Acceleration of the development of benzopyrene-induced skin cancer in mice by microwave radiation

Abstract

Development and growth of skin cancer may be affected by various physical and chemical factors present in human environment. Of these factors electromagnetic radiation of radio- and microwave spectra are among the most common. In the present study Balb/c mice were exposed to chemical carcinogen, 3,4-benzopyrene, painted on the skin every 2nd day for a total of 6 months, and simultaneously irradiated with athermal (5 mW/cm2) or subthermal (15 mW/cm2) doses of 2,450 MHz microwaves. The other group of animals was preirradiated with microwaves at 10 mW/cm2 power level for 1, 2, or 3 months and then treated with benzopyrene, as above. Control mice were exposed for 6 months to benzopyrene, resulting in the development of baso- or spinocellular skin carcinoma within approximately 9 months, and sham-irradiated with microwaves. The growth of the tumour was assessed according to a self-designed 7-range macroscopic scale, supported by microscopical examinations of skin sections. All protocols of microwave irradiations resulted in a significant acceleration of the development of benzopyrene-induced skin cancer and in shortening of life span of the tumour-bearing hosts. This effect seemed to be dose-dependent since subthermal doses (15 mV/cm2) and longer (3 months) expositions to microwaves were more efficient as compared to athermal doses (5 mW/cm2) and shorter preirradiations. In addition, low-level, long-lasting exposure to microwaves led to a marked suppression of delayed hypersensitivity of mice treated with benzopyrene, as assessed by their reactivity to dinitrofluorbenzene (DNFB). It is suggested that the observed co-carcinogenic effect of microwave radiation may, at least in part, result from the inhibitory action of microwaves on cellular immune reactions of exposed animals.

Effect of 900 MHz Radio Frequency Radiation on Beta Amyloid Protein, Protein Carbonyl, and Malondialdehyde in the Brain

“…These include the possibility of initiation and/or promotion of carcinogenesis and the induction of genetic damage (WHO, 1993). Some studies indicated that exposure to radiofrequencies promoted cancer in conventional mice and lymphoma in transgenic mice (Em-pim 1) that are prone to lymphoma (Szmigielski et al, 1982;Szudzinski et al, 1982;Repacholi et al, 1997). However, Sommer et al (2004) showed that mobile phone exposure does not promote lymphoma in AKR/J mice.…”

Millimetre‐wave waveguide reflectometers for early detection of skin cancer

“…The new calculated permittivity for E + D at 42 GHz is ε m = 15-j20.5. In the simulation, based on the statistic data, the thickness of SC is changed to around 50 μm [18].…”

The Effect of Continuous Low-Intensity Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Radio Base Stations to Cancer Mortality in Brazil

“…The evidence of radiofrequency radiation carcinogenesis has increased since 2011. Some animal studies suggest that exposure to electromagnetic fields accelerate the development of sarcoma colonies in the lung, mammary tumors, skin tumors, hepatomas, and sarcomas [21,22]. This study detected an increase in the rate of death by cancer in capitals where there is a greater exposure to electromagnetic fields emanating from radio base stations.…”