Indirect effects of interference of two emerging environmental contaminants on cell health: Radiofrequency radiation and gold nanoparticles

Authors: Jooyan N, Mortazavi SMJ, Goliaei B, Faraji-Dana R

Year: 2023

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Chemosphere

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140942

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653523032125

Abstract

Overview

The global demand for wireless technologies is increasing, elevating our exposure to a new type of environmental pollutant: radiofrequency radiation (RFR). This research explores the indirect or non-targeted effects of RFR, particularly in the presence of gold nanoparticles (GNP).

Methods

Experimental Setup: Non-toxic dose of 15-nm GNP was applied to treat Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells.
Procedure: Cells were incubated for 48 hours, followed by exposure to 900 MHz GSM RFR for 24 hours. Subsequently, the conditioned culture medium (CCM) from these cells was transferred to new bystander cells.
Assessments Conducted: Cell deaths, DNA breaks, oxidative stress, and COX-2 expression were analyzed across all groups.

Findings

RFR increased metabolic cell death in cells augmented with GNP.
Reduction in colony formation in bystander and RFR exposed cells, with or without GNP treatment.
A decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in GNP treated cells in comparison to untreated cells.
No significant impact was observed on RFR-induced DNA breaks and micronuclei frequencies due to GNP.
Increased COX-2 mRNA expression in RFR and GNP treated cells, though not significantly.

Conclusion

This study is among the first to demonstrate the indirect effects of RFR in the presence of GNP, underlining differing molecular mediators versus when GNP is absent. Additionally, it indicates that COX-2 does not play a role in the bystander effect caused by 900 MHz RFR.

← Back to Stats