5G RF-EMFs Mitigate UV-Induced Genotoxic Stress Through Redox Balance and p38 Pathway Regulation in Skin Cells

Authors: Kim JH, Jin H, Jang KM, Lee JE, Na S, Jeon S, Choi HD, Moon JI, Kim N, Lim KM, Kim HR, Lee YS

Year: 2026 Jan 19

Category: Cellular Biology, Electromagnetic Field Research

Journal: Antioxidants (Basel)

DOI: 10.3390/antiox15010127

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/15/1/127

Abstract

Overview

The biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) remain an unresolved scientific issue with critical societal implications, especially amid the proliferation of fifth-generation (5G) wireless technologies. The skin, being constantly exposed to both RF-EMFs and ultraviolet (UV) radiation—a known cause of oxidative stress and DNA damage—serves as an important model for understanding combined environmental exposures.

Study Aim

This study explored whether exposure to 5G RF-EMFs (3.5 and 28 GHz) after ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation could modulate UVA-induced genotoxic stress in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and murine melanoma (B16) cells.

Findings

  • Post-UV RF-EMF exposure significantly reduced DNA damage markers, specifically decreasing phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) foci formation by approximately 30-50% and comet tail moments by 60-80%.
  • There was a substantial suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation (reduced by 56-93%).
  • RF-EMF exposure led to selective attenuation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, diminished by 55-85%.
  • The protective molecular effects observed were similar to those seen with N-acetylcysteine treatment or pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK.
  • RF-EMF exposure did not mitigate UV-induced reductions in cell viability or alterations in cell cycle distribution, indicating its effect is specific to early stress-response mechanisms, not downstream cell survival.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that 5G RF-EMFs can facilitate recovery from UVA-induced molecular damage in skin cells, acting via redox-sensitive and p38-dependent pathways. This provides new mechanistic insight into how modern telecommunication frequencies may interact with other environmental stressors affecting human health.

Warning: There is a demonstrated link between electromagnetic field exposure and molecular changes in cells relevant to genotoxic stress. This highlights the importance of understanding EMF safety and exposure guidelines.

5G RF-EMF UV radiation Skin cells Genotoxicity Redox balance p38 MAPK
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