Exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation impairs neurite outgrowth of embryonic neural stem cells

Abstract

A radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) of 1800 MHz is widely used in mobile communications. However, the effects of RF-EMFs on cell biology are unclear. Embryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs) play a critical role in brain development. Thus, detecting the effects of RF-EMF on eNSCs is important for exploring the effects of RF-EMF on brain development. Here, we exposed eNSCs to 1800 MHz RF-EMF at specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 1, 2, and 4 W/kg for 1, 2, and 3 days. We found that 1800 MHz RF-EMF exposure did not influence eNSC apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle or the mRNA expressions of related genes. RF-EMF exposure also did not alter the ratio of eNSC differentiated neurons and astrocytes. However, neurite outgrowth of eNSC differentiated neurons was inhibited after 4 W/kg RF-EMF exposure for 3 days. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression of the proneural genes Ngn1 and NeuroD, which are crucial for neurite outgrowth, were decreased after RF-EMF exposure. The expression of their inhibitor Hes1 was upregulated by RF-EMF exposure. These results together suggested that 1800 MHz RF-EMF exposure impairs neurite outgrowth of eNSCs. More attention should be given to the potential adverse effects of RF-EMF exposure on brain development.

Effects of 60-GHz millimeter waves on neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells using high-content screening

“…However, depending on the model and the exposure conditions, the effect can be an enhancement, or a decrease of neuronal differentiation [21,23,37]. A recent study proposed that the potential mechanism by which radiofrequencies interfere with neurite outgrowth is the disruption of specific transcription factor expression that control this process [23]. Unlike these studies, our data did not suggest that neurite outgrowth is sensitive to EMF.…”

“…Most of those studies were showing a significant effect of EMF on neurite outgrowth. However, depending on the model and the exposure conditions, the effect can be an enhancement, or a decrease of neuronal differentiation [21,23,37]. A recent study proposed that the potential mechanism by which radiofrequencies interfere with neurite outgrowth is the disruption of specific transcription factor expression that control this process [23].…”

“…For RF, it was reported by Del Vecchio et al [22] that exposure to GSM signal at 900 MHz, at 1W/kg, reduced the number of neurites generated in murine SN56 cholinergic cell line and rat primary cortical neurons. It was also found that 1800 MHZ exposure of mouse embryonic neural stem cells, with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg, could decrease neurite outgrowth [23]. Lately, another team evidenced that radio electric asymmetric conveyor (REAC) technology, involving a 2.4 GHz exposure (SAR = 0.128 W/kg), induced a shift of the exposed PC12 cells toward the neurogenic phenotype, characterized by an increased protein expression of the neuronal marker βIII-tubulin [24].…”

Postnatal development and behavior effects of in-utero exposure of rats to radiofrequency waves emitted from conventional WiFi devices

“…Indeed, prenatally exposed rodent offspring to RF radiation exhibited apoptosis and neurodegeneration of Purkinje neurons and granule cells in the cerebrellum (Kokturk et al 2013), loss of pyramidal cells and glia fibrilliary acidic protein (GFAP) overexpression in the hippocampus (Stasinopoulou et al 2016), a decrease in neuronal excitability of Purkinje neurons (Haghani et al 2013) and an impairment of glutamatergic synaptic transmission onto pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex (Aldad et al 2012). Furthermore, in vitro investigation showed that RF exposure inhibited neurite outgrowth in embryonic neural stem cells differentiated neurons (Chen et al 2014). Moreover, Fragopoulou et al (2012) reported a transient ossification defect in mouse foetuses following mild exposure to GSM 900 MHz radiations during pregnancy, which may explain, at least in part, the neurodevelopment alteration found in our study.…”

Overexpression of miR-26b-5p regulates the cell cycle by targeting CCND2 in GC-2 cells under exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields

“…Spermatocytederived GC-2 cells are normal mouse cells and may be have the ability to balance the expression of some key regulatory molecules. 20,33 To the best of our knowledge, previous studies have not addressed the biological effects of ELF-EMF-induced changes in miR-26b-5p expression in the GC-2 cell line. The overexpression of miR-26b-5p significantly decreased the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells and slightly increased percentage of S phase cells following 50 Hz ELF-EMF exposure.…”