Abstract

Overview

The present study aims to understand the molecular responses of rat skin when exposed to 10 GHz microwave radiation, highlighting potential health risks for humans.

Findings

• Exposure was set at 10 mW/cm2, twice the ICNIRP-2020 occupational reference for humans, for 3 hours daily over 30 days.
• Significant biophysical, biochemical, and molecular changes were observed, with an increase in average skin surface temperature by 1.8°C.
• Noteworthy oxidative stress markers such as ROS, 4-HNE, LPO, and AOPP showed increased levels.
• Increased expression of inflammatory and metabolic markers, including NFkB, iNOS/NOS2, and COX-2 was detected.
• Significant alterations in cell survival markers, and stress-response signaling cascades were noted.
• No apoptosis was observed in the MW-irradiated groups, as evidenced by unchanged caspase-3 levels.
• Minor histopathological changes like cytoarchitectural alterations in the epidermal layer and leukocyte aggregation were present.

Conclusion

The study indicates significant molecular alterations due to MW exposure potentially signaling health risks, necessitating further research on prolonged pulsed-mode MW radiation exposure.