvement of cerebellar damage may have resulted from antioxidant efficacy of luteolin by alleviating oxidative stress.

The Contribution of In Vivo Mammalian Studies to the Knowledge of Adverse Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation on Human Health

The proliferation of cellular antennas and other radiofrequency radiation (RFR) generating devices of the last decades has led to more and more concerns about the potential health effects from RFR exposure. Since the 2011 classification as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), more experimental studies have been published that support a causal association between RFR exposure and health hazards. As regard cancer risk, two long-term experimental studies have been recently published by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Italian Ramazzini Institute (RI). Despite important experimental differences, both studies found statistically significant increases in the development of the same type of very rare glial malignant tumors. In addition to carcinogenicity, reproductive organs might be particularly exposed, as well as sensitive to RFR. In this work, we reviewed the currently available evidence from in vivo studies on carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity studies in order to summarize the contribution of experimental research to the prevention of the adverse effects of RFR on human health.

Diplomats' Mystery Illness and Pulsed Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation

Importance: A mystery illness striking U.S. and Canadian diplomats to Cuba (and now China) "has confounded the FBI, the State Department and US intelligence agencies" (Lederman, Weissenstein, & Lee, 2017). Sonic explanations for the so-called health attacks have long dominated media reports, propelled by peculiar sounds heard and auditory symptoms experienced. Sonic mediation was justly rejected by experts. We assessed whether pulsed radiofrequency/microwave radiation (RF/MW) exposure can accommodate reported facts in diplomats, including unusual ones. Observations: (1) Noises: Many diplomats heard chirping, ringing or grinding noises at night during episodes reportedly triggering health problems. Some reported that noises were localized with laser-like precision or said the sounds seemed to follow them (within the territory in which they were perceived). Pulsed RF/MW engenders just these apparent "sounds" via the Frey effect. Perceived "sounds" differ by head dimensions and pulse characteristics and can be perceived as located behind in or above the head. Ability to hear the "sounds" depends on high-frequency hearing and low ambient noise. (2) Signs/symptoms: Hearing loss and tinnitus are prominent in affected diplomats and in RF/MW-affected individuals. Each of the protean symptoms that diplomats report also affect persons reporting symptoms from RF/MW: sleep problems, headaches, and cognitive problems dominate in both groups. Sensations of pressure or vibration figure in each. Both encompass vision, balance, and speech problems and nosebleeds. Brain injury and brain swelling are reported in both. (3) Mechanisms: Oxidative stress provides a documented mechanism of RF/MW injury compatible with reported signs and symptoms; sequelae of endothelial dysfunction (yielding blood flow compromise), membrane damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis, and autoimmune triggering afford downstream mechanisms, of varying persistence, that merit investigation. (4) Of note, microwaving of the U.S. embassy in Moscow is historically documented. Conclusions and relevance: Reported facts appear consistent with pulsed RF/MW as the source of injury in affected diplomats. Nondiplomats citing symptoms from RF/MW, often with an inciting pulsed-RF/MW exposure, report compatible health conditions. Under the RF/MW hypothesis, lessons learned for diplomats and for RF/MW-affected civilians may each aid the other.

Effects of GSM and UMTS mobile telephony signals on neuron degeneration and blood-brain barrier permeation in the rat brain

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation and neuron degeneration were assessed in the rat brain following exposure to mobile communication radiofrequency (RF) signals (GSM-1800 and UMTS-1950). Two protocols were used: (i) single 2 h exposure, with rats sacrificed immediately, and 1 h, 1, 7, or 50 days later, and (ii) repeated exposures (2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks) with the effects assessed immediately and 50 days after the end of exposure. The rats′ heads were exposed at brain-averaged specific absorption rates (BASAR) of 0.026, 0.26, 2.6, and 13 W/kg. No adverse impact in terms of BBB leakage or neuron degeneration was observed after single exposures or immediately after the end of repeated exposure, with the exception of a transient BBB leakage (UMTS, 0.26 W/kg). Fifty days after repeated exposure, the occurrence of degenerating neurons was unchanged on average. However, a significant increased albumin leakage was detected with both RF signals at 13 W/kg. In this work, the strongest, delayed effect was induced by GSM-1800 at 13 W/kg. Considering that 13 W/kg BASAR in the rat head is equivalent to 4 times as much in the human head, deleterious effects may occur following repeated human brain exposure above 50 W/kg.

