Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields and Ionizing Radiation on Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing and Cell Death

Abstract

The growing concerns regarding the adverse biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), which are generated by common electronic devices, on the human brain led us to investigate their impact on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to establish the effects of RF-EMF on the expression of molecular markers associated with amyloid precursor protein (APP), cell death, and clonogenic survival in HT22 and APP-overexpressing 7w-PSML cells. We compared the effects of RF-EMF at a high specific absorption rate (SAR) level with the neuronal-cell-death-inducing effects of ionizing radiation (IR). RF-EMF exposure (8 W/kg SAR) promoted the protein expression of ADAM10 (α-secretase) in the HT22 cells (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and downregulated the APP mRNA level in the 7w-PSML cells (<i>p</i> < 0.01). In contrast, IR (10 Gy) significantly reduced the APP and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) levels without altering their respective mRNA levels in these cells. Interestingly, IR exposure significantly upregulated BACE1 (α-secretase) at both the protein and mRNA levels, suggesting adverse effects in AD. IR induced cell death and reduced clonogenic survival in both cell lines. Although RF-EMF (high SAR level) influenced APP processing, it did not induce any deleterious change in either cell line. Thus, further studies are necessary to clarify the influence of RF-EMF on AD.

Effects of Electromagnetic Waves with LTE and 5G Bandwidth on the Skin Pigmentation In Vitro

“…In order to maintain the CO 2 density and humidity inside the chamber, the gas from the incubator flows through the entire chamber. The water pump works by circulating water through the entire cavity floor in order to protect temperature rise of the culture medium during LTE exposure [ 23 ].…”

“…Here, using our LTE and 5G cell exposure systems (Schemes 1 and 2), we examined the effects of LTE and 5G EMFs on skin pigmentation in vitro [23]. Especially, the 5G in vitro "all-in-one" exposure system for 28 GHz frequency, which is one of the important millimeter-wave frequencies for 5G commercial services, has been developed [24,25].…”

The Protective Effects of EMF-LTE against DNA Double-Strand Break Damage In Vitro and In Vivo

“…Cells in 60 mm cell culture dishes were placed in an exposure chamber and exposed to 1.762 MHz EMF-LTE (SAR; 8 W/kg) that was developed and reported previously [ 26 , 38 ] for the indicated time. The exposure level and schedule were controlled by a control unit.…”

“…In this study, we investigated the effects of EMF-LTE (1.762 GHz, 8 W/kg) on DNA DSBs in skin cells, a B16 murine melanoma cell line and a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), using an in vitro LTE exposure system [ 26 ]. To confirm these effects in vivo, C57/BL6 mice were irradiated with EMF-LTE (1.76 GHz, 6 W/kg) for four weeks, and the skin tissues were examined for the DNA DSB marker γ-H2AX in an effort to elucidate the effects of EMF-LTE on DNA damage in the skin.…”