Abstract

Overview

With the exponential growth of the wireless communication industry, humans are experiencing increased exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), particularly radiofrequency (RF) emissions. The skin, being the most external organ, is primarily affected by these exposures.

Findings

• Extremely low-frequency EMF (ELF-EMF) has been shown to enhance DNA repair capabilities in human cell lines.
• This study investigates EMF associated with long-term evolution (LTE, 1.762 GHz, 8 W/kg) and its impact on DNA double-strand break (DSB) in murine melanoma (B16) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines.
• Key observations include:
  • No significant impact on cell viability or induction of apoptosis/necrosis from EMF-LTE alone.
  • Lack of DNA DSB induction by EMF-LTE as per neutral comet assay results.
  • EMF-LTE exposure reduces DNA DSB damage caused by other physical and chemical DNA-damaging agents, such as ionizing radiation and bleomycin.
  • Confirmation of protective effects through reduced levels of the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX post-EMF-LTE exposure.
• In vivo exposure to EMF-LTE in mice showed reduced γ-H2AX levels in skin tissues.
• Notably, p53, a critical tumor-suppressor gene, was upregulated following EMF-LTE exposure in both cell lines tested.

Conclusion

The results suggest a potentially protective role of EMF-LTE against DNA damage in skin cells. However, the full health implications and the protective mechanisms require further scientific investigation to better understand their significance in human health.