Investigation of genetic stress parameters in brain tissues of rats exposed to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field

Authors: Arslan B, Aras N, Yaman S, Comelekoglu U

Year: 2024

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: Med Science

URL: https://www.medicinescience.org/article/4261

Abstract

Overview

This study examines the impact of exposure to 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) typical of cell phone radiation on genetic stress parameters in the brain of rats.

  • Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are known to be critical in various cellular processes, including replication, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades act as a primary mechanism for mediating cellular stress responses to external factors, influencing transcriptional regulation.
  • Previous research has indicated that mobile phone exposure can activate the Hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway.

Research Methodology

  • 27 mature female Wistar albino rats were divided into sham-exposed, cage control, and 1.8 GHz RF-EMF exposed groups.
  • Exposure: 2 hours per day for 8 weeks (SAR: 0.06 W/kg).
  • Gene expression of Hsp27 and p38MAPK was measured in rat brain tissue.

Findings

  • p38MAPK gene expression was significantly upregulated in the brains of the RF-EMF exposed group (p=0.018).
  • Hsp27 gene expression levels did not show significant alteration (p=0.897).

Conclusion

Long-term exposure to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiation can activate the Hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway in rat brains. Activation of this stress pathway may lead to several cellular disorders and negatively impact brain function. The link between RF-EMF exposure and changes in key stress response genes highlights the potential health risks associated with chronic electromagnetic field exposure.

RF-EMF brain tissue Hsp27 p38MAPK stress pathway gene expression cell phone radiation
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