Abstract

Overview

In a pivotal study, the relationship between radiofrequency exposure (RF) and triggers of oxidative stress was probed by observing changes in cellular oxidation-reduction balance post RF exposure. Investigative efforts focused on fibroblast cells V79, which were subjected to 1800 MHz RF radiation for durations spanning 10, 30, and 60 minutes.

Findings

• Experimental Setting: The applied electric field strength was 30 V/m, with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.6 W/kg. The RF was generated using a Gigahertz Transversal Electromagnetic Mode cell (GTEM) equipped with a signal generator, amplifier, and modulator.
• Cell Viability & Oxidative Markers: V79 cell viability was sustained within normal ranges across varying exposure times. The ROS levels, detected via dihydroethidium staining, elevated notably after 60 minutes.
• Antioxidant Response: Immediately following a 10-minute exposure, there was a significant rise in GSH levels accompanied by marginally increased but statistically insignificant GSH-Px activity.
• Lipid Oxidative Damage: Measures of lipid oxidative damage, through malondialdehyde concentration, remained unobserved in exposed cell samples.

Conclusion

This study underscores a transient oxidative-reduction imbalance triggered by short-term RF exposure in fibroblast cells which subsequently adapted to the experimental conditions. Highlighting a critical window where cellular exposure to RF may induce reversible oxidative stress, raising concerns about potential long-term biological impacts of sustained RF radiation exposure.