Abstract

Study Overview

This study explores the controversial effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on human immune cells, specifically targeting the cell counts and cytokine profiles under varied exposure conditions.

Objective

The primary goal is to evaluate how 1800 MHz RF-EMF impacts peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), focusing on T helper cells and associated cytokines over different exposure durations and distances.

Methods

• Subjects: Healthy human subjects' PBMCs.
• Exposure: 1800 MHz RF-EMF at distances of 5 and 25 cm.
• Duration: 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes.
• Analysis: Flow cytometry to analyze CD4+ T cell counts and IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17a expression post 48 hours of culture.

Key Findings

Exposure resulted in a decrease in CD4+ T cell numbers and cytokine expression, with specific alterations across varying durations and distances:

• Decreased number of CD4+ T cells with closer distance and longer exposure.
• Significant changes in cytokine expression, notably IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17a.
• An initial increase in IL-2 expression with increased exposure duration, followed by a decline after 60 minutes when compared to the non-exposed control group.

Conclusion

Significant reductions in immune cell function and regulatory cytokine levels were observed following 60 minutes of exposure to 1800 MHz RF-EMF at a distance of 5 cm, highlighting potential health risks linked to electromagnetic field exposure.