Effects of 4G Long-Term Evolution Electromagnetic Fields on Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and Behavioral Changes in Adolescent Male Mice

Authors: Kim H-Y, Son Y, Jeong YJ, Lee S-H, Kim N, Ahn YH, Jeon SB, Choi H-D, Lee H-J

Year: 2024

Category: Endocrinology, Neurobiology

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms252010875

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/20/10875

Abstract

Overview

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) possess the ability to penetrate biological tissues and may influence the development of the endocrine system as well as the brain. With the increasing use of mobile phones among children and adolescents, there is a growing concern about the long-term health effects of RF-EMF exposure, particularly in relation to brain and endocrine development.

Study Design

  • Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into groups and exposed to LTE EMF (whole-body average specific absorption rate [SAR] 4 W/kg) or positive control (lead; Pb, 300 ppm in drinking water) for 4 weeks.
  • Behavioral evaluations included open field, marble burying, and nest building tests.
  • Blood pituitary and thyroid hormone levels were measured, alongside the analysis of thyroid hormone-regulating gene expressions within the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.

Findings

  • Exposure to LTE EMF elevated T3 thyroid hormone levels.
  • Lead (Pb) exposure raised T3 and T4, and decreased ACTH levels.
  • No significant gene alterations were detected in the thyroid and pituitary glands after LTE EMF exposure; however, hypothalamic Dio2 and Dio3 gene expressions were significantly reduced in the LTE group compared to the sham group.
  • Pb exposure modified mRNA levels of Oatp1c1 and Trh in the hypothalamus, Trhr in the pituitary, and Tpo and Tg in the thyroid gland.

Conclusion

Exposure to LTE EMF altered the gene expression of hypothalamic Dio2 and Dio3, suggesting a potential impact on the function of the HPT axis in adolescent male mice. This study demonstrates a direct biological effect of fourth-generation wireless EMF exposure on endocrine system regulation, highlighting a potential connection between electromagnetic fields and thyroid hormone disruption as well as behavioral changes. Further research is warranted to clarify the broader implications of RF-EMF exposure on the endocrine health of young populations.

RF-EMF LTE thyroid hormones adolescent mice behavioral changes hypothalamic gene expression endocrine disruption
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