Role of radio-frequency electromagnetic waves in causing oxidative stress

Authors: Siddiqi N, Al Nazwani N

Year: 2024

Category: Toxicology, Developmental Biology

Journal: Fundamental Principles of Oxidative Stress in Metabolism and Reproduction (Academic Press)

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-18807-7.00005-3

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443188077000053

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones on the heart, liver, and brain of developing chick embryos. Forty fertilized chick eggs were randomly divided into an exposed group and a control group.

  • The exposed group was incubated with a mobile phone that was called externally 10 times daily for 5 minutes each (totaling 50 minutes daily exposure).
  • Eggs were maintained within one wavelength (16.5 cm) of a mobile phone emitting at 1800 MHz.
  • Embryos were sacrificed at days 10 and 15 of development for analysis.

Findings

  • Electron microscopy revealed elongated, dumbbell-shaped mitochondria in hepatocytes, swollen mitochondria in neurons, and damaged mitochondria as well as intercalated discs in cardiomyocytes of exposed groups.
  • Levels of heat shock protein HSP70 were increased in the cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes of exposed embryos, confirming the presence of oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The study documents clear evidence that radio-frequency electromagnetic waves can induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in heart, liver, and neuronal tissues of developing embryos. The findings strongly support the link between electromagnetic field exposure and harmful cellular effects. Further research is encouraged to elucidate the full mechanisms, particularly the pathway to apoptosis triggered by mitochondrial damage under RFW exposure.

radio-frequency electromagnetic fields oxidative stress chick embryo mitochondria HSP70 cell damage
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