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

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the detrimental effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on adolescent rat brains, highlighting cellular changes that may underpin neuropsychiatric alterations in young organisms.

Findings

• The research reports significant oxidative damage to lipids and DNA, particularly in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, after RF-EMR exposure.
• Reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis is noted, with a decrease in BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus (DG), which indicates impaired DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.
• Despite these significant damages, the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway was not activated, indicating that the cellular degeneration observed is independent of this apoptosis mechanism.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the potential hazards of RF-EMR exposure from commonly used electronic devices like mobile phones. The cellular damage noted in young rat brains beg a deeper investigation into similar effects in humans and the development of strategies to mitigate these harmful impacts.