Immune Responses to Multi-Frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz Microwave Exposure in Rats: Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis

Abstract

With the rapidly increasing application of microwave technologies, the anxiety and speculation about microwave induced potential health hazards has been attracting more and more attention. In our daily life, people are exposed to complex environments with multi-frequency microwaves, especially L band and C band microwaves, which are commonly used in communications. In this study, we exposed rats to 1.5 GHz (L10), 4.3 GHz (C10) or multi-frequency (LC10) microwaves at an average power density of 10 mW/cm2. Both single and multi-frequency microwaves induced slight pathological changes in the thymus and spleen. Additionally, the white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were decreased at 6 h and 7 d after exposure, suggesting immune suppressive responses were induced. Among lymphocytes, the B lymphocytes were increased while the T lymphocytes were decreased at 7 d after exposure in the C10 and LC10 groups, but not in the L10 group. Moreover, multi-frequency microwaves regulated the B and T lymphocytes more strongly than the C band microwave. The results of transcriptomics and proteomics showed that both single and multi-frequency microwaves regulated numerous genes associated with immune regulation and cellular metabolism in peripheral blood and in the spleen. However, multi-frequency microwaves altered the expression of many more genes and proteins. Moreover, multi-frequency microwaves down-regulated T lymphocytes’ development, differentiation and activation-associated genes, while they up-regulated B lymphocytes’ activation-related genes. In conclusion, multi-frequency microwaves of 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz produced immune suppressive responses via regulating immune regulation and cellular metabolism-associated genes. Our findings provide meaningful information for exploring potential mechanisms underlying multi-frequency induced immune suppression.

Accumulative Effects of Multifrequency Microwave Exposure with 1.5 GHz and 2.8 GHz on the Structures and Functions of the Immune System

“…Some studies explored the concept that microwaves could stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes and promote the secretion of cytokines to enhance immune functions, while others reported inhibitory effects on immune functions due to the differences in power density, duration of exposure, and so on [ 12 , 13 , 34 , 35 ]. Our previous studies have reported that multifrequency microwaves of 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz decreased the white blood cells and lymphocytes in peripheral blood, suggesting immune suppression [ 36 ]. In this study, we also found that multifrequency microwaves of 1.5 GHz and 2.8 GHz injured structures of immune organs, which in turn decreased immune cells and reduced serum levels of cytokines and Igs in peripheral blood.…”

Levitated magnetic particles as ac magnetic field sensors

“…The ability to detect weak electromagnetic (EM) fields has applications in fundamental science [1][2][3], radar [4], biomedicine [5,6], search and rescue [7] and consumer electronics [8]. Traditionally, such signals are detected using antennas which once made cannot be changed and have a limited frequency range of operations.…”

“…With its high sensitivity, the new magnetometer can potentially be used as a radar receiver. Importantly, due to its high sensitivity and the ability to be configured to sense different frequencies by merely changing the externally applied magnetic field, it can be useful in fields including biomedicine [5,6], search and rescue [7] and defense [7] where the ability to sense at different frequencies is crucial.…”