Long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones can cause considerable changes in the balance of Bax/Bcl2 mRNA expression in the hippocampus of mice

Abstract

Overview

The study focused on understanding the impact of varying durations of daily exposure to mobile phone radiation on the hippocampal expression of two critical apoptotic genes in mice.

Methodology

• Forty-eight male BALB/c mice were divided into six groups, with eight animals per group.
• Four groups were exposed to electromagnetic waves for durations of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours twice daily for 30 days.
• An additional group was exposed to radiation for 4 hours once daily.
• The control group was not exposed to any radiation.

Findings

Analysis revealed:

• Significant upregulation of Bax and Bcl2 mRNAs in mice exposed to radiation for 1 and 2 hours.
• Highest gene expression in the two-hour exposure group.
• Downregulation of gene expression in animals exposed to longer durations, indicating a duration-dependent effect.
• Maximum ratio of Bax/Bcl2 expression was noted in mice exposed to radiation for 4 hours twice a day.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a significant alteration in the apoptotic gene expression balance in the hippocampus due to mobile phone radiation, highlighting a potential health risk associated with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).