Evaluation of the potential of mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields (UMTS) to produce micronuclei in human glioblastoma cell lines

Authors: Halh Al-Serori, Michael Kundi, Franziska Ferk, Miroslav Mišík, Armen Nersesyan, Manuel Murbach, Tamara T. Lah, Siegfried Knasmüller

Year: April 2017

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Toxicology in Vitro

DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.01.012

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2017.01.012

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the potential carcinogenic effects of electromagnetic fields, specifically those from Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) frequencies utilized in mobile phones, on human glioblastoma cell lines.

Findings

  • Significant epidemiological concern regarding mobile phone's role in initiating glioblastomas in humans through genomic instability.
  • Investigation of UMTS-RF effect on micronucleus (MN) formation and other nuclear anomalies like nuclear buds (NBUDs) and nucleoplasmatic bridges (NPBs) in glioblastoma cell lines with varied p53 genetic status.
  • Testing conditions included different SAR doses and potential synergistic impact with mitomycin C; however, no chromosomal damage or MN induction was observed.
  • Noticeable induction of apoptosis specifically in the U251 cell line with a mutated p53 gene, suggesting differential cellular responses based on genetic factors.

Conclusion

While the UMTS-RF exposure did not directly cause chromosomal damage, its role in inducing apoptosis, especially in genetically susceptible glioblastoma cells, warns of potential underlying mechanisms of action and calls for further investigation into the molecular pathways affected by UMTS-RF exposure.

EMF UMTS glioblastoma micronuclei apoptosis DNA damage cell death
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