Effect of cell phone-like electromagnetic radiation on primary human thyroid cells

Abstract

Overview

The study aims to evaluate the potential carcinogenic effects of radiofrequency energy (RFE), akin to that emitted by cell phones, specifically targeting human primary thyroid cells.

Materials and Methods

• Primary thyroid cell cultures from normal thyroid tissues of surgical patients were prepared.
• Cells were irradiated inside an incubator using a setup simulating cell phone-RFE.
• Cell proliferation and stress markers such as antigen Kiel clone-67 (Ki-67), tumor suppressor p53 (p53), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed.

Findings

The irradiation conditions did not influence Ki-67, nor p53 expression, DNA ploidy, or the expression of stress markers HSP70 and ROS. These findings suggest that the specific RFE conditions applied did not have carcinogenic effects on the assessed thyroid cells.

Conclusion

No potential carcinogenic effect of simulated cell phone-RFE on human thyroid cells was observed. Further studies are advised to explore broader conditions and parameters.