Effects of 4.9 GHz Radiofrequency Field Exposure on Brain Metabolomic and Proteomic Characterization in Mice

Abstract

Overview

Electromagnetic exposure is widespread, and its biological impacts are a growing concern. This study investigates the metabolic and protein expression changes in mice brains and serum after exposure to a 4.9 GHz radiofrequency field.

Methodology

C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups: a Sham group and an RF group. The RF group was exposed to 4.9 GHz RF field for 35 days, one hour per day, at a power density of 50 W/m2. Subsequent analyses involved untargeted metabolomics and Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) quantitative proteomics.

Findings

• Identification of 104 up-regulated and 153 down-regulated differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the brain and serum of the RF-exposed group, predominantly affecting glycerophospholipid metabolism.
• Discovery of 10 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the RF-exposed brain tissues.
• Significant functional correlations were observed between most DEMs and DEPs, indicating a disturbance in metabolic processes and deregulation of brain proteins.

Conclusion

The study highlights the changes in metabolite and protein expression due to 4.9 GHz RF exposure, emphasizing alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolism and protein profiles in the brain. These changes may contribute to the observed biological effects and behavioral modifications post-RF exposure.