Investigation of genetic stress parameters in brain tissues of rats exposed to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field

Abstract

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) may induce various cellular processes, including replication, apoptosis, cell-cycle progression. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are the primary mechanism that mediates the cellular stress response to extracellular stimuli and regulates transcriptional activity. It has been shown that mobile phone exposure can stimulate the Hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway. In this study, twenty-seven mature female Wistar albino rats were exposed to 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) 2h/day for 8 weeks (SAR: 0.06 W/kg). Hsp27 and p38MAPK gene expressions were investigated in rat brains. Rats were divided into groups sham-exposed, cage control, and 1.8 GHz RF-EMF exposed. Hsp27 and p38MAPK gene expression levels were investigated from the brain. p38MAPK expression was found to be upregulated in RF-EMF exposed group (p=0.018) Hsp27 expressions were not altered (p=0.897). In conclusion, long-term exposure to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiation can activate the Hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway. It may cause several cellular disorders and can affect brain function.