Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the potential health risks associated with the non-ionizing radiation from cell phones, focusing on changes in cytokine expression in salivary output of the parotid glands.

Background

• Controversy exists regarding how cell phone radiation impacts cellular processes and overall health.
• Objective was to determine if cell phone use impacts cytokine levels in saliva from the parotid glands.

Methods

• Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) used to profile cytokines in saliva from parotid glands of healthy volunteers correlated with cell phone usage.

Findings

• Comparison of cytokine levels between saliva from the gland exposed to cell phone radiation (ipsilateral) and the unexposed gland (contralateral).
• Notable differences were found in IL-10 and IL-1β levels, indicating a pro-inflammatory microenvironment possibly due to heat from the cell phones.
• Distinct cytokine profile changes in individuals using cell phones for longer than a decade.

Conclusion

Exposure to cell phone radiation may modify salivary IL-10 and IL-1β levels, suggesting a potential health risk from prolonged cell phone use due to the creation of a pro-inflammatory state in the parotid glands.