Terahertz radiation increases genomic instability in human lymphocytes

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Genetics
• Radiation Biology

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) radiation is emerging in homeland security and medical imaging.
• Assessing THz radiation's health effects on occupational and general populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the genotoxicity of continuous-wave (CW) 0.1 THz radiation on human lymphocytes.
• To investigate changes in chromosome number and centromere replication timing.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of dividing lymphocytes to 0.1 THz radiation (0.031 mW/cm²) for 1, 2, and 24 hours.
• Analysis of chromosome aneuploidy for chromosomes 1, 10, 11, and 17 using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
• Assessment of centromere replication timing changes.

Main Results:

• Chromosomes 11 and 17 showed a ~30% increase in aneuploidy after 2 and 24 hours.
• Chromosomes 1 and 10 were unaffected.
• Replication timing of centromeres 11, 17, and 1 became asynchronous by 40% after 2 hours, and all four centromeres by 50% after 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• Low-power 0.1 THz radiation induces genomic instability in lymphocytes in vitro.
• Potential mechanisms involve radiation-induced vibrational modes in proteins and DNA.
• Findings suggest a possible increased cancer risk with THz exposure, warranting further investigation.