Abstract

Overview

This study examines the impact of a 1.8 GHz radiofrequency (RF) field on the femur bone's microstructure and metabolism in mice. The subjects, male C57BL/6 mice aged 4 weeks, underwent whole-body exposure—or were sham exposed—to this frequency.

Methodology

The experiments were carried out with specific absorption rates of approximately 2.70 W/kg for the whole body and 1.14 W/kg for bone over 28 days at 6 hours per day. Assessment techniques included microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), and Masson staining to observe the microstructure and morphology of the femur.

Findings

• Bone Analysis: Calculated parameters from reconstructed images such as structure model index, bone mineral density, and others showed no significant change in the RF exposure group compared to the sham group.
• Biomarkers: There was an increase in the activity of serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 29.47% and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) by 16.82% in the RF group, indicating potential stimulation of osteoblast metabolic function.
• Metabolic Activity: No significant differences were observed in the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) between the groups.

Conclusion

Under the conditions of this experiment, there was no support found for effects of 1.8 GHz RF field on bone microstructure. However, indications of enhanced metabolic function in osteoblasts were seen, providing a basis for further research into RF field impacts on bone health.