Mobile phone specific EMF induce transient DNA damage and nucleotide excision repair in serum-deprived human glioblastoma cells

Abstract

Overview

The study examines the impact of UMTS signals—common in mobile telecommunications—on DNA stability across ten human cell lines including brain, lymphocyte, fibroblast, liver, and buccal tissues, investigating conditions relevant to typical mobile phone usage.

Findings

• Epidemiological evidence suggests mobile phone usage might be linked to cancer development, particularly glioblastomas.
• DNA plays a crucial role in cancer development; the study focuses on DNA damage and repair mechanisms.
• No DNA damage was detected when cells were cultivated with serum. However, significant effects were observed in serum-free conditions in p53 proficient glioblastoma cells, but not in p53 deficient cells.
• DNA damage was followed by rapid repairs primarily through nucleotide excision repair processes without causing double strand breaks.
• Exposure to EMF resulted in the up-regulation of proteins involved in nucleotide excision repair, suggesting activation of cellular defenses against genetic instability.
• Limited signs were also found for the activation of the γ-interferon pathway, indicating a broader biological response.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields can induce transient genetic instability in glioma cells and trigger significant cellular repair responses, highlighting potential health risks associated with mobile phone EMF exposure, particularly under cellular stress conditions such as serum deprivation.