Effect of electromagnetic field exposure on the transcription of repetitive DNA elements in human cells

Abstract

Overview

Repetitive DNA (RE-DNA), which was once thought to be inactive, has now been discovered to be capable of being transcribed. Environmental stress conditions, including electromagnetic field exposure, have been identified as triggers for transcription alterations that may lead to human pathological effects.

Objective

This study investigates whether radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) specifically modulate the transcription of RE-DNA in human cells.

Method

• Three human cell lines (HeLa, BE(2)C, and SH-SY5Y) were exposed to 900 MHz GSM-modulated RF-EMF.
• The specific absorption rate was set at 1 W/kg.
• Control groups included cells exposed to sham environments.
• Messenger RNA levels of RE-DNA were quantitatively analyzed using real-time PCR.

Findings

RF-EMF affected the transcription of RE-DNA with the degree of impact varying among the cell lines tested. This suggests that the response to RF-EMF is highly dependent on cellular and tissue context.

Conclusion

Exposure to electromagnetic fields can potentially alter the genetic transcription in human cells. These findings underscore the need for further studies to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and the broader implications for health risks associated with RF-EMF exposure.