Lessons and Perspectives from a 25-Year Bioelectromagnetics Research Program

The question of whether electromagnetic fields from electric power or telecommunications systems can be linked unequivocally to health detriments has occupied scientific research endeavors for nearly half a century. For 25 years, the bioelectromagnetic research group at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, has pursued a series of investigations with relevant endpoints, such as neurophysiological and neuropsychological effects, cell calcium level changes, proliferation, and genotoxic effects. Most have shown no significant changes due to fields, however, in some pilot studies significant changes were revealed, but in most cases these were not replicated in follow-up studies. This highlights a feature of this research area, generally; the unambiguous identification of small changes in noisy data where the understanding of possible interaction mechanisms is lacking. On the other hand, mathematical modelling studies, particularly with respect to fields near metallic implants, in workers exposed to fields in harsh environmental conditions and at very high frequencies (THz), continue to add to the expanding knowledge database on the characteristics of the complex electromagnetic environment we live in today.

Social behavioral testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging in chicks exposed to mobile phone radiation during development

Background

The potential adverse effect of mobile phone radiation is currently an area of great concern in the field of public health. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of mobile phone radiation (900 MHz radiofrequency) during hatching on postnatal social behaviors in chicks, as well as the effect on brain size and structural maturity estimated using 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. At day 4 of incubation, 76 normally developing chick embryos were divided into the control group (n = 39) and the radiation group (n = 37). Eggs in the radiation group were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 10 h each day from day 4 to 19 of incubation. Behavioral tests were performed 4 days after hatching. T2-weighted MR imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were subsequently performed. The size of different brain subdivisions (telencephalon, optic lobe, brain stem, and cerebellum) and corresponding DTI parameters were measured. The Chi-square test and the student’s t test were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Compared with controls, chicks in the radiation group showed significantly slower aggregation responses (14.87 ± 10.06 vs. 7.48 ± 4.31 s, respectively; P < 0.05), lower belongingness (23.71 ± 8.72 vs. 11.45 ± 6.53 s, respectively; P < 0.05), and weaker vocalization (53.23 ± 8.60 vs. 60.01 ± 10.45 dB/30 s, respectively; P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the radiation and control group for brain size and structural maturity, except for cerebellum size, which was significantly smaller in the radiation group (28.40 ± 1.95 vs. 29.95 ± 1.41 cm², P < 0.05). The hatching and heteroplasia rates were also calculated and no significant difference was found between the two groups.

Conclusions

Mobile phone radiation exposure during chick embryogenesis impaired social behaviors after hatching and possibly induced cerebellar retardation. This indicates potential adverse effects of mobile phone radiation on brain development.

Mobile phone use, blood lead levels, and attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms in children: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Concerns have developed for the possible negative health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure to children's brains. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate the association between mobile phone use and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) considering the modifying effect of lead exposure.

METHODS

A total of 2,422 children at 27 elementary schools in 10 Korean cities were examined and followed up 2 years later. Parents or guardians were administered a questionnaire including the Korean version of the ADHD rating scale and questions about mobile phone use, as well as socio-demographic factors. The ADHD symptom risk for mobile phone use was estimated at two time points using logistic regression and combined over 2 years using the generalized estimating equation model with repeatedly measured variables of mobile phone use, blood lead, and ADHD symptoms, adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

The ADHD symptom risk associated with mobile phone use for voice calls but the association was limited to children exposed to relatively high lead.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that simultaneous exposure to lead and RF from mobile phone use was associated with increased ADHD symptom risk, although possible reverse causality could not be ruled out.

