Study of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced in human fibroblasts by exposure to pulsed and continuous 1.6 GHz radiofrequency

Authors: Massaro L, De Sanctis S, Franchini V, Regalbuto E, Alfano G, Focaccetti C, Benvenuto M, Cifaldi L, Sgura A, Berardinelli F, Marinaccio J, Barbato F, Rossi E, Nardozi D, Masuelli L, Bei R, Lista F

Year: 2024

Category: Cellular Biology, Toxicology

Journal: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1419525

URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1419525

Abstract

Overview

The widespread use of radiofrequency (RF) sources—including household appliances, telecommunications devices, and military equipment—has raised concerns among the public and regulatory agencies over the potential health risks associated with RF exposure. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have sought to elucidate the biological, especially non-thermal, effects of this non-ionizing radiation. However, the subject remains controversial due to conflicting findings. Furthermore, the effects of various RF signal modulations on biological systems are not well understood. This in vitro study investigates the genotoxic and cytotoxic consequences of exposure to either continuous or pulsed 1.6 GHz RF in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF).

Methods

  • HDF cultures were exposed to continuous and pulsed 1.6 GHz RF for 2 hours at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.4 W/kg.
  • A multi-methodological approach was used to analyze effects on:
    • Cell cycle
    • Ultrastructure
    • Protein expression
    • Mitotic spindle
    • CREST stained micronuclei
    • Chromosome segregation
    • γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci

Findings

  • Exposure to 1.6 GHz RF altered both protein expression and cellular morphology in HDF.
  • Expression of various heat-shock proteins (HSP-90, HSP-60, HSP-25) and phospho-AKT were affected.
  • Both pulsed and continuous RF altered cytoskeletal organization and increased lysosome numbers. Autophagosome formation occurred only under pulsed RF.
  • Mitotic spindle anomalies were observed after RF exposure.
  • No significant effects found on cell cycle, chromosome segregation, CREST-stained micronuclei, or γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci.

Conclusion

The study found no evidence of genotoxic damage in HDF exposed to 1.6 GHz RF. Although alterations to the mitotic spindle were detected, these did not result in aneugenic effects. Nevertheless, changes in protein expression and cell ultrastructure indicate that RF exposure can produce morphological and molecular-level alterations in cells. These biological effects underscore a potential health risk and highlight the importance of further research to fully understand the impact of ubiquitous RF-EMF exposure, particularly given the connection between EMF exposure and cellular level alterations relevant to human health.

radiofrequency genotoxicity cytotoxicity human fibroblasts 1.6 GHz EMF safety protein expression
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