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

Abstract

Overview

The current study focuses on the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) emitted from mobile phones on the brains of young, adolescent rats. Understanding the impact of RF-EMR exposure on brain development is crucial due to the increasing use of mobile devices among all age groups.

Findings

• RF-EMR exposure leads to oxidative damage of lipids and DNA within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
• Significant reductions in hippocampal neurogenesis were observed, marked by decreased numbers of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus.
• Neuronal degeneration and loss occurred in the dentate gyrus neurons, although no significant changes were noted in the CA3 and CA1 regions.
• Contrary to some degenerative pathways, RF-EMR does not activate caspase-dependent apoptotic processes.

Conclusion

Short-term acute exposure to RF-EMR results in the generation of carbon-centered lipid radicals and nuclear DNA damage, impairing neurogenesis and causing neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. These findings underline the need for strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of RF-EMR on brain health, particularly in young populations.