In utero and early-life exposure of rats to a Wi-Fi signal: screening of immune markers in sera and gestational outcome

An experimental approach was used to assess immunological biomarkers in the sera of young rats exposed in utero and postnatal to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields. Pregnant rats were exposed free-running, 2 h/day and 5 days/week to a 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi signal in a reverberation chamber at whole-body specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0, 0.08, 0.4, and 4 W/kg (with 10, 10, 12, and 9 rats, respectively), while cage control rats were kept in the animal facility (11 rats). Dams were exposed from days 6 to 21 of gestation and then three newborns per litter were further exposed from birth to day 35 postnatal. On day 35 after birth, all pups were sacrificed and sera collected. The screening of sera for antibodies directed against 15 different antigens related to damage and/or pathological markers was conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No change in humoral response of young pups was observed, regardless of the types of biomarker and SAR levels. This study also provided some data on gestational outcome following in utero exposure to Wi-Fi signals. Mass evaluation of dams and pups and the number of pups per litter was monitored, and the genital tracts of young rats were observed for abnormalities by measuring anogenital distance. Under these experimental conditions, our observations suggest a lack of adverse effects of Wi-Fi exposure on delivery and general condition of the animals.

Impacto do uso do telefone celular na saúde de crianças e adolescentes

OBJETIVO: Apresentar o conhecimento sobre efeitos biológicos dos campos eletromagnéticos, detalhes da absorção da energia dos campos de micro-ondas na criança, efeitos da exposição a esses campos no período pré e pós-natal e impacto do uso dos telefones celulares no sistema nervoso central e no comportamento de crianças. FONTES DE DADOS: Trabalhos em língua inglesa publicados entre 2004 e 2009 e indexados na base de dados PubMed com os unitermos: "crianças", "telefones celulares" e "micro-ondas". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Telefones celulares emitem radiofrequência na faixa de micro-ondas, cujos efeitos biológicos podem ser térmicos (aquecimento dos tecidos) ou não térmicos (estresse oxidativo e mudanças na conformação da cromatina). Pesquisas experimentais sugerem que a dissipação da energia de radiofrequência nos tecidos seria maior na criança do que no adulto. Em ratos, a exposição pré-natal à radiofrequência em níveis não térmicos não produz efeito teratogênico ou mutagênico, nem aumento da permeabilidade da barreira hematoencefálica ou da expressão de heat shock proteins no encéfalo. Não há evidência de efeito nocivo da radiação dos celulares na cognição de crianças. Fazer ligações ou enviar mensagens de texto no horário noturno aumenta a probabilidade de sonolência diurna em adolescentes. Crianças que usam mais o celular podem ter déficit de memória e comportamento impulsivo. CONCLUSÕES: Não está comprovado que a exposição à radiação dos celulares, pré ou pós-natal, dentro dos limites de segurança para humanos, induz dano ao desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central. Entretanto, padrões culturais relacionados à posse e uso dos aparelhos influenciam o comportamento de crianças e adolescentes e podem provocar distúrbios do sono.

Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in Wistar rats

INTRODUCTION

The interaction of mobile phone radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) with the brain is a serious concern of our society.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effect of RF-EMR from mobile phones on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Healthy male albino Wistar rats were exposed to RF-EMR by giving 50 missed calls (within 1 hour) per day for 4 weeks, keeping a GSM (0.9 GHz/1.8 GHz) mobile phone in vibratory mode (no ring tone) in the cage. After the experimental period, passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology were studied.

RESULTS

Passive avoidance behaviour was significantly affected in mobile phone RF-EMR-exposed rats demonstrated as shorter entrance latency to the dark compartment when compared to the control rats. Marked morphological changes were also observed in the CA(3) region of the hippocampus of the mobile phone-exposed rats in comparison to the control rats.

CONCLUSION

Mobile phone RF-EMR exposure significantly altered the passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in rats.

Comparison of radiofrequency exposure of a mouse dam and foetuses at 900 MHz

In vivo studies involving radiofrequency (RF) exposure of rodents require detailed dosimetric analysis to enable correct interpretation of biological outcomes. Detailed anatomical models of mice--a female, a pregnant female, a male and a foetus--have been developed for analyses using finite difference numerical techniques. The mouse models, consisting of 49 tissues, will be made freely available to the research community. In this note, the pregnant mouse model, which included eight mature foetuses, was utilized specifically to consider (a) the RF dosimetry in a radial cavity exposure system operated at a frequency of 900 MHz and (b) a 900 MHz plane wave exposure. A comparison was made between the exposure of the mouse dam and the foetuses as specified by the specific energy absorption rate (SAR) and the resultant temperature change. In general, the SAR levels in the foetuses were determined to be slightly lower (around 14% lower than the average values of the dam) and the peak temperature increase was significantly lower (45%) than the values in the dam.

