The genotoxic effect of radiofrequency waves on mouse brain

J Neurooncol. 2012 Jan;106(1):53-8. doi: 10.1007/s11060-011-0644-z. Epub 2011 Jul 6.

Abstract

Concerns about the health effects of radiofrequency (RF) waves have been raised because of the gradual increase in usage of cell phones, and there are scientific questions and debates about the safety of those instruments in daily life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic effects of RF waves in an experimental brain cell culture model. Brain cell cultures of the mice were exposed to 10.715 GHz with specific absorbtion rate (SAR) 0.725 W/kG signals for 6 h in 3 days at 25°C to check for the changes in the micronucleus (MNi) assay and in the expression of 11 proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes. It was found that MNi rate increased 11-fold and STAT3 expression decreased 7-fold in the cell cultures which were exposed to RF. Cell phones which spread RF may damage DNA and change gene expression in brain cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Brain / radiation effects*
  • Cell Phone
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Damage / radiation effects*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Microwaves
  • RNA / biosynthesis
  • RNA / genetics
  • Radio Waves*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / biosynthesis
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics

Substances

  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Stat3 protein, mouse
  • RNA