Mitigation of 3.5 GHz Electromagnetic Field-Induced BV2 Microglial Cytotoxicity by Polydeoxyribonucleotide

Authors: Pachhapure S, Mufida A, Wei Q, Choi J-S, Jang B-C

Year: 2025

Category: Cellular Neuroscience, Molecular Biology

Journal: Current Issues in Molecular Biology

DOI: 10.3390/cimb47060386

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/6/386

Abstract

Overview

Emerging evidence highlights the biological risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by electronic devices. However, our understanding of the toxic effects and underlying mechanisms induced by EMF exposure on microglial cells is limited. The identification of potential natural inhibitors to mitigate these effects is of increasing importance, especially with the widespread use of devices like smartphones (5G) and microwave ovens emitting 3.5 GHz EMF radiation.

Study Focus

  • Examined the effects of 3.5 GHz EMF radiation on the growth of BV2 mouse microglial cells.
  • Evaluated the ability of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a DNA preparation from salmon sperm, to inhibit these effects.

Findings

  • Exposure to 3.5 GHz EMF radiation for 2 hours significantly inhibited cell growth and triggered apoptosis in BV2 cells.
  • Markers of cytotoxicity included reduced cell survival, increased genomic DNA fragmentation, heightened reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and changes in phosphorylation and expression of signaling proteins (JNK-1/2, p38 MAPK, ERK-1/2, eIF-2a, procaspase-9).
  • Pharmacological studies pinpointed JNK-1/2, p38 MAPK activation, and ROS generation as key events in EMF-induced cytotoxicity.
  • PDRN effectively countered EMF-induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting JNK-1/2, p38 MAPK, caspase-9 activation, and ROS production, though it did not impact eIF-2 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that PDRN protects BV2 microglial cells against cytotoxicity induced by 3.5 GHz EMF exposure—a frequency commonly emitted by modern wireless devices and appliances. PDRN's protective effects are mainly exerted through modulation of ROS, JNK-1/2, p38 MAPK, and caspase-9. This highlights a direct biological link between EMF exposure and cellular damage, confirming the connection to health risk, and underscores the need for protective strategies in environments with significant EMF exposure.

electromagnetic fields microglial cytotoxicity 3.5 GHz PDRN oxidative stress apoptosis 5G radiation
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