Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communication on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice
Abstract
Overview
With the rapid development of 5G networks, there is growing concern about the potential impact of radiofrequency fields (RF) generated by 5G communication devices on human health. This study investigates the effects of long-term exposure to a 4.9 GHz RF field, which is one of the working frequencies of 5G communication, on the fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in adult male C57BL/6 mice.
Methodology
- Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a Sham group and a radiofrequency (RF) group.
- The RF group underwent whole-body exposure to a 4.9 GHz RF field for three weeks (1 hour per day) at an average power density (PD) of 50 W/m2.
- After RF exposure, fecal samples were collected for analysis:
- Gut microorganisms were detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Metabolites were analyzed using the LC-MS method.
Findings
- Intestinal microbiota composition was altered in the RF group, with reduced microbial diversity and changes in microbial community distribution.
- Metabolomics profiling identified 258 significantly differentially abundant metabolites in the RF group, 57 of which were classified to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways.
- Functional correlation analysis revealed significant associations between changes in gut microbiota genera and changes in fecal metabolites.
Conclusion
The study concludes that exposure to 4.9 GHz radiofrequency fields, such as those used in 5G communications, is associated with alterations in gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. This highlights an important link between electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and potential health risks, reaffirming the need for further research into EMF safety.