Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on neuronal differentiation and mitochondrial function in SH-SY5Y cells

Authors: von Niederhäusern N, Ducray A, Zielinski J, Murbach M, Mevissen M

Year: 2019 Jul 24

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Toxicol In Vitro

DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104609

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31351122

Abstract

Overview

Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has dramatically increased with the expanding use of mobile phones worldwide. This study investigates the effects of RF-EMF on neuronal differentiation and mitochondrial function in SH-SY5Y cells.

Findings

  • Differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells involved the use of all-trans retinoic acid or staurosporine to obtain cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons.
  • Exposure parameters included 935 MHz, 4 W/kg for 24 hours.
  • There was no quantitative alteration in the neuronal phenotypes post-exposure.
  • Signaling pathways such as MAPK, Erk1/2, Akt, GSK3β, and Wnt/β-catenin were not significantly affected when compared to sham exposure.
  • RF-EMF impaired mitochondrial respiration under glucose deprivation conditions, indicating a potential risk in scenarios of additional cellular stress.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a possible impairment of mitochondrial function by RF-EMF under specific stress conditions, potentially linking to neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. Further in-depth research is advocated to explore these findings.

electromagnetic fields neuronal differentiation mitochondrial function neurodegeneration SH-SY5Y cells
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