Microwaves from Mobile Phones Inhibit 53BP1 Focus Formation in Human Stem Cells More Strongly Than in Differentiated Cells: Possible Mechanistic Link to Cancer Risk

Abstract

BackgroundIt is widely accepted that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their misrepair in stem cells are critical events in the multistage origination of various leukemias and tumors, including gliomas.ObjectivesWe studied whether microwaves from mobile telephones of the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and the Universal Global Telecommunications System (UMTS) induce DSBs or affect DSB repair in stem cells.MethodsWe analyzed tumor suppressor TP53 binding protein 1 (53BP1) foci that are typically formed at the sites of DSB location (referred to as DNA repair foci) by laser confocal microscopy.ResultsMicrowaves from mobile phones inhibited formation of 53BP1 foci in human primary fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. These data parallel our previous findings for human lymphocytes. Importantly, the same GSM carrier frequency (915 MHz) and UMTS frequency band (1947.4 MHz) were effective for all cell types. Exposure at 905 MHz did not inhibit 53BP1 foci in differentiated cells, either fibroblasts or lymphocytes, whereas some effects were seen in stem cells at 905 MHz. Contrary to fibroblasts, stem cells did not adapt to chronic exposure during 2 weeks.ConclusionsThe strongest microwave effects were always observed in stem cells. This result may suggest both significant misbalance in DSB repair and severe stress response. Our findings that stem cells are most sensitive to microwave exposure and react to more frequencies than do differentiated cells may be important for cancer risk assessment and indicate that stem cells are the most relevant cellular model for validating safe mobile communication signals.

Cell Type-Dependent Induction of DNA Damage by 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Does Not Result in Significant Cellular Dysfunctions

“…A number of studies have shown that different cells might respond differently to the same RF-EMF exposure [17], [18], [40]–[42]. However, the cell types applied in these studies were usually selected either randomly [42] or based on previous experience of the researchers [17], [18], [41].…”

Genetic damage in human cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: A meta-analysis of the data from 88 publications (1990–2011)

“…Regarding the foci, the technique appears to be more sensitive than the neutral comet assay for the evaluation of DSB. It is important to mention that the data presented in Table 5 was reported by one research group in only 4 publications [53,57,82,95]. The results were that 905 MHz RF exposure had no effect while 915 MHz RF significantly decreased number of foci (below the levels in control cells) immediately as well as several hours after exposure (repair foci).…”

EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses

“…The effects of GSM on chromatin and DNA repair foci in lymphocytes from EHS were further confirmed (74,75). Although individual variability was observed, effects of RF from mobile phones strongly via free access depended on the carrier frequency/frequency channel (74)(75)(76)(77). Regardless of the cell type (human lymphocytes, fibroblasts, or stem cells), the effects at the 905 MHz/ GSM channel 74 on DNA repair foci and chromatin were consistently lower as compared to the effects at the 915 MHz/GSM channel 124.…”