Label-Free Study of the Global Cell Behavior during Exposure to Environmental Radiofrequency Fields in the Presence or Absence of Pro-Apoptotic or Pro-Autophagic Treatments

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates whether environmental radiofrequency (RF) signals affect cell status or response to cellular stress conditions like apoptosis or autophagy.

Methodology

Using two label-free techniques—cellular impedancemetry and Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM)—the research aims to assess cellular responses under various conditions. The experiment involved human cell lines SH-SY5Y and HCT116, and primary rat cortex cells, including astrocytes and a co-culture of neurons and glial cells.

• Frequency Used: 1800 MHz modulated with GSM, UMTS, LTE, and Wi-Fi signals, as well as unmodulated continuous wave (CW).
• Specific Absorption Rates (S.A.R.): Range from 1.5 to 6 W/kg during DHM and 5 to 24 W/kg for cellular impedance recording.
• Exposure Duration: Continuously for three to five days at constant temperature.

Findings

Statistical analysis showed that RF-EMF exposure, even at S.A.R. levels above the standard guidelines, didn't significantly affect the behavior of healthy, apoptotic, or autophagic cells, provided the temperature was constant.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to the ongoing debate about RF-EMF's impact on biological systems but evidence from this study suggests no significant effect under controlled conditions. Further, extensive research is necessary to conclude definitively on the health risks associated with RF-EMF.