Effects of head-only exposure of rats to GSM-900 on blood-brain barrier permeability and neuronal degeneration

Salford et al. reported in 2003 that a single 2-h exposure to GSM-900 mobile telephony signals induced brain damage (increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and presence of dark neurons) 50 days after exposure. In our study, 16 Fischer 344 rats (14 weeks old) were exposed head-only to the GSM-900 signal for 2 h at various brain-averaged SARs (0, 0.14 and 2.0 W/kg) or were used as cage or positive controls. Albumin leakage and neuron degeneration were evaluated 14 and 50 days after exposure. No apoptotic neurons were found 14 days after the last exposure using the TUNEL method. No statistically significant albumin leakage was observed. Neuronal degeneration, assessed using cresyl violet or the more specific marker Fluoro-Jade B, was not significantly different among the tested groups. No apoptotic neurons were detected. The findings of our study did not confirm the previous results of Salford et al.

The action of pulse-modulated GSM radiation increases regional changes in brain activity and c-Fos expression in cortical and subcortical areas in a rat model of picrotoxin-induced seizure proneness

The action of the pulse-modulated GSM radiofrequency of mobile phones has been suggested as a physical phenomenon that might have biological effects on the mammalian central nervous system. In the present study, GSM-exposed picrotoxin-pretreated rats showed differences in clinical and EEG signs, and in c-Fos expression in the brain, with respect to picrotoxin-treated rats exposed to an equivalent dose of unmodulated radiation. Neither radiation treatment caused tissue heating, so thermal effects can be ruled out. The most marked effects of GSM radiation on c-Fos expression in picrotoxin-treated rats were observed in limbic structures, olfactory cortex areas and subcortical areas, the dentate gyrus, and the central lateral nucleus of the thalamic intralaminar nucleus group. Nonpicrotoxin-treated animals exposed to unmodulated radiation showed the highest levels of neuronal c-Fos expression in cortical areas. These results suggest a specific effect of the pulse modulation of GSM radiation on brain activity of a picrotoxin-induced seizure-proneness rat model and indicate that this mobile-phone-type radiation might induce regional changes in previous preexcitability conditions of neuronal activation.

Increased blood-brain barrier permeability in mammalian brain 7 days after exposure to the radiation from a GSM-900 mobile phone

Microwaves were for the first time produced by humans in 1886 when radio waves were broadcasted and received. Until then microwaves had only existed as a part of the cosmic background radiation since the birth of universe. By the following utilization of microwaves in telegraph communication, radars, television and above all, in the modern mobile phone technology, mankind is today exposed to microwaves at a level up to 10(20) times the original background radiation since the birth of universe. Our group has earlier shown that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones alters the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in albumin extravasation immediately and 14 days after 2h of exposure. In the background section of this report, we present a thorough review of the literature on the demonstrated effects (or lack of effects) of microwave exposure upon the BBB. Furthermore, we have continued our own studies by investigating the effects of GSM mobile phone radiation upon the blood-brain barrier permeability of rats 7 days after one occasion of 2h of exposure. Forty-eight rats were exposed in TEM-cells for 2h at non-thermal specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0mW/kg, 0.12mW/kg, 1.2mW/kg, 12mW/kg and 120mW/kg. Albumin extravasation over the BBB, neuronal albumin uptake and neuronal damage were assessed. Albumin extravasation was enhanced in the mobile phone exposed rats as compared to sham controls after this 7-day recovery period (Fisher's exact probability test, p=0.04 and Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.012), at the SAR-value of 12mW/kg (Mann-Whitney, p=0.007) and with a trend of increased albumin extravasation also at the SAR-values of 0.12mW/kg and 120mW/kg. There was a low, but significant correlation between the exposure level (SAR-value) and occurrence of focal albumin extravasation (r(s)=0.33; p=0.04). The present findings are in agreement with our earlier studies where we have seen increased BBB permeability immediately and 14 days after exposure. We here discuss the present findings as well as the previous results of altered BBB permeability from our and other laboratories.