Single-cell analysis reveals the spatiotemporal effects of long-term electromagnetic field exposure on the liver

Authors: Zhang M, Lv Z, Zhao L, Zeng Q, Wu Y, Zhou J, Xi J, Pei X, Wang H, Li C, Yue W

Year: 2025 Jun 27

Category: Cell Biology, Toxicology

Journal: Front Cell Dev Biol

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1579121

URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1579121/full

Abstract

Overview

Artificial electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have the potential to impair organ function. In particular, this study addresses their long-term impact on the liver, the body's metabolic hub. Researchers aimed to systematically evaluate how prolonged EMF exposure affects liver health and function.

Methods

  • Mice were subjected to 2.45 GHz EMF exposure daily for up to 5 months.
  • Comprehensive liver assessments included serum liver function tests, lipidomic analyses, and histological evaluations.
  • Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatiotemporally resolved transcriptomic analysis were used to explore EMF-induced changes at the cellular level.

Findings

  • Different hepatic cell types exhibited varying sensitivities to electromagnetic radiation.
  • Hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and monocytes were particularly sensitive, experiencing disruptions in lipid metabolism, immune regulation, and intrinsic cellular functions, respectively.
  • Most transcriptomic alterations were localized in peri-portal regions of the liver, indicating a spatial (zonation-related) sensitivity pattern.

Conclusion

This study provides detailed spatiotemporal visualization of how EMF exposure alters hepatic cellular biology, offering crucial evidence linking long-term EMF exposure to significant biological impacts on the liver. These findings support heightened concern regarding EMF’s role in liver dysfunction and overall organ health.

electromagnetic fields liver function single-cell RNA sequencing long-term exposure hepatic cell response lipid metabolism organ toxicity
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