Abstract

Overview

As wireless communication technologies proliferate, understanding the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) remains crucial yet controversial.

Methodology

This ex vivo in vitro study utilized advanced detection methods for non-coding RNAs influencing post-transcriptional control, exposing human peripheral blood cells from five male donors to a continuous 900 MHz EMF for intervals of 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. A quantitative real time PCR platform known as the low density array was employed, measuring 667 miRNAs.

Findings

• Differential expression of miRNAs was significant (p ≤ 0.05) compared to SHAM (control) exposures, notably at 60% consistency across samples for any exposure time.
• Two miRNAs, miR-194 and miR-939, showed pronounced down-regulation at specific times, distinct from those in hyperthermia conditions.
• A repeat study after two years mirrored previous results, with 97.4% consistency yet failed to duplicate the differential miRNA expressions initially observed.

Conclusion

The study found no conclusive evidence of transformative miRNA expression changes due to short-term EMF exposure at 900 MHz. It noted variability among individuals in response to EMF, though no consistent pattern emerged to identify EMF-responsive individuals definitively.