Neural Cell Apoptosis Induced by Microwave Exposure Through Mitochondria-dependent Caspase-3 Pathway

Abstract

To determine whether microwave (MW) radiation induces neural cell apoptosis, differentiated PC12 cells and Wistar rats were exposed to 2.856GHz for 5min and 15min, respectively, at an average power density of 30 mW/cm2. JC-1 and TUNEL staining detected significant apoptotic events, such as the loss of mitochondria membrane potential and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and Hoechst staining were used to observe chromatin ultrastructure and apoptotic body formation. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to quantify the level of apoptosis. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP were examined by immunoblotting or immunocytochemistry. Caspase-3 activity was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation in neural cells 6h after microwave exposure. Moreover, the mitochondria membrane potential decreased, DNA fragmentation increased, leading to an increase in the apoptotic cell percentage. Furthermore, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, expression of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP all increased. In conclusion, microwave radiation induced neural cell apoptosis via the classical mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 pathway. This study may provide the experimental basis for further investigation of the mechanism of the neurological effects induced by microwave radiation.

Therapeutic effects of intrathecal versus intravenous monosialoganglioside against bupivacaine-induced spinal neurotoxicity in rats

“…An increased in caspase-3 protein contents of a tissue is a sign of increased cellular apoptosis [27]. We have shown that GM-1 treatment has more significantly decreased the protein levels of caspase-3 in the spinal cord injured by bupivacaine in intrathecal GM-1s group than intravenous GM-1s.…”

Different methods for evaluating the effects of microwave radiation exposure on the nervous system

“…Therefore, they investigated the release of cytochrome C, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, and caspase-3 activity in PC12 cells following MW radiation exposure. The study results showed that MWR exposure leads to increased Bax and reduced Bcl-2 and also caused the release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase-3 (Rieger et al, 2011;Zuo et al, 2014).…”

“…The primary energy producers in cells are mitochondria, and it has been reported by Zuo et al (2014) that mitochondrial dysfunction in neural cells occurred following microwave exposure. They analysed the quantity of early and late apoptosis in Annexin V (a Ca 2+ dependent phospholipid-binding protein), by using flow cytometry.…”

“…What is known is that the developing brain absorbs more MWR than an adult brain, because of higher conductivity since it has higher water content and ion concentration. Hence, studies on the potential effects of RF exposure during the foetal period (including cellular calcium homeostasis, neuronal electrical activity, genomic responses, neurotransmitter release, and blood-brain barrier permeability) become crucial (Zuo et al, 2014;Zhang et al, 2015).…”

The apoptotic effect and the plausible mechanism of microwave radiation on rat myocardial cells

“…In particular, the biological effects of electromagnetic waves and their impact on human health are of major concern (Jing et al 2012;Zuo et al 2014). Numerous epidemiological surveys…”