ROS release and Hsp70 expression after exposure to 1,800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in primary human
1Division of Environmental Physiology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biosystems Technology, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Street 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
Radiation and Environmental Biophysics
|March 23, 2006
Summary
This study found that 1,800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) did not significantly alter reactive oxygen species (ROS) or heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in human blood cells. Sham exposure, not RF-EMF, caused a misleading ROS change in monocytes.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
- Electromagnetic Biology
Background:
- Human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), such as those from mobile phones, is widespread.
- Concerns exist regarding potential biological effects, including oxidative stress and heat shock protein induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 1,800 MHz RF-EMF on reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression in human blood cells.
- To assess these effects under various exposure conditions, including continuous wave and GSM signals.
Main Methods:
- Human umbilical cord blood monocytes and lymphocytes were exposed to 1,800 MHz RF-EMF (GSM signals, 2 W/kg) under continuous or intermittent protocols.
- ROS production and Hsp70 expression were measured using flow cytometry.
- Positive controls included phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) for ROS and heat treatment for Hsp70.
Main Results:
- PMA significantly increased ROS in both monocytes and lymphocytes, validating the assay.
- A statistically significant difference in ROS was observed in monocytes post-exposure to GSM-DTX signals compared to sham, but this was attributed to decreased ROS during sham exposure.
- No significant differences in ROS were found in lymphocytes, nor were any changes in Hsp70 expression detected in monocytes compared to sham or incubator controls.
Conclusions:
- 1,800 MHz RF-EMF exposure, under the tested conditions, did not induce significant ROS release or Hsp70 expression changes in human monocytes or lymphocytes.
- The observed ROS fluctuation in monocytes was an artifact of the sham exposure, highlighting the importance of careful control conditions.
