Abstract

Overview

With the rapid development of 5G networks, the influence of the radiofrequency field (RF) generated from 5G communication equipment on human health is drawing increasing attention. This study explores the impact of long-term exposure to 4.9 GHz RF field on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice.

Methodology

• Subject: Adult male C57BL/6 mice
• Groups: Sham group and RF group (whole body exposed to 4.9 GHz RF field)
• Duration: Three weeks, 1 hour per day
• Power Density: 50 W/m2
• Analysis: 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC–MS method for microorganisms and metabolites detection

Findings

The RF exposure led to significant alterations in:

• Microbial diversity: Decrease noticed
• Microbial community distribution: Changes observed
• Metabolomics profiling: 258 differentially abundant metabolites identified, 57 linked to KEGG pathways

Furthermore, a functional correlation analysis highlighted significant relationships between alterations in gut microbiota genera and changes in fecal metabolites.

Conclusion

The study concludes that exposure to 4.9 GHz radiofrequency affects both gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in mice. These results illuminate potential health impacts of 5G RF exposure that could extend to humans.