Mobile phone signal exposure triggers a hormesis-like effect in Atm+/+ and Atm−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Abstract

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possible carcinogens to humans; however, this conclusion is based on limited epidemiological findings and lacks solid support from experimental studies. In particular, there are no consistent data regarding the genotoxicity of RF-EMFs. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is recognised as a chief guardian of genomic stability. To address the debate on whether RF-EMFs are genotoxic, we compared the effects of 1,800 MHz RF-EMF exposure on genomic DNA in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with proficient (Atm+/+) or deficient (Atm−/−) ATM. In Atm+/+ MEFs, RF-EMF exposure for 1 h at an average special absorption rate of 4.0 W/kg induced significant DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) and activated the SSB repair mechanism. This effect reduced the DNA damage to less than that of the background level after 36 hours of exposure. In the Atm−/− MEFs, the same RF-EMF exposure for 12 h induced both SSBs and double-strand breaks and activated the two repair processes, which also reduced the DNA damage to less than the control level after prolonged exposure. The observed phenomenon is similar to the hormesis of a toxic substance at a low dose. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report a hormesis-like effect of an RF-EMF.

Assessment of Genotoxicity in Human Cells Exposed to Modulated Electromagnetic Fields of Wireless Communication Devices

“…The results, cross-validated in two laboratories, thus demonstrate that the exposure of cultured human fibroblast and trophoblast cells to relevant wEMF signal modulations does not induce alkaline CA-detectable DNA damage. This is in contrast to previously reported CA effects, using comparable or even identical exposure conditions and/or cell lines [22,23,48], but is consistent with findings of other studies with similar experimental designs [40,41,[49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57]. We did, however, observe a weak compound effect of UMTS exposure and EMS treatment (Figure 4c), detectable transiently at early time points of exposure but disappearing after longer exposure.…”

“…Genotoxicity assessment under perturbation or DNA repair has been shown to improve the sensitivity and specificity of assays (e.g., chicken DT40 cell system [58]) and has been applied to address wEMF effects [40,41]. For instance, Sun et al [41] sensitized immortalized murine fibroblasts by depleting ATM, a key factor in DNA damage response. They measured a transient increase in DNA strand break induction in the alkaline CA in wild-type cells, exposed for 1 h to a GSM-modulated signal at 4 W/kg SAR.…”

“…Nevertheless, CAs have indicated slight DNA-damaging effects, which need to be explained. One possible scenario is an indirect action such as an interference of wEMFs with cellular DNA repair that results in an accumulation of spontaneously occurring DNA damage [40,41]. Additional cell stressors, including unfavorable cell culture conditions, may contribute and potentiate such indirect wEMF effects.…”

Hybrid Reduced Graphene Oxide with Special Magnetoresistance for Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor

“…The detectable targets for a magnetic sensor can be magnetized objects, electrical currents, or electromagnetic fields. Recent studies show that exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) could be related to unfavorable health/biological effects (including carcinogenicity) on children, adults, and animals [1][2][3][4]. Concerns on low-level electromagnetic radiation exposure have been rising due to the widespread dissemination of mobile phones and other digital personal communications systems with the fast-growing wireless communications industry [5][6][7], whereas the lack of a sensitive sensing device for quickly detecting low-level electromagnetic fields (EMF) leads the difficulties to have information collection and decision making to the effects of EMF generated by personal electronic devices on environment and health.…”

DNA-Related Modifications in a Mixture of Human Lympho-Monocyte Exposed to Radiofrequency Fields and Detected by Raman Microspectroscopy Analysis

“…work by emitting and receiving EMF radiations. As such, people are continuously exposed to such non-ionizing radiation: although it cannot produce charged ions when passing through human body, it can induce charge movements which can affect active transport across cell membranes, cause oxidative stress and interfere with DNA [1][2][3][4][5]. Although the scientific debate concerning adverse health effects of EMFs has been developed for many years, today controversial results still occur [6][7][8].…”